Market
IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 2IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 3IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 4IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 5IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 6IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 7IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 8IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 9IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 10IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 11IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 12IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 13IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 14IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 15IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 16IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 17IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 18IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 19IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 20IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ photo 21

IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’

SoldUSD 21,500

+ USD 0 shipping

shing
Member since Jun 2011 · 14 yrs
185 Posts
34 Sold
4 Active
Hong Kong flag Hong Kong
View all listings → Active Dec 20
IWC FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’ HubMarket Prices · Auction Records · Forum Discussions
Explore Hub →
Brand
IWC
Condition
MINT
Series
FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’
Box
Yes
Model
FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’
Papers
Yes
Year
1982
Case Size
46
Location
Singapore flagSingapore
Listed
Jul 9, 2013
Updated
Jul 8, 2013
SOLD — This item has been sold.
VISA AMEX DISC
Make Offer

Contact seller to arrange payment

Description

because of formatting issues, please see my first comment below. ------------------------------------ Up for sale from my collection is a Mint & Rare IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’or ‘fried egg’ or ‘spiegelei’ in German. The iconic ref 5251 requires no introduction to IWC fans. It has an enamel dial, a brilliant moonphase and stars, Roman numerals paired with Breguet hands, and measures a large 46mm. Interestingly, the moonphase counter is a tad smaller than the seconds counter, swept by a gold-tailed seconds-hand. The many subtle hallmarks of this brilliant design has enthralled collectors of decades. There are two (established) versions of ref 5251 - both in yellow gold: one with a solid gold back, and the other a display back. Production first began in 1980 of the (rarer) closed back version, and both versions ceased (I believe) around 1998. Total production of both versions is estimated to be around 300, with this rarer closed back version a small fraction of this number. The ref 5251 is today an iconic part of IWC's history, and to me, reflective of the 'big watch' thinking that is very much part of its DNA. For further reading and background of this piece, you may refer to: people.timezone.com

I am putting this up for sale because I also have the ref 5251 with a display back. This particular closed back piece is rarer than the display back piece, and through the case serial number is dated 1982. The diameter is 46mm, and thickness just over 10mm, as can be seen in the pics, and weighs in at 60 grams. The condition of this piece is 95%, chiefly due to scratches on the case - which can be polished off easily (but I had preferred to keep it in its purchased condition to retain its vintage quality) . The crystal and the enamel dial are in flawless condition, and the Calibre 95 is performing as expected: it keeps accurate time, and the quick-adjust of the moonphase executes perfectly (meaning when you move the hands back and forth 12 mid-night, from 10 pm to 2 am, you will be quick-adjusting the moonphase forwards). The original IWC box is included, as shown in the pics. The Warranty and Service location papers are however duplicates as the original papers were not salvageable owing to a previous owner’s maintainence. I am asking a very reasonable: Hong Kong (face to face deal): HKD 160,000* Singapore (face to face deal): SGD 27,700* Ship internationally**: USD 21,500* or best reasonable offer * Payment by bank wire transfer. ** I ship internationally to most cities, but at additional cost to the buyer. Shipping will be insured, and tracked, via DHL (insured limit: 6,000 USD). I can arrange additional insurance through Parcel Pro, but again buyer will bear all cost (which I estimate to be approximately 500-800 USD). If you have any other suggestions how the watch can get to you, I am happy to hear it. I am a well known collector and have numerous references available from many cities. I may ask for yours if I don't know you. I'm happy to answer any questions just email me at iwcforme1976 at gmail dot com (no spaces). Thanks for looking. cheers, Shing
































































Collector Discussions

I was trying to think if I ever saw one of these
Steve shares his joy with his IWC Big Pilot 43, taking it out for a spin and rediscovering his love for it. A cheerful weekend message from a satisfied watch owner.
forum · Champthekid · 1005 views · 2h
Returning to the Original Ludwig Perpetual After a Very Difficult Ownership Experience, Need Advice From Long-Term Owners
Chronicling a challenging experience with an Ulysse Nardin Ludwig Perpetual, the owner looks for insights on long-term maintenance and compares earlier models with newer versions for reliability. Dilemmas range from manual winding to wear management.
forum · Nate1580 · 1206 views · 15h
IWC Portuguese Jubilee 5441 Steel 1993 42 mm 1000 pieces, 1993.
The 1993 IWC Portuguese Jubilee 5441 Steel, limited to 1000 pieces, is a coveted 42mm watch known for its elegance, highly sought after by collectors.
forum · amanico · 1002 views · 20h
Final European get-together - KMII/Jon in London
In London, a diverse discussion over Nando's lunch featured exquisite timepieces like VC overseas and Patek calendar. Fascination with the Tudor in Carbon and sandblasted IWC perpetual, concluding with a memorable exploration of Bond St.
forum · K-Lo · 987 views · 4d
DIY time, some humor and a find.
No Swatch Boutique, settling for Tootsie Pop. Unexpected NOS find; dreams of Flava Flav live. Backed Boombox, Anthrax/ChuckD cassette, looking for parachute pants. Vintage IWC Ref 5300, dated to 1970, 17 jewels, positive amplitude.
forum · aelred · 311 views · 8d
Starting the week with the Tribute to 3705.
2021 Tribute to 3705: A limited 1000 piece release of a 41mm Ceratanium Pilot Chronograph. Dive into the IWC watch forum for details.
forum · Champthekid · 1167 views · 11d

🛡️ Buyer Protection

⚠️ Payment Safety: Use PayPal Goods & Services for buyer protection with new sellers.

🔒 Verify: Request a timestamp photo with today's date and your username.

🤝 Meet Safely: For local deals, meet in a safe public place.

You May Also Like

IWC
IWC
GST GST-DEEP-ONE
Stainless Steel · Black Dial · 40mm
USD 19,500
IWC
IWC
IW
Chronograph
USD 5,900
IWC
IWC
Pilot's Watch IW3757A
Stainless Steel · Black Dial · 42mm
USD 34,995
IWC
IWC
Pilot s Watch IW3757AA
Chronograph · Stainless Steel · Black Dial · 42mm
USD 34,995

💬 Questions & Comments

Sign in to ask questions or join the conversation
shing Jul 8, 2013
comment FS: Mint & rare vintage IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’or ‘fried egg’ or ‘spiegelei’ in German. Up for sale from my collection is a Mint & Rare IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’or ‘fried egg’ or ‘spiegelei’ in German. The iconic ref 5251 requires no introduction to IWC fans. It has an enamel dial, a brilliant moonphase and stars, Roman numerals paired with Breguet hands, and measures a large 46mm. Interestingly, the moonphase counter is a tad smaller than the seconds counter, swept by a gold-tailed seconds-hand. The many subtle hallmarks of this brilliant design has enthralled collectors of decades. There are two (established) versions of ref 5251 - both in yellow gold: one with a solid gold back, and the other a display back. Production first began in 1980 of the (rarer) closed back version, and both versions ceased (I believe) around 1998. Total production of both versions is estimated to be around 300, with this rarer closed back version a small fraction of this number. The ref 5251 is today an iconic part of IWC's history, and to me, reflective of the 'big watch' thinking that is very much part of its DNA. For further reading and background of this piece, you may refer to: people.timezone.com

I am putting this up for sale because I also have the ref 5251 with a display back. This particular closed back piece is rarer than the display back piece, and through the case serial number is dated 1982. The diameter is 46mm, and thickness just over 10mm, as can be seen in the pics, and weighs in at 60 grams. The condition of this piece is 95%, chiefly due to scratches on the case - which can be polished off easily (but I had preferred to keep it in its purchased condition to retain its vintage quality) . The crystal and the enamel dial are in flawless condition, and the Calibre 95 is performing as expected: it keeps accurate time, and the quick-adjust of the moonphase executes perfectly (meaning when you move the hands back and forth 12 mid-night, from 10 pm to 2 am, you will be quick-adjusting the moonphase forwards). The original IWC box is included, as shown in the pics. The Warranty and Service location papers are however duplicates as the original papers were not salvageable owing to a previous owner’s maintainence. I am asking a very reasonable: Hong Kong (face to face deal): HKD 160,000* Singapore (face to face deal): SGD 27,700* Ship internationally**: USD 21,500* or best reasonable offer * Payment by bank wire transfer. ** I ship internationally to most cities, but at additional cost to the buyer. Shipping will be insured, and tracked, via DHL (insured limit: 6,000 USD). I can arrange additional insurance through Parcel Pro, but again buyer will bear all cost (which I estimate to be approximately 500-800 USD). If you have any other suggestions how the watch can get to you, I am happy to hear it. I am a well known collector and have numerous references available from many cities. I may ask for yours if I don't know you. I'm happy to answer any questions just email me at iwcforme1976 at gmail dot com (no spaces). Thanks for looking. cheers, Shing
































































shing Jul 8, 2013
comment Up for sale from my collection is a Mint & Rare IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’or ‘fried egg’ or ‘spiegelei’ in German.

The iconic ref 5251 requires no introduction to IWC fans. It has an enamel dial, a brilliant moonphase and stars, Roman numerals paired with Breguet hands, and measures a large 46mm. Interestingly, the moonphase counter is a tad smaller than the seconds counter, swept by a gold-tailed seconds-hand. The many subtle hallmarks of this brilliant design has enthralled collectors of decades.

There are two (established) versions of ref 5251 - both in yellow gold: one with a solid gold back, and the other a display back. Production first began in 1980 of the (rarer) closed back version, and both versions ceased (I believe) around 1998. Total production of both versions is estimated to be around 300, with this rarer closed back version a small fraction of this number.

The ref 5251 is today an iconic part of IWC's history, and to me, reflective of the 'big watch' thinking that is very much part of its DNA. For further reading and background of this piece, you may refer to: people.timezone.com

I am putting this up for sale because I also have the ref 5251 with a display back. This particular closed back piece is rarer than the display back piece, and through the case serial number is dated 1982. The diameter is 46mm, and thickness just over 10mm, as can be seen in the pics, and weighs in at 60 grams. The condition of this piece is 95%, chiefly due to scratches on the case - which can be polished off easily (but I had preferred to keep it in its purchased condition to retain its vintage quality) . The crystal and the enamel dial are in flawless condition, and the Calibre 95 is performing as expected: it keeps accurate time, and the quick-adjust of the moonphase executes perfectly (meaning when you move the hands back and forth 12 mid-night, from 10 pm to 2 am, you will be quick-adjusting the moonphase forwards).

The original IWC box is included, as shown in the pics. The Warranty and Service location papers are however duplicates as the original papers were not salvageable owing to a previous owner’s maintainence.

I am asking a very reasonable:
Hong Kong (face to face deal): HKD 160,000*
Singapore (face to face deal): SGD 27,700*
Ship internationally**: USD 21,500*
or best reasonable offer

* Payment by bank wire transfer.
** I ship internationally to most cities, but at additional cost to the buyer. Shipping will be insured, and tracked, via DHL (insured limit: 6,000 USD). I can arrange additional insurance through Parcel Pro, but again buyer will bear all cost (which I estimate to be approximately 500-800 USD). If you have any other suggestions how the watch can get to you, I am happy to hear it.

I am a well known collector and have numerous references available from many cities. I may ask for yours if I don't know you. I'm happy to answer any questions just email me at iwcforme1976 at gmail dot com (no spaces).

Thanks for looking.

cheers,
Shing
shing Jul 8, 2013
Up for sale from my collection is a Mint & Rare IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Po Up for sale from my collection is a Mint & Rare IWC ref 5251 closed back ‘Original Portofino’or ‘fried egg’ or ‘spiegelei’ in German.

The iconic ref 5251 requires no introduction to IWC fans. It has an enamel dial, a brilliant moonphase and stars, Roman numerals paired with Breguet hands, and measures a large 46mm. Interestingly, the moonphase counter is a tad smaller than the seconds counter, swept by a gold-tailed seconds-hand. The many subtle hallmarks of this brilliant design has enthralled collectors of decades.

There are two (established) versions of ref 5251 - both in yellow gold: one with a solid gold back, and the other a display back. Production first began in 1980 of the (rarer) closed back version, and both versions ceased (I believe) around 1998. Total production of both versions is estimated to be around 300, with this rarer closed back version a small fraction of this number.

The ref 5251 is today an iconic part of IWC's history, and to me, reflective of the 'big watch' thinking that is very much part of its DNA. For further reading and background of this piece, you may refer to: people.timezone.com

I am putting this up for sale because I also have the ref 5251 with a display back. This particular closed back piece is rarer than the display back piece, and through the case serial number is dated 1982. The diameter is 46mm, and thickness just over 10mm, as can be seen in the pics, and weighs in at 60 grams. The condition of this piece is 95%, chiefly due to scratches on the case - which can be polished off easily (but I had preferred to keep it in its purchased condition to retain its vintage quality) . The crystal and the enamel dial are in flawless condition, and the Calibre 95 is performing as expected: it keeps accurate time, and the quick-adjust of the moonphase executes perfectly (meaning when you move the hands back and forth 12 mid-night, from 10 pm to 2 am, you will be quick-adjusting the moonphase forwards).

The original IWC box is included, as shown in the pics. The Warranty and Service location papers are however duplicates as the original papers were not salvageable owing to a previous owner’s maintainence.

I am asking a very reasonable:
Hong Kong (face to face deal): HKD 160,000*
Singapore (face to face deal): SGD 27,700*
Ship internationally**: USD 21,500*
or best reasonable offer

* Payment by bank wire transfer.
** I ship internationally to most cities, but at additional cost to the buyer. Shipping will be insured, and tracked, via DHL (insured limit: 6,000 USD). I can arrange additional insurance through Parcel Pro, but again buyer will bear all cost (which I estimate to be approximately 500-800 USD). If you have any other suggestions how the watch can get to you, I am happy to hear it.

I am a well known collector and have numerous references available from many cities. I may ask for yours if I don't know you. I'm happy to answer any questions just email me at iwcforme1976 at gmail dot com (no spaces).

Thanks for looking.

cheers,
Shing