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.
Denne historien er fra December 2022-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra December 2022-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sailing Into A Dream
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Here Come The Sun Seats
Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.
THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.
