The fake Portugieser Automatic 42 is a replica of IWC's 42.3 mm Portugieser Automatic, and the strongest versions copy the case profile, the lacquered dial with small seconds at 9 o'clock, and the open caseback that displays a decorated automatic movement. Buyers comparing it with the genuine calibre 52010 usually check three things first: dial printing, rotor finish, and power reserve.

Fake Portugieser Automatic 42: Key Specs

  • Case: 42.3 mm diameter, roughly 14 mm thick, 316L or 904L stainless steel, polished bezel with brushed flanks
  • Dial: lacquered or sunburst finish, applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9, small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock
  • Movement: decorated automatic at 28,800 vph, usually 40 to 72 hours of power reserve, versus 168 hours on the genuine 52010
  • Crystal: sapphire on the front, sapphire or solid caseback depending on the version
  • Water resistance: 3 bar claimed, so treat it as splash-proof only

How Do You Spot a Low-Grade Fake Portugieser Automatic 42?

Cheap copies fail on details you can see with a loupe or a phone camera. The tells below show up on almost every sub-$150 example.

  • Dial text: "IWC Schaffhausen" should be razor sharp. Bleeding or uneven lettering is a red flag.
  • Subdial hand: a smooth sweep at 28,800 vph looks fluid. A stutter or tick means a low-beat or quartz movement.
  • Date window: the aperture should sit square against the 3 o'clock index, not float above or below it.
  • Caseback engraving: reference numbers and the Probus Scafusia lettering should be laser-fine, not shallow and stamped.
  • Rotor: genuine 52010 rotors are solid gold or heavily decorated. Fakes use gold-plated brass with visible tool marks.
  • Crown: it should be signed and thread smoothly. Gritty threading points to a loose spec.

What About the Movement Inside?

Most replicas run a modified 28,800 vph Japanese or Chinese automatic hidden behind a decorative plate. Higher-tier factories fit a cloned 52010 with correct jewel count, blued screws, and Geneva stripes. No replica matches the seven-day reserve of the genuine movement.

What Should a Good Replica Portugieser Automatic 42 Cost?

Quality replicas generally sell for $300 to $700, with super clone builds reaching $800 or more. Anything under $100 almost always hides a quartz or 21,600 vph movement and a mineral crystal. Price alone is not proof of quality, so ask for macro photos of the dial, caseback, and rotor before buying.

Is a Fake Portugieser Automatic 42 Worth Buying?

It is a reasonable pick if you want the 42 mm Portugieser look without a five-figure outlay. Buy the best version you can find, budget for a service within a few years, and keep it away from water. If resale value or genuine Swiss provenance matters to you, only the real IWC will do.

FAQ

Is the fake Portugieser Automatic 42 the same size as the original?

Most good replicas match the 42.3 mm diameter and the roughly 14 mm thickness of the genuine watch, so it wears the same on a 7-inch wrist.

Does the replica have a seven-day power reserve?

No. Replica movements typically run 40 to 72 hours, so wind or wear it regularly.

Can a jeweler tell it is a fake?

A trained watchmaker can, mainly from the movement finish, the rotor material, and the caseback engraving depth.