Watch lovers may be drifting away from technical sports watches to more traditional styles on straps, but IWC is wagering that a combination of its Portofino collection’s elegance with an integrated steel bracelet and racing chronograph function will bridge the transition.
IWC’s Portofino line has always been known for its clean lines and slim round cases, and these qualities are not sacrificed in the collection’s new Chronograph 39, which has an uncluttered silver-plated dial with bright rhodium-plated hands and markers.
It comes on an integrated stainless steel bracelet and is powered by the manufacturer’s in-house 69355 automatic chronograph movement, which is presented through a sapphire glass case back.
The bracelet can be changed without tools to a leather strap thanks to IWC’s quick release system.
It comes in an easy-to-wear 39mm x 13mm polished case with a silver-plated dial and rhodium-plated hands and markers.
The new chronograph was unveiled at Watches and Wonders Shanghai, where IWC also showed an Automatic Moon Phase version of the Portofino with a serpent-shaped rotor made to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac.
The 37mm steel watch comes with a burgundy and gold dial.
It is worn on a black and a burgundy calfskin strap and is limited to 500 pieces.
