iwc trends 371401

I didn't expect to see a return to mesh metal bracelets from a big brand like IWC. Mesh metal bracelets, otherwise known as "Milanese" bracelet were big back in the middle of the 20th Century, but stuck around for niche use mostly on dive watches. The only mainstream brand I recall using them was Skagen. For 2011 IWC totally redesigned and reintroduced the Portofino watch. There are now four models of the Portofino - two of which will be offered with a metal Milanese strap. Those two models being the above seen chronograph, as well as the three-hand automatic. The Chronograph is 42mm wide, while the three-hand automatic I believe is 40mm wide. The watches comes in two dial colors - the off-white, and a slate gray. Each has a few red accents on the dial for color. The Milanese strap is quite nicely done - as IWC has been able to overcome the biggest problem with the strap - adjustability. By giving it a strap like buckle, the wearer can adjust its size. The metal is thick, but smooth to the touch, and looks quite good in a retro sort of way. Will this signal a major return of Milanese style straps? Hard to say, but they do look nice on these new Portofino timepieces. Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

In addition to sharing with you an article I wrote for AskMen.com about the cool IWC Da Vinci Ceramic Chronograph watch, I wanted to share images I took of the watch. It is probably the first IWC Watches?Da Vinci watch that I could see myself wearing. The automatic movement is the same as the one used in the new IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph watch, but the style is totally different. Who would have thought that IWC would have dreamed up a use for ceramic in their typically high-brow Da Vinci collection. A sporty Da Vinci you ask? Well yes, here it is. The unusually shaped tonneau steel case sandwiches black ceramic segments, and there is the pretty cool coated, woven fabric strap. The dial is quite three dimension with lots of areas of interesting and textures. The chronograph is for a full 12 hours, as the upper dial has two hands and is used for the minute and hours. Finishing is great on the piece, and it is such an usual watch in terms of style that people won't know what this wild IWC is. The price is $16,600. Read my IWC Da Vinci Ceramic Chronograph watch article on AskMen.com here