Quick answer
A fake Portugieser 40mm copies the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40, reference family IW3583. The genuine case measures 40.4 mm across and 10.8 mm thick. Replica cases run larger and thicker, often 41 mm to 42 mm wide and 11.5 mm to 12.5 mm tall. A caliper settles the question in under a minute. Measure the case before you look at the dial.
Genuine numbers to check against
- Case diameter: 40.4 mm
- Case height: 10.8 mm
- Movement: IWC calibre 82200, in house, Pellaton winding
- Beat rate: 28,800 vph, 4 Hz
- Power reserve: 60 hours
- Water resistance: 5 bar
- Crystal: sapphire front and back
- Dial: small seconds at 6 o'clock, applied numerals
Where replicas differ
Case and thickness
A replica case holds a third party movement, so the mid case grows. Extra height shows at the caseband. The bezel bevel reads wider. Lug tips sit lower against the strap. Compare the head weight on a scale against a documented figure for the reference.
Dial and hands
Genuine applied numerals have polished edges and a flat top face. Replica numerals show rounded edges and weaker polish. Check the subdial ring: its width, its printing, and the length of the small seconds hand. Text spacing around the word "Automatic" is a second tell.
Movement
Calibre 82200 uses a Pellaton winding system with ceramic components. The rotor and bridges are visible through the caseback. Replica builds use a Miyota 9015, a Seagull ST2130, or a 2892 pattern with a decorative plate on top. Rotor engraving is shallow. Bridges show tool marks. Winding feels coarse at the crown.
Caseback
Engraving depth and letter shape differ. The reference number and serial sit in set positions. Sapphire fit is flush on the genuine watch. Replica casebacks sit proud or show a glue line.
Checklist
- Measure diameter and thickness with a caliper.
- Photograph the dial at 10x and compare numeral edges.
- Count beats: a 4 Hz movement ticks 8 times per second.
- Compare caseback text to the reference number published by IWC.
- Weigh the watch head.
Price and legal note
A steel Portugieser Automatic 40 lists at about USD 7,000 to 8,500 at retail. Replica listings run USD 300 to 700. Selling a counterfeit watch is a federal crime in the US under 18 U.S.C. 2320. Buying for personal use carries no federal penalty for the buyer. Customs can still seize an imported shipment under 19 U.S.C. 1526.
No measurement data exists for every replica batch. Sample sizes vary between factories and between production runs, so treat any single measurement as one data point.