IWC Portofino Chronograph 39

Other than a revamped dial the most noticeable modification to a watch collection would have to be a case size. IWC is renowned for larger timepieces, but during 2021 they introduced the “IWC Portofino Chronograph 39”. Previously this watch was available in a 42mm case, so this reduction widens its appeal by making it a bit more accessible for users with smaller wrists. The round stainless-steel case now comes in a 39mm diameter with a 12.7mm thickness. Mounted to the case is a highly polished steel bezel that matches up perfectly with the other case parts to preserve a very shiny mirror-like look.On the flip-side is a solid screw-on stainless-steel caseback with exposed screws, plus a center portion with a circular brushed finish.It comes equipped with traditional mushroom-shaped pushers to operate the chronograph functions. The setting-crown embossed with the IWC logo and machined lines running along the width for an enhanced grip. All topped by a convex sapphire crystal that assists with water-resistance reaching up to 30 meters (98 feet).Time is exhibited on either a black, green, or silver colored dial. The green and black versions have a sun-ray brushed finish. Due to the reduced canvas size this is a simplified variation of the 42mm models, without a day-date window or a 9 o’clock sub-dial. Instead these 39mm models only have a two-register chronograph display with snailed sub-dials: a sub-seconds at 6 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock. A partial part of Roman numerals can be seen cut-off by these counters at the 6 and 12 o’clock positions. The central hands and hour index markers are gold-plated for the black and silver dial; while they appear in a rhodium-plated fashion for the green model. These differences are related to aesthetic choices and have not affected the price-tag, which is the same for all three variantes.

The “IWC Portofino Chronograph 39” (References below) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 79350 with 31 jewels and 28,800 vph. It is based on the Valjoux 7750 movement, but has been extensively modified and only preserved a small portion of the standard 7750 parts. Power reserve on this watch can last up to 44 hours, when fully wound.Mounted to these watches is an alligator strap with tone-on-tone stitchings in either black, brown, or green; while secured to the wrist by a steel pin buckle.For more up to date information visit the official IWC Schaffhausen website here.