Introducing the IWC Portofino Midsize Collection and Three Portofino Automatics with Diamond-set Bezel (lots of live photos)

At the Watches & Wonders fair that starts today in Hong Kong, IWC adds no less than 20 new models to the Portofino collection. There are seventeen new midsize models, all adorned with diamonds, and three new version of the 40mm Portofino Automatic, now in new 18K red or white gold and 72 diamonds set on the bezel. Most models come on beautiful hand-made leather Santoni straps, and two come on an extra fine Milanese mesh bracelet. And there are two models equipped with a second time zone and five with a moonphase. The Portofino collection just grew by 600%, from 4 models to 24.

Last week we got an exclusive preview of the new Portofino models, before they were shipped to Hong Kong for the Watches & Wonders fair. This fair is becoming more and more important and we see more new models being presented especially for this fair, which is visited both by professionals as well as end-customers. Christiaan Knoop, IWC’s creative director, spoke to us about these new additions to the classic-styled Portofino collection and the corresponding campaign, photographed in… Portofino of course.

These are not the first midsize models in the Portofino collection! Several years ago this collection comprised several 34mm models that were called midsize. The new midsize collection measures a more contemporary 37 mm in diameter, and comes with a variety of diamonds and complications. Christiaan Knoop says the models are not necessarily ladies models, and are aimed also meant for men that prefer a smaller size wrist watch, who aren’t afraid of some sparkle on the wrist.

Three of the twenty new models are in the already available 40mm size, however now with a diamond-set bezel like the ref. IWC356515 shown above. These three models come with a bezel set with 72 diamonds, and are available in 18K white gold or red gold. They feature the familiar engraved case-back depicting a scenery from the town of Portofino.

All seventeen smaller models, the Portofino midsize collection, have a blank case-back. This allows for a personalized engraving, commemorating a celebration or another special moment. The seventeen midsize models come in stainless steel, 18K red gold and only one of these midsize models, the ref. IW459004, comes in 18K white gold, and features a moon phase indication and 174 diamonds on the bezel and dial.

The other nine models, either in stainless steel or 18K red gold, come with either 66 diamonds set onto the bezel, like above, or much more understated with 12 diamonds that serve as hour markers (like below.)

The Portofino Midsize Automatic Day & Night features a central 24-hour hand that indicates, on a central blue/white 24-hour index ring, whether it is day or night. These models are adorned with 78 diamonds, set on the bezel and dial. The 24-hour hand can also be used for indicating the home time, when the normal hour hand has been adjusted (with one-hour increments) to the local time when travelling. This functionality makes it a perfect companion for those who have to travel for business or leisure. Well, that is if leisure isn’t any beach activities or diving.

The Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase, available in five flavours, comes with a large moon phase indication that is visible through an aperture in the upper half of the dial. These watches comes with a mother-of-pearl dial, with 78 diamonds set on the dial and bezel, except the white gold version that is set with 174 diamonds, which has a black lacquer dial.

More info about the portofino collection: www.iwc.com