IWC Portofino 5251

IWC / Intern. Watch Co. Giant-Portofino

A rare and very fine oversize neo-vintage wristwatch in Portuguese size with moon phase. The most famous Portofino of all combines a historic pocket watch movement with the design of a wristwatch, and within IWC it is referred to as a 'pocket-wristwatch'. It stands as a prime example of the brand’s blend of classical restraint and deliberately placed opulence, while also marking a decisive step toward what would later become the Portofino collection. First introduced and sold in 1984, this model is regarded as the direct source of inspiration for the Portofino line launched in the mid-1980s. With a case diameter of 46 mm, the watch makes a very distinct impression, yet at the same time surprises with its exceptionally slim height of only about 6 mm. The movement was first produced in 1927 as Calibre 95 and later evolved into Calibre 952 with added shock protection. From this, Calibre 9521 was developed specifically for the gilded decoration unique to this watch and the moon-phase complication. Calibre 9521 follows a classical construction with two bridges and four cocks, with a total of 161 individual components. Fine details include a hand-formed Breguet mainspring and 19 jewels, many of them set in gold chatons. IWC describes the movement’s design as so perfectly balanced and precise that it would effortlessly exceed the strict requirements of the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres - a characteristically understated way of referring to a movement of exceptional quality. Production continued into the 1990s. It is generally assumed that this watch was made only in a very limited run. Due to its rarity, exact production numbers are difficult to determine, but among collectors an estimate of circa 350 pieces is considered reliable.