I'm in love with the appearance of the base Portofino Automatic but one thing my research has not been able to uncover is any details on the movement in this model. I realize the caseback is not a display style so I'm not expecting any heavy level of decoration, but does anyone have any details on whether this is an off-the-shelf ETA, or a modified ebauche movement, or a complete in-house caliber? Pictures would be ideal but any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff
It does not use an ETA-movement per se, but a Sellita movement.
I, too, love the design of the new Portofino automatic. I would love to have the rose gold model under ideal circumstances, but the price is just a little out of budget... And so, my happy compromise was to get the stainless steel model with silver dial and hands. It is equally wonderful, but I do not know whether the 40mm circumference is a bit big for my wrist. I any case, may I just, however, ask whether this model comes standard with a deployment clasp or with ting buckle? A reply on my query is most appreciated.
The steel Portofino Automatic, ref 3565, comes with a tang buckle. Often, tang buckles fit better on smaller wrists.
Michael,
Thank you for your reply. I apologize for the typographical errors, (ie., "I any case" - which should have read and been typed: "In any case" and "ting buckle" - which have read and been typed "tang buckle")
Tang buckle it is then for the IWC Portofino (ref 3565). Indeed, I bought my Portofino with a tang buckle, but was earlier surprised to have been offered the similar model in Paris with a deployment clasp. The base price of the Portofino in Amsterdam and in Paris was nearly the same - a difference of about 20 Euros. I however, did not buy my watch in Paris because the Tax Refund there was significantly smaller compared to what one could get in Amsterdam. And so, the Portofino ended up being indeed cheaper in Amsterdam. But, then again, they offered the Portofino in a deployment clasp in Paris, which would have actually evened out the price difference between the two places more or less.
Again, thank you for the reply. And more power!
Do you have any more details? Is it an off-the-shelf Sellita (e.g. SW300) or is it an ebauche that gets customized in some way by IWC?
And more broadly, is this a "hand built" watch or is it machine assembled?
Thanks,
Jeff
Hi there,
Maybe this will help you.
www.iwc.com/forum/en/discussion/27931/
Personally I don't think IWC uses of the shelf movements. But can be wrong here ;)
Kind regards,
That thread seems to be asking the same question, but it too does not appear to have a definitive answer.
I have read comments that suggest ETA no longer sells ebauche movements and thus manufacturers seeking such pieces have to go to Sellita. But I'd like some confirmation on that.