Introduction
Launched in 1984, the IWC Portofino is perhaps the brand’s most elegant and traditional wristwatch thanks to its decades of serving as the brand’s flagship dress watch collection. While hundreds of variants have been launched over those decades, the reference we have here, the ref. IW544801 is perhaps one of the most modernized thanks to its 46mm stainless steel construction. Offering a modern profile on the wrist, its 46mm diameter boasts a rounded bezel profile and short lugs that ensure the ref. IW544801 wears with a sense of elegance and poise that is more expected from a smaller watch. Boasting a black dial with a sunken seconds subdial at 6 o’clock and a moonphase at 12 o’clock, the ref. IW544801 is decidedly understated and classical, as per the Portofino’s roots as a classical dress watch.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, Booklets, Purchase Receipt, and Warranty Card
Est. value range
$2,000 – $4,000
The Details
Brand
IWC
Dimensions
46mm
Model
Portofino Moonphase
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 98800
Reference
IW544801
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2012
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box, warranty card, original sales receipt and 2018-dated service correspondence
Dial Color
Black
Boasting a black dial with a sunken seconds subdial at 6 o’clock and a moonphase at 12 o’clock and white Roman numerals, the ref. IW544801's display feeds into the Portofino’s roots as a classical dress watch.
THE CONSTRUCTION
While a large watch at 46mm in diameter, the IW544801's relatively thin bezel, short lugs and light stainless steel case allow it wear smaller than one might expect due to its measurements.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case exhibits some signs of wear with some superficial scratches and marks visible along the surface. The watch comes on a IWC / Santorini strap with a PVD treated deployant buckle. (It is IWC but may not have been original to this watch)
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
A wonderful blend of modern watchmaking and classical aesthetics, the Portofino has been a favourite among IWC collectors ever since its debut, and for good reason.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
