When done correctly, changing case sizes can be one of the most powerful tools in a watch designer’s arsenal. Not only will a larger or smaller diameter take up more or less space on the wrist, but the proportions of almost every element, from the hands to the date window, subdials and even indicators, can be altered to change a design that may feel too open and sparse so that its maximum size is closely balanced with the smaller diameter.
The variety of case sizes used in IWC’s iconic Pilot’s Watch design attests to this. However, size options have traditionally been more limited in the IWC line, and the Portofino Chronograph is no exception. In its latest version, the brand has addressed this issue and in the process significantly changed the character of the Portofino collection. featuring a compact new 39mm case, the IWC Portofino Chronograph 39mm brings a compact, classic new feel to one of the brand’s most refined chronograph designs, while also giving the overall layout a cleaner look.
Of course, the biggest change in the new IWC Portofino Chronograph 39mm is its 39mm stainless steel case. While the general concept of the design echoes that of the 42mm model, the reduction in diameter has of course led to the biggest change in the new IWC Portofino Chronograph 39mm is its 39mm stainless steel case. While the general concept of the design echoes that of the 42mm model, the reduction in diameter has led to a markedly different feel from the initial image. The narrow, straight lugs are the same width as those of the 42mm model, but the reduction in the surrounding case diameter gives these lugs a sportier feel than the larger variant. Similarly, the narrow, mirror-polished bezel appears wider and stronger here, still remaining light and slender but adding an underlying sense of solidity and visual balance. The softly rounded sides of the case also help to reinforce the design’s refined, mid-century look. Perhaps the most controversial visual change resulting from the size adjustment, however, is the high piston-style pushers. While these slim, brightly polished elements are quite large on the 42mm model, their bright polished height may border on being too large for some enthusiasts. In keeping with its overall classic look, the IWC Portofino Chronograph 39 features a minimalist, vintage-style solid caseback with little to no ornate engraving. Despite the depth of this caseback and the 7750-based movement inside, the Portofino Chronograph 39mm boasts an extremely manageable thickness of 12.8 millimeters, which goes a long way toward maintaining the watch’s refined and elegant character on the wrist. iWC claims that the Portofino Chronograph 39 is water-resistant to 30 meters, but given its refined interior, this is even more impressive than the sporty design. Here, its bright polished height may border on oversized for some enthusiasts. In keeping with its overall classic look, the IWC Portofino Chronograph 39mm features a minimalist, vintage-inspired solid caseback with little ornate engraving. Despite the depth of this caseback and the 7750 movement inside, the Portofino Chronograph 39mm boasts an extremely manageable thickness of 12.8 mm, which goes a long way toward keeping the watch’s refined character on the wrist.
Here, their bright polished height may border on oversized for some enthusiasts. In keeping with its overall classic look, the IWC Portofino Chronograph 39mm features a minimalist, vintage-style solid caseback with little to no ornate engraving. Despite the depth of this caseback and the 7750-based movement inside, the Portofino Chronograph 39mm boasts an extremely manageable thickness of 12.8 mm, which goes a long way towards maintaining the watch’s sophisticated character on the wrist. iWC claims that the Portofino Chronograph 39mm is water resistant to 30 meters, but this is more impressive than the sporty design, given its sophisticated connotations. iWC The Portofino Chronograph 39mm features a minimalist, vintage-style solid caseback with little ornate engraving. Despite the depth of this caseback and the 7750-based movement inside, the Portofino Chronograph 39mm has an extremely manageable thickness of 12.8 mm, which goes a long way towards maintaining the watch’s sophisticated character on the wrist. iWC claims that the Portofino Chronograph 39mm is water resistant to 30 meters, but this is even more impressive than the sporty design given its sophisticated substance. iWC The Portofino Chronograph 39mm features a minimalist, vintage-style solid caseback with little ornate engraving. Despite the depth of this caseback and the 7750-based movement inside, the Portofino Chronograph 39mm has an extremely manageable thickness of 12.8 mm, which goes a long way towards maintaining the watch’s refined character on the wrist. iWC claims that the Portofino Chronograph 39mm is water resistant to 30 meters, but this is more impressive than the sporty design given its sophisticated substance.
IWC offers three dial options for the Portofino Chronograph 39. The basic dial design for all three models is a simplified variant of the 42 mm model, eliminating the day/date window and the subdial at 9 o’clock in favor of a clean, double-dial layout with subdials at 12 and 6 o’clock. As with the case, the smaller dial diameter gives these new dial designs a significantly more balanced character in terms of image. Shorter applied baton indices and skeletonized aIWC offers three dial options for the Portofino Chronograph 39mm. The basic dial design for all three models is a simplified variant of the 42 mm model, eliminating the day/date window and the subdial at 9 o’clock in favor of a clean, double-dial layout with subdials at 12 and 6 o’clock. As with the case, the smaller dial diameter gives these new dial designs a significantly more balanced character in terms of image. Shorter applied baton indices and skeletonized applied Roman numerals give the dial a more open, well-proportioned look, while the leaf-shaped hands appear wider and more robust, which should help with legibility. Unlike the multifaceted treatment of previous Portofino chronograph models, IWC has given the 39mm subdial of the Portofino Chronograph a more basic all-sky blue treatment. While the subdial design here may be more minimalist, IWC maintains the dynamic feel and visual depth of the image with a layered skeletonized look and a bright polished external accent ring. However, each of the three sunburst dial models takes this blend of minimalism and classic warmth in a different direction. The silver dial model is the most traditional and restrained model in the collection, with an understated sunburst effect on the imagery and gold-plated dial hardware that brings a touch of luxury to the collection. The black sunburst dial model also has these gilded elements, but the more aggressive grainy sunburst effect in the imagery and the dark charcoal gray hue give the watch a sportier and more contemporary feel. On the other hand, the green dial variant is by far the most sought-after of the three models.
Inside the Portofino Chronograph 39mm is the Valjoux 7750-based automatic chronograph movement 79350. IWC has extensively modified the basic Calibre 79350 movement by removing the day and date wheels, eliminating the subdial at 9 o’clock and moving the running seconds display from 9 to 6 o’clock. Power reserve performance has also been slightly improved over the standard 7750, which is claimed to provide a 44-hour power reserve at 28,800 bph. All three versions of the Portofino 39mm Chronograph are available on a glossy classic alligator strap. The silver dial version is paired with a piano black strap, while the subtle tones of the black dial complement the dark mahogany brown strap pictured. Finally, the green dial version is paired with a dark, almost reptilian hunter green strap.
The new IWC Portofino Chronograph 39mm is a cleaner, more compact, elegant and refined version of one of the brand’s most dress-conscious chronograph collections. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.