So far in 2024, IWC’s biggest set of releases have focused on the Portugieser range, including the world record breaking Eternal Calendar. But they haven’t forgotten their other core collections with the recent Mark XX Patrouille Suisse and now this, the new IWC Portofino Chronograph 39 on steel bracelet. It’s the first Portofino Chronograph 39 has been presented on a steel bracelet, offering a fresh aesthetic for the model.
As the inclusion of the bracelet is the key update with this release, let’s start there. It’s a 5-link piece with thicker exterior links and thinner internal ones. The impact on the overall aesthetic is quite a nuanced one. Compared to the leather straps the watch comes on as standard, it’s obviously a lot more industrial and bolder due to the increased number of metallic surfaces and weight on the wrist. At the same time, it doesn’t quite push its way into being called sporty, which I might be tempted to say if it was a 3-link bracelet instead.
Ultimately it retains the dressy vibe that permeates the Portofino collection. But instead of being classy and restrained, you could say that it’s more on the flashy end of the spectrum. The same is true of the dial, which is pristine white with steel coloured hands as opposed to the blue or gold tone on other models. Balancing refinement with the pragmatic practicality of the metal.
Beneath the surface of the IWC Portofino Chronograph 39 steel bracelet is housed the IWC 69355, an automatic chronograph movement with a 4 Hz frequency and 46-hour power reserve. It’s visible through the exhibition sapphire caseback, revealing the skeletonised rotor and combination of striped and perlage finishing. Combined with the new bracelet it leads to a price of £7,000. If you’re looking for a chronograph on the dressier side of the tracks that still has a lot of wrist presence, the Portofino Chronograph 39 on steel bracelet has got you covered.
Price and Specs:
More details at IWC.
