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. IW3541, is perhaps one of the most impressive thanks to its perpetual calendar complications. Powered by the automatic cal. 37582, the ref. IW3541 comes equipped with Kurt Klaus’ iconic perpetual calendar module, which gives rise to its signature dial layout. Boasting a silver dial with a sunken seconds subdial at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, a moonphase at 12 o’clock, and a year indicator at 7 o’clock, the ref. IW3541’s display is decidedly busy with its intense combination of complications. Boasting a 35mm domed 18kt yellow gold case, the IW3541 is understated and classical on the wrist, as per the Portofino’s roots as a classical dress watch, and in contrast to the intense complexity of its movement within.

Watch is in overall very good condition. The yellow gold case shows moderate surface wear, with scratches along with a couple of small nicks on its previously polished surface. The caseback engravings and hallmarks are only partially visible due to wear and previous polishing. Serial number on exterior of caseback is no longer visible. The dial and hands remain near mint. It is fitted with a black leather strap and a yellow gold IWC buckle showing light surface scratches.

A technically astute masterpiece of 1990s IWC, the ref. IW3541 helped to put IWC back on the map as a high-end watchmaker following the tumultuous period that was the Quartz Crisis.