Iwc big date

PRODUCT: Model added to IWC’s Portofino collection

By Hallie Engel

Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen completely overhauled its Portofino collection in 2011 and in 2013 the family has been extended to include a new member, the Portofino Hand-Wound Big Date.

Available in white gold (Ref. IW516101) and rose gold (Ref. IW516102), IWC has called the watch a "stylish declaration of discreet luxury" thanks to its sophisticated design. The date display at 12 o’clock is a useful and convenient complication, showing the date on two large, highly legible digits. This is achieved through two synchronised discs, the first of which shows the tens from 0 to 3, while the second displays the single digits from 0 to 9. The perfectly choreographed interplay between the two discs is mastered by the IWC 59230 calibre, a further development of the 59000-calibre family.

The contemporary movement design with its large bridges and plates is robust and reliable and when fully wound, the watch has a power reserve of 192 hours, during which it will run with maximum precision without the need for external intervention. After that, the watch requires renewed energy, created by winding the crown. The white gold model features a slate-coloured dial, rhodium-plated hands and indices and a black leather strap. The rose gold version comes with a silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and indices, as well as a dark brown leather strap.

Renowned Italian shoe manufacturer Santoni has created the straps for both editions of the watch.

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