Would love to hear some thoughts on the Portofino 3565 white dial

Hi all!
New to the forum, this is my first post. I'm 23 years old from the US and was bitten by the watch bug soon afters getting my first watch two years ago, a Tag Heuer Aquaracer. A little while ago, I was able to find a great deal on a '95 Rolex Sub which I love as well. Both watches are great for daily and casual wear, and can take a little bit of a beating as well. I am now in the market for a beautiful, dressier time piece and have been in love with IWC for a while now. I personally feel as though no other company is able to embrace the raw simplicity and elegance IWC displays in many of their pieces. For this reason, the Portofino 356501 has caught my eye, and I am seriously considering it as my next purchase. I am aware this watch does not use a totally in house movement, but from an aesthetic standpoint, I think this watch is as beautiful as it gets. I would love to hear some insight from others on the forum about their thoughts on making this purchase. I would love to know what others think about getting this watch in spite of its movement because hey its an IWC and its beautiful, or maybe holding off on it for now.

Thanks a lot and great to be here,
Harrison

welcome harrison!

the great thing about IWC is there are many different families - so there's something for everyone. and yet despite being different, they are all somewhat 'the same' - as the vast majority of them (as you've intimated) have an understated elegance to them. there are many other watch brands out there, who's design aesthetic is busy, almost for the sake of it.

in regards to your portofino question - my view is buy the one that sings to you the most! if it's the 356501, which is a very pure classy dial... than make it yours.

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good luck,
thang

Thank you Thang! Yes there is definitely something about this time piece that keeps sticking out to me. I'll be looking to get it in the next six weeks or so.

-Harrison

I'm no connoisseur, indeed, not even knowledgeable regarding watches, but I can say with confidence that this Portofino is just beautiful in my opinion.
I have seen it in the shop and it is one of the loveliest watches.
I do hope you will post some photos. when you have the watch.
And welcome Harrison.

It caught my eye in the shop as well. Really is more beautiful than most pictures show, I'll try to take some really good ones and post here.

This was my first IWC watch and I still love it. The dial is not plain white, silver plated, and that makes a lot of difference. Shines beautifully but does not exaggerate.

Marian, I am curious as to how often and in what setting you have worn your 356501? It will certainly be my go to dress watch, but do you think it can also sometimes cross over and be a daily wearer without being too flashy? Would love to hear more about what you have to say about the time piece being an owner of one. Thanks

Harrison, I bought my wife a rose-gold midsize Porto earlier this year. She was skeptical at first, but it quickly became her favorite watch. She wears it daily, or nearly daily, in a business setting.

The Porto is anything but flashy (imo). It is anti-flashy. It sits there quietly on your wrist, exuding calm elegance and quality, and doesn't call attention to itself. Watch lovers who look beyond the usual Rolex and Speedmaster stuff recognize it immediately with its distinctive case, but mere mortals, if they notice watches at all, all seem to have similar comments - "Oh, that's a lovely watch. What is it?"

Steven

I wholeheartedly agree with this.
I was keeping it quiet until after Christmas, but I've purchased the mid size stainless steel for myself and it just takes my breath away.
Simple, unfussy, understated and beautiful.
As it's under wraps until Christmas, I won't post any pics. until then. That silver dial and gold hands are so elegant....

I can only agree as well. It was my daily wearer for a long time, now it shares the time with other IWC watches. Apart from going to games or beer or being dressed too sporty it can be worn without any concern.

All,

I'm new on this forum and I'm happy to announce hat I've just joined the "IWC owners community"! Just few words to share my experience on how I got there: Few months ago I started looking for a luxury watch as a replacement to my Longines Dolce Vita (bought 5 year ago). As I'm in the middle of my 30's, I thought that it's time for a step up. After hours of research on specialized websites / forums, I ended in hesitating between 2 models: IWC Portofino 353601 and the Rolex Explorer 1 39 MM. The first is definitely a more dressy watch that would be perfect for my week days (suit + tie) but would be odd to wear during week ends (dressing in a very "relaxed way"). The Explorer 1 offers more "possibilities" as it goes with any type of clothes (even shorts and flip flops
), so I made this pragmatic thinking and had a clear preference for the Explorer. This morning I went to the AD with the firm intention of buying the Explorer 1. Before paying, something in my head reminded me the Portofino and I asked the AD to see it again and try it (in case where)... And then the miracle happened! All these pragmatic calculations disappeared and the Portofino was so marvelous on my wrist. So I left the boutique the Portofino on my wrist which is something I wasn't even thinking about when I got there!

I'm sure that this is a classic story and it happens that people change their mind in the last second.
For the week-ends, maybe this is a good reason to dress a bit better (while remaining casual) than usual

Cheers,

Welcome to the forum. I really can't get enough of such storys! Thanks for sharing and wear your IWC in good health.

Cheers Chris

Nice story :o) Congratulation on your new Portofino, wear it in good health. And welcome to the forum.