New IWC owner: Portofino 3513

Hi All.

I'm a proud new owner of an IWC Portofino 3513 with "military dial" case s/n: 2468936. It is actually my first IWC! Before buying this watch, I was looking at acquiring an older vintage IWC, but it seems that there are few in original condition (crown, buckle missing) and, of course lots of fakes.

I've done a bit of research on my watch and based on the papers and information found in the internet, it's a model 3513 with a "Mark XI black T" made around 1991/92. I also found somewhere that this model is available in these variations:

steel-case / black Mark-dial / brown strap = ref. 3513-012 or IW351312
steel-case / black Mark-dial / steel bracelet = ref. 3513-015 or IW351315
steel-case / black Mark-dial / black croco strap = ref. 3513-022 or IW351322
steel-case / black Mark-dial / black strap = ref. 3513-026 or IW351326

Since my watch does not have its original strap, but has its original tang buckle, it's either a 012, 022 or 026.

A question to the forum. Is the reference engraved somewhere on the watch (has to be in the internals i'd guess)??

Also in the IWC papers that came with this watch it's said that the Portofino is antimagnetic, but I've read somewhere else that it is not. Can anyone give a definite answer on this?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

Chanh

Hi Chanh,
Welcome to the world's best watch forum.
From the serial number in your photos, your watch is a IW3513/12
3513 is engraved inside your case back, '12' is not marked anywhere in the watch as it indicates optional components(dial, strap etc.).
Many components in your movement were designed to be antimagnetic but unlike IWC's pilots watches and many of their Ingenieurs, your watch does not have an internal Faraday Cage so can't offer the same resistance to magnetism as they can.
You are right to be proud of your watch. It's a relatively rare version of the 3513. You have chosen well for your first IWC. I'm sure it won't be your last..
Leo

Hi Chanh
This is a great choice with a very interesting dial / hand combination.
I'm pleased my contribution on one of the previous pieces you had under consideration, allowed you to get this Portofino.

Hi Mark. Sorry for the late reply as I have not been back in this site due to work... Thank you for your advice as I am very happy with my 1st IWC purchase!

Since then, I have had the strap replaced with a shiny black (genuine) crocodile skin band, which fits my wrist better and puts the look of the watch into a more "dressy" appearance...

The smaller size of the watch compared to my other ones is actually a nice change...

Thanks Leo for all this information! It will be definitely NOT my only IWC purchase: time to save for a chronograph, or vintage model!!

Wow that is a good looking watch!
I see the seconds hand resembles that of a Big Pilot.
A very good find there :-)

Congrats Chanh, very cool find and it looks great on your wrist. Enjoy it.

Cheers Chris

Thanks Chris and Mark! The more I look at it the more I'm in love!

When I received it, it ran a little slow. But now, after a few weeks, it has been running a little quick: I read somewhere that's how IWC's should run!

Do you think I need to service it? It looks cosmetically pristine...

Cheers!

This is very interesting watch, I have to say I kind of like it!