First High-End Watch: IWC Portofino Automatic?

MikaJ · 2013-07-21T13:38:19Z

Considering a first high-end watch? Explore the IWC Portofino Automatic and other luxury options, with expert advice and community recommendations.

MikaJ

WPS member · IWC forum

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MikaJ seeks expert advice on a first 'high-end' watch purchase, considering the IWC Portofino Automatic among other luxury brands. The author outlines specific criteria for a versatile, elegant automatic watch suitable for both work and casual wear, prompting a rich community discussion.

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Hi all,

First things first, apologies if this message goes to the wrong corner of the forum - haven't been too active on this forum and struggled to find a proper place for IWC related questions.

On to the complication: I am about to make my first "high end" watch purchase and am considering IWC Portofino Automatic and am looking for expert opinions (which I am sure there are several available!) in terms of 1) am I making a "smart" decision and 2) would you actually recommend some other watch, based on my description below:

Background: I own a few years old Longines DolceVita which my parents gave me. A nice dressy watch, nothing too fancy but has got the job done at work. Outside work (in settings where I would fear the watch taking a hit) I just use a retro Casio G-Shock. I know. Please bear with me on this one!

Why do I need a new watch: I would like to have a physically larger watch than the Longines and I would also like it to be an automatic watch that feels "higher end". I feel I need something more "elegant" than what I currently have.

When will I used the watch: Probably mostly at work and during weekends. Not when doing sports, not when chopping wood at my summerhouse or similar

What watches have I considered so far:

1. Rolex Submariner: I felt this would be a great cornerstone for any watch collection and can be worn in any setting. However, I feel it is perhaps a tad too mainstream to me and the price is above my budget thanks to Rolex's recurring price increases. Although it isn't a particularly large watch, it somehow felt awkward on my quite small wrist.

2. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean: also great all-round watch, nice size, great movement (apparently) and in my view at least as good looking if not better, than the Sub. Value retention-wise maybe not as good as Rolex but if I wanted to invest, a watch would not be on my list anyways. In terms of size, the Planet Ocean wears quite high and this might be an issue as I would be wearing it most at work when I wear a suit.

3. JLC Master Control: very different style compared to the two above but, although a great classic looking watch, for some reason I'm not too keen on it. Somehow it feels like an older person's watch. Might get it one day in the future, though! Size felt very good and the finishing is simply, well, delicious.

4. IWC Portofino: Great classic lines, looks timeless (important for a man of my age, 29, and would like a watch that "looks right" on me now and in the future), very simple dial (just the way I like) and probably would fit situations where I'm in suit or in shorts & polo shirt! Also the price seems quite reasonable at 2,700GBP (duty free). Firstly I found the watch perhaps too dressy but, in all honesty, even if I bought the Planet Ocean, I would not wear it in "high risk" situations anyways. That's when my G-Shock comes in and I don't care if it should get smashed.

So, as said, currently I'm going for the Portofino - not sure whether it'll be the silver or black dial but let's see.

It would be great if you could let me know if my thinking makes sense from your point of view - have I omitted something? Should I be considering something else as well? How good value for money do you see the Portofino being?

Many thanks,

Mika

This message has been edited by MikaJ on 2013-07-21 14:06:12

Key Points from the Discussion

The IWC Portofino Automatic is lauded for its timeless, simple dial design, making it suitable for various occasions and a 'smart' choice for a first high-end watch.
While sports watches like the Submariner or Planet Ocean are often worn with suits, they are generally not considered appropriate for formal attire, unlike the more elegant Portofino.
The Zenith Captain Central Second is suggested as a strong alternative within the budget, offering an impressive design, though the El Primero 36,000 VPH might be too 'busy' for some.
The Chopard L.U.C. 1937, with its in-house Cal. Chopard 01.04-C movement and classic 38mm case, is presented as an 'entry-drug' for price-conscious connoisseurs seeking refined elegance.
The Grand Seiko is recommended as a true manufacture watch with exquisite finishing, sensible sizing, and reasonable cost, offering several models with a date function.
The author ultimately decided on the JLC Master Control after trying several options, emphasizing the importance of choosing a watch that 'spoke' to them personally.

The Discussion

Ronald Held

Jul 21, 2013

it matters most that you are happy with it. (nt)

Spellbound

Jul 21, 2013

Take your time

I no longer wear the watches that I bought in my twenties as I always chose watches that lacked a timeless quality. I would say take your time. First of all, a good three hand watch is a great way to start off, and the classic design of the Portofino will endure into your 30's and beyond. But there are also so many other choices. I would also consider the GO Senator Sixties, steel, blue dial, with no panorama date. For a more sportier look that works also with business attire, perhaps a Zenith E

nilomis

Jul 21, 2013

It's your first one ...

No matter what watch you select, be sure that your tastes will change as the time passes. The Portofino is a nice watch but there are so many in this category that is hard to select a single one: Omega DeVille Coaxial Girard Perregaux 1966 Zenith Captain central seconds . And the list goes Good luck with your selection. Cheers, Nilo

Dr No

Jul 22, 2013

It just so happens there's . . .

. . . a suit able wrist shot of a DeVille on my hard drive, Nilo. Neither my wrist (easy to tell - the guy's wearing a suit!) nor my watch, but my image, taken at a local Omega boutique. The modern DeVille would be a very good call given the stated conditions and circumstances, in my humble opinion, as would a G O Senator Sixties.

SteveW

Jul 22, 2013

Another to consider...

...in the style of the Portofino is one of the Junghans "Max Bill" models. They have a classic look, and are available in the same style as a simple three hand watch or as a two-register chronograph. While I haven't studied pricing, my impression is that the Junghans would be more reasonably priced. Junghans is a classic German brand which was almost submerged during the East German era but which has resurrected itself.

Bruno.M1

Jul 22, 2013

do take a look at Zenith

if you don't like them, buy the IWC But give them a chance if you don't know them well enough They do offer quite a few nice dresswatches for a very acceptable price. Go to their website an look at the different models, you'll find all the prices per watch and I'm sure you'll discover something interesting. Also look at the Zenith part on this site, you'll be amazed to learn Zeniths FANTASTIC history

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First High-End Watch: IWC Portofino Automatic?

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