More than just the name of a picturesque Italian seaside town, Portofino has become a byword for laidback luxury and the kind of classical yet ultra-elegant style that only gets better with time. The small, secluded fishing village rose to fame in the 1950s when the fashionable elite fell in love with its pastel-toned houses, dazzling coastline and vibrant natural diversity - not to mention the amazing Ligurian cuisine.
Frank Sinatra famously frequented Portofino, as did the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, along with countless artists, writers, painters and other stars of the time. Likewise, celebrities today, such as Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mariah Carey and Rihanna, are indelibly drawn to the quaint locale for the very same reason that IWC was in the '80s, when it sought to create a contemporary yet classic gold timepiece with eternal appeal.
The IWC Portofino is steeped in watchmaking history. Redolent of the timeless, simple gold round watches made and popularised by the manufacture between the '50s and '60s, it has a remarkable origin story as well.
The plan was to turn a Lépine moonphase pocket watch into a wristwatch. And according to the manufacture's historical account, it's said that IWC's head watchmaker Kurt Klaus and former design head Hanno Burtscher came up with this concept over a glass of wine.
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