Following on from the tale of the Portofino Ref 5251, I secured two watches at the recent auction in London. Incidentally, the polishing of the Portofino acrylic crystal was done with a jeweller's polish which I bought a few years ago on the recommendation of a watch restorer. I tested a Cal 89 first, then a Ref 666 before I very gently approached the massive crystal of the Portofino. The crystal marks were very fine and soon disappeared. It was a calculated and fairly low risk.
The photo shows a Regulator against a real regulator. I don't know why IWC used the name "Regulateur" rather than the English name. Regulators were made in England and Vienna. The Wempe Book, "The art of Horological Complications" calls it an IWC Portuguese Regulator. I am sure Isobars will note that the real regulator has a 24 hour dial.
A close up of the watch.
And the fancy engraved movement.
I must admit, the bid for the Regulator was rather speculative and I wasn't sure whether I liked the Wempe mark on the dial. It's numbered and the certificate is signed by G. Kern amongst others. After a few days, the silver dial has become very seductive, particularly the Roman numerals. Of course, the seconds dial is in the wrong place but at least they found another use for the FA Jones movement. I like it.
