The IWC Portofino collection, a classic wristwatch, was revamped in 2015, but it remains a favorite among connoisseurs. The Italian fishing village along the Ligurian coastline, known for its colorful buildings and dolce vita lifestyle, has welcomed dignitaries and royalty throughout the decades. The first model, the Ref 5251, was introduced in 1984 and featured an elegant wristwatch with bold elements like an oversized case and timeless design features like long Breguet-style hands and elongated Roman numerals. The moon phase complication, displayed in an extra-large aperture at three o'clock, is particularly memorable, housing a gold moon against a backdrop of blue. The contrast between the white subdial and the golden moon reminds people of a fried egg, making the watch known as The Fried Egg.
IWC's history of creating its own style of watches can be traced back to the 1970s when they made a pocket watch based on a large Lepine movement. Despite the ephemeral trend of a watch not exceeding 36mm in diameter, IWC never shied from producing oversized watches, a trait credited to the company's founder, American industrialist FA Jones, who emphasized good engineering and practicality over tradition. The Portofino Ref 5251 is a testament to the company's commitment to creating unique and stylish timepieces.
