Hands-on with the new IWC Portofino Automatic 37 Watches

The simplicity and pared-back design of the Portofino Automatic 37 watches are key components of this popular luxury dress watch range. This time, IWC releases six new iterations. These include two diamond-adorned versions, as well as a choice of strap materials, dial colours and case materials.

IWC Schaffhausen has experienced great success with the design of the Portofino watch. It has been around since the mid 1908s. with its minimalist design, crisp dial and simple layout. These elements are all inspired by the relaxed way of Portofino life. The Italian fishing village is clustered around a harbour and is renowned for its colourfully-painted fishing houses lining the shore. With its relatively large case shape (which was later offered in a smaller size), the Portofino watch by IWC was based on a Lepine pocket watch. Recently, the watchmaker released six new additions to the line. Let’s look at these new IWC Portofino Automatic 37 watches…

Two of the new IWC Portofino Automatic 37 watches are diamond-set around the bezel to provide a more luxurious option. These models come in a stainless steel version and an 18ct rose gold version. Both feature a silver dial. In addition to this, there are two more silver dial iterations – one encased in unadorned stainless steel, the other a smooth polished 18ct rose gold case. Lastly, a green dial option adds a touch of colour to this new group of releases and is fitted on a stainless steel bracelet, whilst an anthracite-coloured dial offers a sophisticated option for bridging the gap between smart and casual attire.

A little about the IWC Portofino watch collection

To fully appreciate the beauty of owning a Portofino watch from IWC, it is first important to understand a little about the background of the collection. The Portofino watch collection by IWC Schaffhausen is noted as an elegant and refined series of timekeeping instruments that feature round-shaped cases, delicate indices and narrow leaf hands. Some of the models from the series include moon phase complications – the newest releases of which you can read about here. The newest release from the chronograph series can also be explored in a little more detail here. Some of the top models from the collection feature perpetual calendar complications and cases crafted from gold. IWC Schaffhausen Portofino watches are the epitome of elegance. Their sophisticated and delicate designs are enhanced by a minimalist layout. These timepieces are sometimes adorned with round brilliant cut diamonds adorned to the surface of a perfectly round bezel for a resolutely indulgent and luxurious finish against the wrist.

The first Portofino watch was developed and released by IWC in 1984. To design the case and dial of the watch, craftsmen at IWC looked at old Lepine pocket watch designs. The 5251 reference was particularly important as it was the first official Portofino wristwatch. The original Lepine dial was turned 90 degrees to design the Portofino watch, before adding a moon phase display to its dial. At the time, its broad 46mm case was unheard of. It bridged the gap between a pocket watch and a wristwatch whilst creating a new style that would be welcomed even by those who were devoted to the standard 40mm watch size during the 1980s era. This original IWC Portofino watch had a yellow gold case and a white dial punctuated by black Roman numeral hour markers, as well as a set of instantly recognisable Breguet-style central hour and minute hands.

The new IWC Portofino Automatic 37 watches

New for 2022 are six Portofino Automatic 37 watches. All of the dials have been adorned with delicate diamond dot hour markers at each location, together with two crisp Roman numeral hour markers located at 12 and 6 o’clock and a remaining hour track represented in elegant stick markers. Amongst the new series are two 18ct rose gold versions, the remaining four are crafted from stainless steel. Two models from the range (one in 18ct rose gold reference IW658603 and one in stainless steel reference IW658601) boast a total of 72 round brilliant cut diamonds on their bezels. The shape of these two cases has been optimised to accommodate larger stones that now measure 1.7mm. The stones amount to a total diamond weight of 1.12 carats. The setting of each round brilliant-cut diamond has also been optimised to enhance its fire and brilliance, adding more visible presence to the wrist. Both of these diamond-set bezel versions feature a silver dial – the rose gold version with gold-plated hands and markers – the stainless steel version with rhodium-coated appliques. These models are fitted on a black and blue leather strap respectively. This time IWC chooses soft fully traceable Swiss calf leather. Each strap has a unique code that can be traced right back to its source. These straps secure with a buckle in either rose gold or stainless steel and have been engraved with the IWC logo.

Within the new releases are two more silver dial options – one with a smooth polished 18ct rose gold face (reference IW458606) with all the same matching dial elements as the diamond bezel version and one with a stainless steel case (reference IW458601). Both timepieces feature a beige calf leather strap. These unadorned models are more understated, making them perfect options for wearing with formal or sophisticated attire.

The green dial IWC Portofino Automatic 37 watch reference IW458602 features silver-toned hour markers and hands that pop. The scintillating diamond hour markers are a nice luxurious touch to the design and are once again, accompanied by a date window at 3 o’clock that keeps in line with all other models. This watch is fitted on a five-link stainless steel bracelet with a mix of brushed and polished finishes. The bracelet secures to the wrist with an IWC quick change system that enables a material leather band to be fitted to the model whenever desired. Lastly, the reference IW458603 has a beautifully elegant anthracite-coloured dial with silver-toned appliques to match a stainless steel case and a taupe calf leather strap.

All of the new IWC Portofino Automatic 37 watches are 50-meter water resistant and feature a see-through sapphire crystal glass exhibition caseback that affords a view into the workings and the decoration of the Calibre 32111. It features a bidirectional pawl winding system that builds up a power reserve of 120 hours once fully wound. A beautiful gold-plated rotor is put on show through this exhibition feature along with a set of blued screws. The movement also performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and comprises a total of 164 individual components, including 21 jewels. Its surfaces are decorated with Cotes de Geneve finishes.

If you’d like more information on any of these new releases belonging to the Portofino Automatic 37 watch collection, you can call and speak to a member of our sales team here at Jura Watches on 01335 453453