A fake IW544700 is a replica of the IWC Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère, a precious-metal watch produced in very small numbers with an exposed flying tourbillon in the dial. Because the original depends on hand finishing and a high-complication movement, no replica reproduces it exactly. What separates a good fake IW544700 from a poor one is case finishing, dial printing, and the quality of the movement behind the dial.
What the IW544700 Reference Covers
The IW5447 family sits near the top of the Portuguese line, above the standard chronographs and time-only models. The number identifies a model family rather than one single watch, so case metal, dial color, and strap choice can change the full reference. A listing that says only "IW544700" with no live photos of the actual piece is a warning sign, since the same number gets attached to very different levels of replica.
Buyers searching for a fake IW544700 usually want the visual signature of the original: a clean, wide dial, slim bezel, curved lugs, and a tourbillon opening that draws the eye. That look is achievable in replica form. The engineering behind it is another matter.
Why This Reference Is Hard to Replicate
A tourbillon is a rotating cage that carries the balance wheel and escapement, turning once per minute to average out positional error. Building one that runs reliably at a small scale costs real money, which is why most cheap IW544700 replicas do not contain one at all.
- Case proportions: thin, gently curved lugs and a polished bezel are difficult to copy without looking slab-sided.
- Dial work: applied indices, crisp printing, and even finishing on the tourbillon aperture.
- Tourbillon cage: a genuine cage rotates smoothly and silently; a decorative bridge does not.
- Crystal and coating: clarity and anti-reflective treatment change how the dial reads in daylight.
Replica Grades You Will See
Entry level
Printed dial, basic automatic movement, and a tourbillon opening that is usually just a cutout or a glued-on cage. Case edges feel sharp and the watch wears thick.
Mid tier
Better case polishing, real sapphire, and an open-heart automatic with a bridge shaped to suggest a cage. It photographs well and disappoints in person once you notice the balance wheel is not rotating around the dial.
Super clone
The top tier uses a working tourbillon movement, decorated bridges, and closer case dimensions. This is the only grade worth comparing against the original, and even here the finishing under a loupe will not match a hand-finished Swiss piece.
Details to Inspect on a Fake IW544700
- Watch the tourbillon cage for a full minute. It should complete one smooth rotation with no stutter.
- Check dial print under magnification for fuzzy edges or uneven spacing.
- Look at the lug profile from the side. Sharp corners point to a low-grade case.
- Check caseback engraving depth and serial placement.
- Feel the crown action. Gritty winding suggests a budget movement.
- Compare stated case diameter and thickness against the official specs.
- Inspect strap stitching and buckle finish, which are common shortcuts.
The Movement Inside
Ask the seller directly what powers the watch and request a video of it running. A true tourbillon replica typically uses a hand-wound Chinese tourbillon calibre, and the cage turns once per minute. A faux tourbillon uses a standard automatic movement with an open balance, which oscillates far faster and never travels around the dial. That single test separates the two grades faster than any photo.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- Is the tourbillon functional, and can you send a video of it running?
- What movement is inside, and what is its power reserve?
- Are the photos of the exact watch I will receive?
- What is the return policy if the watch arrives damaged or not as described?
- How is it packed and shipped, and who covers customs issues?
Legal and Practical Notes
Rules on buying, importing, and reselling replica watches differ by country. In the United States, trafficking in counterfeit goods is prohibited under federal law, while personal possession sits in a different category. Beyond legality, replicas do not come with manufacturer service support, so plan on a local watchmaker for regulation and any repair. Keep that in mind before spending at the super clone level.
Bottom Line
A fake IW544700 can look convincing on a wrist, but only the top grade comes close to the original's character. Judge the tourbillon first, then the case and dial finishing, then the seller's willingness to answer specific questions. If any of those three falls short, the watch is not worth the price being asked.