Short answer

A fake Portugieser Automatic 42 is a replica of IWC reference IW5007. The genuine watch has a 42.3 mm case, the in-house caliber 52010, and a 168-hour power reserve. Replicas copy the outside. None copy the movement. Prices for replicas run from about $80 to $600. The genuine steel model sells near $12,500.

Genuine specs to compare against

  • Case: 42.3 mm diameter, about 14 mm thick, stainless steel or gold.
  • Dial: small seconds at 9 o'clock, power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock, date at 6 o'clock.
  • Movement: IWC caliber 52010, Pellaton winding, twin barrels, 168 hours of reserve.
  • Crystal: sapphire, front and caseback.
  • Water resistance: 3 bar, about 30 m.
  • Strap: alligator leather on a pin buckle.

What replicas get right

Case diameter, dial layout, and hand shape. Most replicas match the 42 mm footprint and the two subdial arrangement. The outer minute track and the leaf hands read close to the original at arm's length. Photo listings look correct because the seller shoots the dial straight on.

Common tells

  1. Power reserve hand. On most replicas the hand at 3 o'clock does not track the mainspring. It sits in one place or moves with the date. The genuine hand falls as the barrel unwinds.
  2. Movement. The caseback shows a decorated rotor over an Asian automatic. Engraving depth and bridge finish differ from the genuine caliber.
  3. Date at 6. Font weight and window cut differ. The genuine date wheel sits flush with the dial print.
  4. Thickness. Replica cases measure 14.5 mm to 15 mm. The genuine case is about 14 mm.
  5. Applied indices. Genuine markers are applied and polished. Low-tier replicas print them on the dial.
  6. Crown. Thread count and logo engraving vary. Some replicas use a generic crown.

Price tiers

  • $80 to $150: printed dial, quartz or basic automatic, no working reserve.
  • $200 to $350: applied markers, sapphire front, decorated rotor.
  • $400 to $600: closer case profile, sapphire on both sides, better date font.

No replica in any tier copies the Pellaton winding system or the 7-day reserve. Weight is not a reliable tell on its own. Two replicas from the same factory can differ in grams.

Legal note

In the United States, 18 U.S.C. § 2320 covers trafficking in counterfeit goods. Sale is a federal crime. Customs can seize shipments. Buying for personal use sits in a gray area that varies by state.