VC Portofino Moonphase vs 5001?

Idea would be a versatile watch for dress but also casual. Sometimes VC Portofino looks too dressy and the 5001 too casual with suit. In the IWC world, which would you choose based on above criteria and movement (7 day vs the manual)? I know this is totally subjective, but thought I'd toss it out there!

5001 casual?

I would never call the Portuguese Automatic casual, although the steel version with the white dial and blue hands has some casual characteristics, this being far from calling the watch casual. Fortunately there are different steel versions. The black dialed one is very nice to me, but if you are really afraid of this watch looking too casual you should try the new white dialed version with the golden hands and numbers. It is shown at the splash page if you wait some 15 seconds.

The VC Portofino is very nice too, and in my opinion not very sporty. Some comments are made on this forum recently about this watch, I agree with them.

Good luck!

Kind regards,
Paul, wearing steel VC Pilot's watch

I think most all IWCs can be casual or dressy.

These watches are really versatile - and can accommodate any fashion tone you want to set - although a Portofino Moonphase could be worn with more formal attire (say a tuxedo) much better than other IWCs - and you wouldn't wear an Aquatimer with a tux -

But, you can see from my photo here - that a 5001, 5022, or 5021 - or any Portuguese, in my opinion can be worn with a suit, or with jeans, or Polo/Bermuda shorts and "flip flops".

I say that the 5001 is the most versatile.

Ref 5022 Portuguese Perpetual - broken-in strap with jeans and untucked shirt.

That is such a gorgeous watch...

and a great photo. It certainly made my morning! I agree that it looks perfect "dressed up" or "dressed down!"

Best regards,
Jim

Good advice, and what a great picture!

Either way - as the photo shows > it's a classy

watch. And I agree, it can be worn both ways.

Looks good in this photo too....thanks for posting.

Todd, I think you are getting

some good responses on this site.

I agree with Richard and Paul. Many IWC's are extremely versatile. Assuming you want to stay with SS, I do think the white/blue 5001 may be the most versatile. The white with gold hands is a bit dressier. In WG, the ardoise dial is a winner, and Bob Bunnik's photos regularly drive me over the edge, as did Richard's photo of his Perpetual. It is also quite versatile.

The VC Portofino is gorgeous and I doubt you would find the 46mm diameter too large. The watch is a good bit thinner than the 5001 and wears comfortably despite its diameter, in part due to the thinness and in part due to lug design.

I think you must have relocated since we last spoke if there are no IWC dealers near you!

For me, if maximum versatility were my goal, I'd choose the white/blue 5001. If sheer beauty were the goal, the Portofino. And if cost was not an issue, the WG ardoise dial. Your mileage may vary.

Is the VC Portofino Moonphase movement special?

Is there anything unique about the hand wound movement on this model (like the 7 day in the 5001)?

It is a very nice in-house movement

I have three half sisters, in my two VC Portuguese watches and my VC Pilot's watch. Nothing to complain about, they are first class with some niceties for those who know about it, like the Breguet spiral. They look nice too, when you take your watch off. I would suggest that the technology of both watches is about equal, and that the choice between the two could be based on desired functions and looks. If useful at all, I would go for the Portuguese Automatic.

Kind regards,
Paul, wearing steel VC Portuguese

It is a very nice in-house movement

Do you mean the Portuguese Automatic Vintage Collection?

Yes, VC is Vintage Collection to me

About two years ago there was an enquiry here as how to call these special watches, made to celebrate the 140th anniversary of IWC. Rob Stynen proposed VC, and I use it all the time. So, I have three of them, and number four may come, as I kind of like the VC Ingenieur more and more. This one would be then the first 80111 movement in my collection. I have already the 80110 movement in my titanium Ingenieur, but that 80111 would be special, as I could admire it through the sapphire back.

Kind regards,
Paul, wearing steel VC Portuguese

Good photo and advice.

I might have restricted my blue hands 5001 to the office environment. it should get some of my wrist time on Sat and Sun. Thanks Richard, this is great advice....