Supermodel Gisele Bündchen Launches New IWC Portofino Watches

By Nancy Olson

Known since 1984 for its clean lines and classic style, IWC’s Portofino is a mainstay among the brand’s collections, ever-expanding to include updated styles and functional features. In keeping with this decades-long creative flow, new models are just making their debut, each with technical tweaks and thoughtful embellishments. Now, supermodel and environmentalist (and IWC collaborator) Gisele Bündchen joins the IWC team, and her famous face will be kicking off a worldwide advertising campaign.

 

IWC Portofino Automatic 34

There are several new versions of the classic ladies Portofino Automatic 34. But the biggest news here, I think, is the inclusion of a model with a day and night indication, the first time this useful complication has been offered in the 34mm profile.

 

The new models are in stainless steel or 5N gold, with or without diamonds. And while we’re talking about diamonds, larger stones—1.7mm—decorate the bezels, thanks in part to a revamping of the case architecture to accommodate the nearly one carat of diamonds featured. Apparently a new setting technique has been employed as well.

Some models within the collection are fitted on calfskin straps in a choice of colors, while others come with a redesigned five-link stainless steel bracelet with polished and satin-finished surfaces. All models offer a quick-change system, making it possible to swap the strap or bracelet in a flash using the small tool provided.

 

The Portofino Automatic 34 Day & Night is driven by Caliber 35180, with 50 hours of power reserve; the watches range in price from $7,100 to $20,800.  The Portofino Automatic 34 gets its power from Caliber 35100, with 42 hours of power reserve, and the watches range in price from $6,500 to $11,200.

 

IWC Portofino Automatic 37

IWC’s Portofino Automatic 37 collection, first introduced in 2014, is introducing some updates as well. The Automatic Moon Phase 37 is embracing three new versions, while the classic Portofino Automatic 37 includes six new versions. And as a very interesting aside, the company is offering quick-change straps made of traceable Swiss calf leather, uniquely coded to allow tracing to its source online. As with the Automatic 34, newly designed five-link metal bracelets are also available.

Each 37mm watch is equipped with IWC-manufactured movements visible through the see-through casebacks. In another first, IWC has integrated a moon phase module into a movement within the 32000 caliber family: the Automatic 37 Moon Phase is fitted with Caliber 32800. The Automatic 37 is driven by Caliber 32111. Both offer five days of power reserve.

 

The cases of the new 37mm models are in stainless steel or 5N gold, with or without diamonds on the bezels. The Portofino Automatic Moon Phase watches range in price from $9,250 to $23,200. The Portofino Automatic watches range in price from $6,250 to $19,600.

 

Gisele Bündchen Launches Portofino

IWC’s new advertising campaign highlights famed Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen’s role as IWC’s Environmental and Community Projects Advisor—a newly created position. She is seen wearing different Portofino watches in the ads, including the new Chronograph 39 with IWC’s own Caliber 69355. Her goal with the brand is to promote biodiversity and draw attention to issues faced by different communities. These are also topics IWC outlines as crucial in its newest Sustainability Report 2022.

The Portofino Chronograph 39 has a 39mm stainless steel case, a silver-plated dial, rhodium-plated hands and indices and a beige calfskin strap. It is priced at $7,300.And yes, she—and the watches—are really that beautiful.