Answer

A fake Portugieser Automatic 40 is a replica of the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40. The real watch has a 40.4 mm case, a 12.3 mm height, and a 5 bar water resistance rating. Fakes miss these numbers. Check the case size first.

Case Size and Thickness

The IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 measures 40.4 mm across and 12.3 mm thick. Most fakes measure 41 mm or 42 mm. Some fakes measure 13.5 mm thick. A caliper is the fastest test.

Dial and Hands

The real dial has a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock and a date window at 3 o'clock. The date font is thin and matches the hour markers. Fake dials use thicker fonts. The leaf hands on a fake are often too short or too flat. The minute track on a fake can be misaligned.

Movement

The real watch uses IWC calibre 82200. This movement has Pellaton winding, 60 hours of power reserve, and 31 jewels. It beats at 28,800 vph. A fake uses a generic movement. Common fake movements include the Miyota 8215 and the ETA 2824 clone. The rotor on a fake has shallow engraving. The real rotor has deep, crisp letters.

Case Back and Engravings

The real case back has a sapphire crystal. The reference number and serial number are laser engraved. The letters are sharp. A fake case back uses mineral glass or plastic. The engravings look sandblasted. The screws on a fake are often wrong. The real screws sit flush.

Weight and Feel

A real steel Portugieser Automatic 40 weighs about 80 grams on a leather strap. A fake weighs less. The fake case feels light. The crown on a fake turns with grit. The real crown has a smooth action.

Serial and Papers

IWC keeps a record of each serial number. A fake serial number does not match the reference. The papers on a fake have spelling errors. The warranty card on a fake has a wrong font. Ask for a movement photo. A real movement photo shows the IWC logo and the calibre number.

Quick Checks

  • Case: 40.4 mm
  • Thickness: 12.3 mm
  • Water resistance: 5 bar
  • Small seconds at 6 o'clock
  • Date at 3 o'clock
  • Calibre: 82200
  • Power reserve: 60 hours
  • Winding: Pellaton
  • Frequency: 28,800 vph
  • Jewels: 31
  • Crystal: sapphire front and back