A slim, gold IWC Portofino dress watch from a maker who are more known for larger chronographs. Model reference 3209.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
Sadly we don’t have the papers for this watch to give an absolutely accurate date. This model was available between 1990 and 1993, with the earlier watches having a cursive script on the dial.
CONDITION
IWC advertising campaigns in the 1990’s shouted about their big, sports watches in a frankly outrageously sexist way. But the Portofino was different. Elegant, and made from precious metal rather than steel, it was almost opposite to the rest of the IWC range. Named after the beautiful Italian port near Genoa, the watch had to be tasteful rather than shouty, and slim enough to slide under a finely tailored Italian shirt without snagging. So the 35mm case is under 7mm thick, despite having an automatic movement with calendar and second hand (each complication adds depth to the movement). That movement is a caliber 889/1, that started life at Jaeger-LeCoultre. This 33 jewel movement beats at 28.800 and is beautifully decorated, as befits a quality watch. The tip of the rotor is even 21k gold, as it is when the same ebauche is used by Audemars Piguet. The silver dial is perfect, as are the blued hands and the sapphire crystal. The buckle is also stamped for 18k gold as well as with the IWC logo. The calf leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.
This watch will be supplied with the IWC branded presentation box, which is in quite poor condition (not unusual for Swiss watches of this period) and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 37.2 mm
Width without crown 34.9 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 38.3 mm
Case Thickness 6.6 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
