IWC Portofino Perpetual Calendar Ref 3444

Due to an extensive aviation history when we think of IWC Schaffhausen we tend to see pilot watches at the forefront. That may be true for very good reasons, such as their Big Pilot series, but that's not all IWC has to offer. If your needs require more of a dress watch, a Portofino is a great option. These new releases even feature the legendary perpetual calendar developed by Kurt Klaus during the 1980s, which allows the user to set all the complications via the crown, instead of using case side pushers.The round 40mm case is available in either 18k 5N rose gold or stainless-steel both with an overall mirror-like polished finish. These models are the smallest diameter in the whole IWC catalog that include a perpetual calendar.On the flip-side is a sapphire exhibition caseback that allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. It includes a steel oscillating weight adorned by the trademark IWC golden medallion.It comes equipped with a knurled setting crown embossed with IWC logo. An elegant design with short stubby lugs that provide a robust and efficient look. All topped by an arched-edged sapphire glass with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. Water-resistance can reach up to 50 meters (164 feet).Time is exhibited on a silver-plated dial with gold or steel applied rectangular hour index markers, except for a Roman numeral at the 12 o’clock position. Circling around the flange is also a printed minute track with double-digit numerals for every 5-minute increment. All these numerals are in a black hue, except the “60” numeral that appears in a red font.The perpetual calendar is divided among three recessed sub-dials: a calendar track at 3 o’clock, a month track with a moonphase (decorated by a dark blue sky with rhodium or gold-plated moon and stars) nestled within it at 6 o’clock, and a day track (with “SUN-day” highlighted in red) that includes a small indicator that counts the years until the next leap year. It is a classy and elegant layout, which despite all its complications doesn’t overwhelm the user. All indications can be read with a swift glance, thanks to a very well managed layout. The central pair of slim feuille hands (without any lume) also match each model’s case alloy, while in common both feature blued sub-hands and a central second hand.

IWC Portofino Perpetual Calendar

The “IWC Portofino Perpetual Calendar” (References below) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 82650 with 46 jewels, 326 components, and 28,800 vph. It comes equipped with a Pellaton winding system and central hacking seconds. Power reserve can last up to 60 hours, when fully wound.Mounted on both these watches is a blue calfskin strap with tone-on-tone stitchings, secured to the wrist by a buckle matching each model's case material.For more up to date information visit the official IWC Schaffhausen website here.

 

 

IWC Schaffhausen, IWC, Portofino, Perpetual Calendar, Luxury Watches