IWC was founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, with the goal of combining American mass-production techniques with Swiss craftsmanship to create high-quality pocket watches. The company, now known as IWC Schaffhausen, is a renowned watch manufacturer that has expanded into wristwatches and innovative materials while remaining true to its engineering-focused philosophy.

The IWC Portofino collection evolved from a design inspired by a classic pocket watch and has since become one of IWC's most successful lines, known for its understated elegance and timeless aesthetics. The full Portofino collection was officially launched in 1984, named after the picturesque Italian fishing village to evoke the spirit of la dolce vita.

At hand, we have a Portofino in a 39 mm steel case with a blue soleil-finished dial, a date function, and rose-gold hour markers paired with leaf-style hands.

Turning the watch over, you’ll find a striking “Khanjar” engraved on the case back. A khanjar is a traditional Omani ceremonial dagger with a curved, J-shaped blade. Worn by men as a symbol of status, masculinity, and national pride, it forms part of the traditional Omani dress for formal, religious, and celebratory occasions. Often ornately decorated, the khanjar is also the national emblem of Oman.

This watch was gifted to someone special by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. In the watch-collecting world, it is well known that the Sultan was an avid admirer of fine timepieces, and quite a number of Rolex, Cartier, and IWC models bearing this emblem are documented. This Portofino comes on its original IWC leather strap, fitted with a steel IWC pin buckle.

The watch includes its original inner and outer boxes, with the outer box once again featuring a red Khanjar printed on top. It also comes with its original guarantee card and a “thank you” card in Arabic.

The watch has been fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker.

Ready to make this Khanjar-engraved piece part of your story? Reach out and we’ll guide you the rest of the way.

Specifications:

IWC reference IW356523 Portofino
39 mm steel case
Blue dial rose gold markers and hands , blue date
Serial 707xxxx serial dates to the early 2010’s
IWC Leather strap and steel IWC buckle
Original IWC guarantee card
Inner and outer boxes , outer box Khanjar emblem
Fully checked by our watchmaker
One-year mechanical warranty
Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping

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IWC Portofino Blue soleil dial box and paper set" Khanjar "ref IW356523

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