INTRODUCING: The IWC Portofino Chronograph 39 Edition “Laureus Sport For Good”
Fergus NashThe IWC Portofino Chronograph 39 Edition “Laureus Sport For Good” is the 16th time IWC have collaborated with the charitable organisation, with the Portofino Chronograph’s sporty sophistication perfectly aligning with the sentiment behind Sport for Good. The Foundation has been supporting disadvantaged communities through sporting programmes since the year 2000, led by such lofty figures as Nelson Mandela. With their awards ceremonies spreading global awareness and their humanitarian efforts actively improving the world, this latest limited edition from IWC pays tribute in fitting fashion.
The main headline for this particular reference is the reduced size at 39mm, further proving IWC’s commitment to the smaller-wristed collectors who have typically needed to avoid the land of large pilot’s watches. The previous time the Portofino case was used for a Laureus collaboration was in 2012 with a 42mm version, although there have been plenty of other updates in the last 10 years that we’ll come back to later. The new Portofino Chronograph 39 Edition case aims to be the epitome of class and simplicity, even verging on Bauhaus design. The softly conical bezel is thin enough to make the dial look very present on the wrist even considering the overall smaller size, and the straight-jutting lugs give the head of the watch a real sense of occasion. It’s not too chunky for an automatic chronograph either, measuring only 12.7mm.
IWC’s colour scheme for Laureus Sport For Good watches is well established by now, with a slightly desaturated “Laureus Blue” dial in a silky-smooth sunburst finish. The red markers at the top of the subdials give a subtly sporty pop of contrast, while the rhodium hands and applied indices remain quite legible in their liquid shine. The aim of simplicity and elegance is pleasingly carried out through a symmetrical approach, placing the chronograph subdials vertically and printing the dial text horizontally. The day/date complication as featured on the old 42mm has been removed, which definitely moves the watch more into a dressy category.
There’s no mention of Laureus anywhere on the dial, instead it’s the caseback is where the connection is reinforced, with the organisation’s name etched above a piece of artwork created for a drawing competition. The winning piece was done by Jatin Malhan, a 15-year-old goalkeeper for the Youth Football Club Rurka Kalan in Punjab, and it depicts a group of uniting hands. Behind the artwork beats the IWC Calibre 79350, a heavily customised version of the ubiquitous Valjoux 7750 with 44 hours of power reserve at 28,800 vibrations per hour.
The IWC Portofino Chronograph 39 Edition “Laureus Sport For Good” pricing and availability:
The IWC Portofino Chronograph 39 Edition “Laureus Sport For Good” is a limited edition of only 1000 pieces, and will be available for $9900.
Case Material | Stainless Steel |
Case Dimensions | 39mm x 12.9mm |
Water-Resistance | 30m |
Dial | Laureus Blue |
Straps | Black calfskin |
Movement | IWC 79350 |
Power Reserve | 44 hours |
Complications | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph |
Price | $9900. |