IWC Portofino Chronograph

[pwnageinc]

Hello All,

I am interested in purchasing an IWC portofino chronograph for my father for his birthday. I have heard some mixed reviews on the watch. I happened to read amazon reviews (I know they are probably no a reputable source) and also around the internet talking about the movement being an ETA movement. What does that mean and what are some of your opinions on the watch. Are there any other recommendations within that price range? I appreciate your feedback.

[Dr. TM]

ETA is a Swiss company that makes mechanical watch movements (the inner workings of watches). When a watch has an ETA movement, it just means the company buys movements from ETA and puts them in their cases; this is opposed to a true manufacture which makes their own movements in-house. Watches with ETA movements are typically less expensive than those with in-house movements, so if you and your father don't care about the movement this is the way to go on a budget.

My personal opinion of the IWC chronograph is that it is a beautiful piece. The day and date indicator is extremely useful, and I like the overall pocket watch shape. I prefer a deployant clasp to the tang buckle, and I do like to know the movement was made in-house when I'm spending significant money on a watch (otherwise, to me, it feels a little like they stuffed a bulk movement into a case).

My recommendations in that range would include the Glashütte Original Senator Hand Date, Omega Speedmaster Professional, or Rolex Explorer I.

Good luck!

[pwnageinc]

Originally Posted by Dr. TM

ETA is a Swiss company that makes mechanical watch movements (the inner workings of watches). When a watch has an ETA movement, it just means the company buys movements from ETA and puts them in their cases; this is opposed to a true manufacture which makes their own movements in-house. Watches with ETA movements are typically less expensive than those with in-house movements, so if you and your father don't care about the movement this is the way to go on a budget.

My personal opinion of the IWC chronograph is that it is a beautiful piece. The day and date indicator is extremely useful, and I like the overall pocket watch shape. I prefer a deployant clasp to the tang buckle, and I do like to know the movement was made in-house when I'm spending significant money on a watch (otherwise, to me, it feels a little like they stuffed a bulk movement into a case).

My recommendations in that range would include the Glashütte Original Senator Hand Date, Omega Speedmaster Professional, or Rolex Explorer I.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for taking the time! I really appreciate it, he isn't a huge watch connoisseur he likes IWC's and this is just a gift. The portuguese is nice but a bit over budget.

Anyone else have thoughts?

[kilyung]

I have many ETA watches. Most of them perform better than my more expensive pieces. It's a quality movement.

I love IWC for what it is... an unashamed tool watch that's not afraid to look good.

[Dr. TM]

That's a great gift!

And for the record, I agree with kilyung. ETA makes a highly reliable movement, and I was in fact considering the IWC line (Ingenieur) for my next purchase because of this. A lot depends on what purpose the watch will serve. My collection is still small and I'd personally like to sample a variety of movements, but you can't go wrong with a solid ETA in a beautiful IWC watch that you can use/wear with confidence.

[salty_snack]

IWC portofino is an alright watch. IMHO, at nearly 6 grand its somewhat overpriced. I would go with the non-chrono version if I were you.

Also, its going to cost quite a bit more to service a chronograph due to the extra chrono module.

For that kind of money I would consider a grand seiko, sinn, damasko, glasshutte original (!), JLC (!), zenith. Again, IMHO, all of those listed have a fit and finish that is, in my experience, superior to that of the portofino line.

[SearChart]

Nothing wrong with ETA movements, great workhorses for a reasonable price.
I really like the portofino line so I'd say go for it

[kilyung]

I forgot to mention that servicing an ETA is a lot cheaper than in-house movements. Basically any good watchmaker can do the job without needing a parts account for the movement.