Portofino's Milanese Strap for Portuguese Chorno IW371446

Hey all !

As most people here know, I'm new to the Forum and last night I posted pics of my 1 week ago acquisition ! My beloved Portuguese Chronograph IW371446

I already posted many pictures of it into the "Community" threads.

The thing is: Last Monday when I went to the IWC Boutique to buy my watch, I asked for the Milanese Steel Bracelet with the Portuguese since it fits perfectly...

The extra cost would be US$ 2.200,00 !!!!!!! Of course, in Brazil this is the price anyway since the watch cost me around US$ 8.900,00... (Proportional maybe ?)

The point is: I'll spend a month in Whippany, NJ for a simulator course (I'm a Pilot). I'm considering going to the NY IWC Boutique to pay less than half of the brazilian price for the Milanese Bracelet ! I've heard it's around US$ 800 or US$ 1.000,00...

Any advices ?? Many people were a bit skeptical regarding this customization, saying that the Croc leather strap is specially designed for the Portuguese... Blah blah blah... Of course this is a subjective matter.

What do you people think ? Has anyone here seen it or considered/thought how this combination would look ??

Yes I considered it for the same watch and Cellar photoshopped them together. I have not bought the bracelet but for no particular reason other than three watches took preference.

If you do go down this route then posting photos of the end result and you will be the first. From memory there are Milanese bracelet in three lengths, XS, M, XL. If you are are at the near extreme holes of the strap then go for the XS or XL which ever is appropriate. I have XS straps on most of my watches and my 3714 is still on M strap and hardly gets wrist time.

I think it would look great: a refined bracelet for a refined sportswatch. Good luck in finding one for a good price. I am quite curious about the result, and hope you can post some pictures.

Kind regards,
Paul

Yep, Paul !

Thanks for encouraging me ! It seems my idea is not so terribly off the good sense !

I just find it curious since this is a long time IWC fans and owners and so far, no one has mentioned this !

IF I do it, I'll certainly post the pics here !!

Use the magnifying glass to search on the forum for as one word

GregChalkChrono

The photo is near the bottom of the page.

WOW !

Superb !!!!

That picture is everything I didn't want to see ! Crap...

More money flying from my pocket ! LOL

Thanks, Greg !! hehe

Fabio, understand that is a couple of photos made into one. No real watch or bracelet were present for the Cellar's artwork.

Make sure the NY boutique has got one for your arrival so place your order and give them your dates.

Make sure you photo end result for the forum!

Fabio, know something else about this strap - it has a great "fine adjustment" feature, enabling if I recall correctly from SIHH 2011 a 6mm adjustment range. Absolutely great for hot summer days...

Hello Fabio,
one month ago my girlfriend bought the same Portuguese Chronograph and she ordered the Milanese strap. The combination of the blued hands / figures on the silver dial with the silver colour of the steel case and the Milanese strap is stunning! As my girlfriend has a very small wrist, she had to order the XS Milanese strap. Unfortunately IWC in Switzerland cannot deliver the Milanese strap at the moment. Delivery time unknown. Therefore I cannot present a photograph. But I can only recommend: Go for the Milanese strap!
Urs

Thank you guys !
I'm really determined to do it !

Greg, I'm very aware that post is a photoshop LOL... I know it's just a representation of the thing, however, I tried the Milanese Bracelet this last Saturday 01/09, but, with Portofino Chrono. I didn't pay attention to size or anything, only noticed that there's a fine adjustment. My Croc original one from the Portuguese Chrono, is excatly in the middle for me ! there are 7 holes and I'm using the 4th one !

I really want that bracelet with my 3714 !

Fabio,

FYI....If you click on "Collection" in the upper Black Bar, select Portuguese family, click on Ref. 3714 - View Details and scroll down to the comments section ( expand to last two postings ) you will see that the question about a bracelet for the 3714 was asked followed by an answer from IWC.

Although I generally prefer straps to bracelets, the Milanese paired with the 3714 is a winner. Great looking combo !! It has sparked my interest. Going to my AD soon and will try it " in the metal ".

Best,

Andy

Hey, Andy !

Yep, I had already checked that. It was actually reading it that triggered my curiosity and wish to go for the milanese bracelet. I sent an email last night to IWC NY asking about it but with no answer so far.

I really think it's like you said... Changing the 3714 maybe it's not the ideal but the Portofino's bracelet, I don't think anyone could go wrong !

Actually Fabio, changing up straps/bracelets is a big part of the enjoyment I get with the IWC collections. Some of the best pairings IMHO are not the OEM's supplied, but borrowed from other models. Until the Milanese was introduced with the Portofino's, I never saw a (IWC) 20mm bracelet that melds well with the 3714. So...surprise, surprise. Here comes along bracelet that I think would "sport up" my Port Chrono beautifully. Looking forward to my next trip to the AD for a try-on.

BTW, have your AD/Boutique show you their workbook for the 3714. Specific to that model, IWC offers many shade options of croc straps normally not seen. Again, part of the fun is matching up these alternative strap shades to other models that accept 20mm.

Enjoy your new Portuguese and wear in good health,

Andy

Very correct again, Andy !

I just received the answer from IWC NY ! Prices are not very enthusing though...
I asked about Portofino Chrono IW391009. This one comes standard with the bracelets ! For US$ 6.900,00. Bracelets alone, US$ 1.490,00 vs US$ 2.200,00 here in Brazil ! So, I'll go for it ! Liana (The Woman who answered me) said there's 3 different sizes (XS-S-XL). S/Short is the standard one !

About my Boutique, they showed me when I bought the watch, the whole thing, their workbook and all the possibilities but none that I really liked. Many different strap colours, Croc, Santoni, etc.

But I want..... THE MILANESE bracelet LOL ! At least, I'll save US$ 600,00 buying them in USA !

All I have to do is tell them a few days in advance !

Let's wait !

Thank you, Andy, for all the assistance and ideas !

Fabio

Fabio,

Does this mean you're going to go for it?!

Congrats if you are!

The Santoni strap will not fit the Portuguese chrono in case anyone has bright ideas. The Santoni straps are for 22mm lugs only unless you want to start cutting a very expensive strap and I mean VERY expensive.

Thank you, George !

Yep... I'm definitelly going for it ! Just need to wait until I go there hehe.

I'll be flying on September 24th and will stay for a month.

Greg... When I mentioned Santoni, I simply meant that "my" seller showed me the whole thing they have in order to customize IWC WATCHES. I haven't said she offered me the strap to "cut" it and use with my Portuguese.

I appreciate your clarification anyway.

Fabio,

I feel your passion and determination to secure that Milanese...Go for it !

Caution: You mentioned that S=short is the standard. Please verify that information. As far as I am aware, IWC supplies S=Standard/Regular lengths as OEM. There is approximately a 3/4" difference between a true SHORT vs. REGULAR. My experience having slightly small wrists ( 6 3/4" ) is that I'm borderline XS and Regular/Standard. Trying on with the model you intend to pair it with is a must. Depending on the watch diameter and the lug length, they influence which size strap/bracelet will be the correct fit. FYI...for my 3714, a standard/regular deployant strap was the right fit. This was determined by the 40.9mm diameter and curved/shorter lugs than say my Pilot models which needed XS for the better fit.

Hope this info is helpful. Can't wait to see the results when you return from N.Y.

Regards,

Andy

More than helpful, Andy.

I'll definitely check the bracelets once I get there. I for sure, won't buy blind and confident that it's the "S" size which will fit best.

I'm looking forward to share my future custom 3714 !

Fabio

Actually, I intended to show their answer regarding price and availability...

Dear Fabio,

Thank you for contacting our IWC New York Flagship. It will be a pleasure to assist you.

The Portofino Chronograph with the milanese mesh bracelet is a stunning piece and one of the most successful models in the boutique. The price for the bracelet itself is US$ 1,490 + tax and for the Portofino Chronograph with the mesh bracelet is US$ 6,900 + tax. NYC sales tax is 8.875%.

For the bracelet there are three sizes - XS (extra short), Short (which is the standard medium size that comes with the watch) or XL (extra long).

Please let us know with some days in advance when you expect to visit the boutique so we can check on the stock of both the bracelet and the watch for you. It's better if you could let us know with a week in advance.

Please feel free to contact me should you require additional assistance.

Best Regards,

Liana Wang
Sales Associate
535 Madison Avenue, NY, 10022
Tel: (212) 355-7271