IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Monopusher: Combining Temptation

Monopushers chronographs have always cast a spell on watch collectors and connoisseurs. There is something about operating all the chronograph functions with just a single button. It is not even handier, but it looks so much better, especially when the chronograph button is integrated into the crown of the watch, as is the case with the IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Monopusher.

It is just one of the treats that this watch has in store for us. Fitted with manufacture caliber H59360, the Portofino also offers a 192-hour power reserve, which adds up to indeed, a very generous, 8-days. Part of the appeal of this is also that the movement is a manual wind. It is still very gratifying to see the power reserve indicator move up when you wind the watch.

While such a generous power reserve means that the majority of the movement is safely contained beneath large bridges, which feature Geneva stripes and chamfered edges, IWC placed the chronograph function above, or below when reasoning from the dial side, the rest of the movement. This allows you to see the column-wheel in action as you operate the complication.

What is perhaps even more impressive is that the movement fills up the entire case beautifully. Quite a feat as the diameter of this watch is 45mm. We can argue if this is a size in which a dress watch, which the Portofino still is, should be offered, but the movement is already making a case for this.

Another part of the watch that is passionately pleaded the case for the large dress watch is the dial. In combination with this white gold case, the slate-colored dial is stunning, amplified even more by the Santoni strap that is fitted on the watch. The dial itself is a showcase of how a watch dial should be designed. Ample room for all the subdials and complications, and very well balanced despite the fact that it is an asymmetrical design. Of course, you should still have the wrist size to accommodate 45 mm, but when you do, all the features of the IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Monopusher combined might be a temptation too good to pass up.

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