IWC - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Don’t get me wrong: I am neither an obsessive collector nor even a traditional watch enthusiast. My relationship with watches is different, more personal, almost instinctive. It reflects my taste for change and my natural curiosity for new experiences. In my daily life, the watch occupies a unique place. It is my only variable accessory, my touch of fantasy in a rather sober style. Like some people change their shoes or clothes according to their mood, I like to vary my watches. They have become a natural extension of my personality, a means of expression in a world where my other jewels remain immutable - my engagement ring and this second wedding ring, symbolizing a renewal of our vows, have never left my ring finger. What I particularly like about this evolving panoply is its social dimension. Each watch becomes an excuse to meet new people, discover new places, share stories. It is a passport to exciting conversations and improbable encounters. My latest acquisition perfectly illustrates this quest for the special. This story begins in Zurich, on an extraordinary street where more than twenty watch boutiques rub shoulders. Imagine: every major house is represented there, creating a veritable temple of watchmaking where the choice becomes almost dizzying. I had a specific idea in mind: a dial of a very particular green. Not just any green, but a deep and dense shade, reminiscent of Veronese's paintings or the mysterious patina of ancient Greek and Roman bronzes. This quest made me walk up and down the street, entering more than ten different boutiques. An entire morning exploring, comparing, hesitating, in this watchmaking paradise where the prices, even if they remain Swiss, can satisfy almost all budgets. When I crossed the threshold of the IWC boutique in the heart of Zurich, I did not yet know that I was going to fall under the spell of this Portofino Chronograph. What first attracted me was the perfect balance of its design: a deep green dial that subtly changes color depending on the light, reminiscent of the calm waters of the Mediterranean at dusk. What particularly fascinates me about this watch is the purity of its lines. The baton indexes and hands, in their apparent simplicity, reveal a goldsmith's work. I particularly appreciate the symmetrical arrangement of the two chronograph counters which, far from overloading the dial, give it an almost musical harmony. The polished steel case seems perfectly sized to me. It has that subtle presence that characterizes elegant watches - present enough to be noticed, but never ostentatious. The case captivates me every time I look at the time. I have a weakness for the deep green bracelet and the folding clasp, with its impeccable finish, reflects IWC's characteristic attention to detail. What makes this Portofino truly special to me is its versatility. It accompanies my suits during professional meetings as well as my more casual outfits on the weekend. This watch represents much more to me than just a timepiece. It is a testament to timeless elegance, a celebration of watchmaking expertise, and above all, a daily reminder that true beauty lies in the carefully thought-out and executed details. Every morning, when I put it on my wrist, I rediscover those details that made me fall in love: the play of light on the dial, the fluidity of the hands, the perfection of the finishes. It is this daily experience that confirms that my crush on the Zurich boutique was fully justified.

Portofino Chronograph with a white/cream dial that I find absolutely superb. Many details brighten it up and highlight it in a very beautiful way: small seconds at 9 o'clock, sub-dials at noon and six o'clock circled in yellow gold and featuring red indexes at noon for each of them bringing a welcome touch of color. Day and date at 3 o'clock. I really find it magnificent despite a fairly imposing format of 42mm and a fairly significant thickness as well. I love the yellow gold hands and indexes.

This IWC R1210 is the first watch I bought for myself at auction. It is the dresswatch par excellence: thin, 33mm even if it seems larger, beautifully made alligator strap (I haven't changed it because it is so beautiful). Yellow gold case, an immaculate dial (I even wonder if it hasn't been redone because it is so clean). The caliber is a mechanical 401 that works very well. For the moment I haven't needed to service it. I wear it very little because it is still a fairly old watch and not suitable for everyday life. The model also exists in steel if some people don't like yellow gold. At the time I found it for over €1000 at the hammer, but I don't really know its value.