1 Discussions and CommentsMember since May 8, 2012
I am about to purchase my first IWC, and am torn between the Portofino Chronograph (black face, with Milanese mesh bracelet), and the Aquatimer Chronograph (blue face & rubber bracelet).
My budget won't stretch to both, and I seem incapable of making a decision...
I would think it depends on your lifestyle and intended use. They are both great watches, but the Portofino is dressier and the Aquatimer sportier. If you wear sports jackets, etc. you definitely should get the Portofino. If you are more casual or engage in a lot of active sports, the Aquatimer gets my vote.
You can't go wrong with either. If it's a dilemma, it's a win-win one.
2,908 Discussions and CommentsMember since Nov. 14, 2008Taylor, TX,
United States
I think Michael pretty much summed it up about choosing the watch that fits your lifestyle. The only thing I might add is the Portofino could probably be worn with more casual attire, but the Aquatimer IMHO isn't a 'dress up' watch. Since it's your first, versatility is a legitimate consideration.
Best regards, Jim
"We are the other people, we are the other people...you're the other people too!" Frank Zappa
1,812 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 4, 2003White House, NJ,
United States
I agree with Jim and Michael I'm lucky to have both and find that I wear my blue dial AT far more often then the Portofino, both are great. But if you don't have to be dressed up all day every day I chose the AT, just my humble opinion. Either way, please post your decision and enjoy the hunt.
1,590 Discussions and CommentsMember since May 16, 2002
I don't disagree with anything said per above but the Portofino with black face has no lume, this is common to all Portofino. This makes it difficult to read in dim light situations, have you thought of the white dial variant?
927 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 2, 2012London,
United Kingdom
they are such different watches i suspect you're going to end up with both in due course - so i say choose the one you'll wear the most now (but don't 'sweat' too much because you will be getting the other eventually anyways...)
1 Discussions and CommentsMember since May 8, 2012
I go for the portofino chrono. I myself just purchased one last November and love it. I dress it up and down which brings me to another question for you avid IWC lovers. I have the light faced chrono and i usually wear this with a black leather band. I did just purchase a brown leather band to make this more versatile. However, these leather bands tend to get gross after a while especially with the humidity in my home state of Florida. I am not yet sold on the Milanese Bracelet and the pricing seems steep to get this as well. Can someone sell me on buying the milanese bracelet.
1,590 Discussions and CommentsMember since May 16, 2002
The Milanese bracelet is made for the current Portofino steel range, whether auto, chrono or 8 day. If you do not like it then you have two choices, an after market bracelet or your next IWC that comes with a bracelet like an Aquatimer or Pilot with bracelet. The latter solution is part of the virulent virus that is common with forum members, it's called Not Enough Watches. It's not terminal but it can punish the wallet with serious abuse.
My budget won't stretch to both, and I seem incapable of making a decision...
Any thoughts?
You can't go wrong with either. If it's a dilemma, it's a win-win one.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Best regards,

Jim
"We are the other people, we are the other people...you're the other people too!"
Frank Zappa
Either way, please post your decision and enjoy the hunt.
Kevin
Cheers Greg Chalk

Cvanwhite at aol dot com
Last edited: 21 February, 2013 - 13:47
The watch is more "multi" usable in my opinion.
Good luck with your decision,
Cheers
Bas dekkers
bdekkers@sysqa.nl
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Last edited: 17 September, 2012 - 19:36
good luck!
thang
iwcforummer@outlook.com
Last edited: 21 April, 2013 - 08:55
Cheers Greg Chalk

Cvanwhite at aol dot com
Last edited: 21 February, 2013 - 13:47