In the late 2000s, IWC quietly revived a line that hearkened back to its own vintage elegance—the Portofino Hand-Wound Moonphase Ref. IW544801. It emerged like a whisper among louder sports chronographs, draped in a generous 46 mm stainless-steel case and framed by a sapphire exhibition back, inviting you to glimpse the heart within. At 12 o’clock, a delicate moonphase window arcs across the dial, balancing small seconds at 6—a nod to classic watchmaking symmetry made possible by the manual-wind Caliber 98800, itself rooted in IWC’s esteemed Jones pocket-watch lineage.

What makes the IW544801 more than just elegant proportions and vintage charm is its mechanical poetry. Unlike typical moonphase displays corrected by recessed pins, this one resets seamlessly via the crown—a practical nod to daily wear. Even more remarkable: its moon-phase mechanism achieves precision so refined it drifts merely one day every 122 years, a feat rarely found outside grand complications.

Yet, despite such thoughtful design, the Portofino Moonphase vanished from IWC’s press narratives. It wasn’t showcased on the brand’s website or press releases—just quietly produced, between 2008 and 2012, in line with IWC’s understated Portofino aesthetic

Model – Portofino
Reference – IW544801
Year – 2008
Size – 46mm
Dial – Black
Case Material – Steel
Bracelet Material – Leather
Movement – Wand Wound
Power Reserve – 46hrs
Water resistance – 30m
Condition – 8/10
Accs – Full Set
Remarks –