The top pick for most people is a fake Portofino midsize built on a true 37 mm case with a date at 3 o'clock, clean dial printing, and a mechanical movement with a sweeping seconds hand. Midsize is a size claim first, so every other decision follows the case. Judge any copy against four criteria: case diameter and thickness, dial print and marker shape, movement behavior, and how the strap sits between the lugs. Get those four right and the watch reads correctly on the wrist. Get them wrong and the case size will be the least of the problems.
Why midsize is a size question before anything else
The Portofino family comes in a roughly 40 mm automatic and a smaller automatic that buyers usually call midsize, listed around 37 mm. That 3 mm gap changes how the watch sits on a smaller wrist. The smaller case keeps the slim bezel and simple profile of the line, but the proportions shift: the dial looks wider relative to the case, and the strap tapers into a narrower gap between the lugs.
When you shop, treat the diameter as the first filter. A seller advertising "midsize" while shipping a 40 mm or 41 mm case is selling you the wrong watch, no matter how good the dial looks in photos.
The three quality tiers you will see
Copies of this model cluster into three rough groups. Each has a clear place, and each has a clear weakness.
Tier 1: closest in proportion
These use a case cut to the right diameter with a curved lug profile and a thin bezel. Markers are applied or crisply printed with even spacing, the date sits aligned in its window, and the crystal is sapphire or a good mineral.
- Pros: proportions match the midsize idea, strap swaps are easy, seconds hand sweeps in a smooth arc.
- Cons: the highest cost of the three tiers, and resale value is effectively zero because it is a copy.
Use case: everyday wear on a small to medium wrist, where you want the slim Portofino look and plan to keep the watch.
Tier 2: correct width, thicker profile
These hit the diameter but sit taller on the wrist. Dial print is slightly heavy, and the date font can be off by a fraction.
- Pros: lower cost, still reads correctly from arm's length, wide strap selection.
- Cons: extra thickness shows under a cuff, and some versions run quartz, so the seconds hand ticks once per second instead of sweeping.
Use case: occasional wear and anyone testing whether the midsize size suits them before spending more.
Tier 3: budget, but often the wrong size
This group frequently uses a larger generic case and markets it as midsize. The dial print is soft, the case feels hollow, and the crown can sit proud of the case band.
- Pros: the lowest cost, suitable for a costume or one-off event.
- Cons: the wrong diameter defeats the reason to buy a midsize at all.
Use case: skip it if size is your main reason for choosing this model.
Movement options and what each one gives you
The real midsize Portofino runs an automatic caliber with a central seconds hand and a date at 3 o'clock. Copies split into automatic and quartz.
- Automatic copy: pros include a sweeping seconds hand and a winding feel that matches the original; cons include thicker cases and the need for service or replacement if it stops.
- Quartz copy: pros include thin cases, low maintenance, and steady timekeeping; cons include a ticking seconds hand, which is the fastest tell in conversation.
If the look matters more than the mechanics, quartz is a reasonable pick. If you want the watch to behave like the original when someone glances at your wrist, choose automatic.
Dial print, markers, and crystal
Check three things in seller photos. First, the spacing of the printed name and the marker ring: even gaps, no crowding near the date window. Second, the marker shape: short applied bars that sit flush, not painted ovals. Third, the crystal: a domed mineral lens can distort the dial edge, while a flatter sapphire lens keeps the view clean.
Strap and lug fit
The smaller Portofino case generally takes a narrower strap, often around 18 mm against roughly 20 mm on the larger automatic. Ask the seller for the measured lug width before you order a spare strap, since a 20 mm band will not squeeze into an 18 mm gap without bulging at the spring bars. Leather in a matte finish suits the line better than glossy alligator-pattern material.
Questions to ask before you pay
- What is the measured case diameter with calipers, not the listing text?
- What is the case thickness, and what is the lug width?
- Is the movement automatic or quartz?
- Is the crystal mineral or sapphire?
- Can you send a straight-on dial photo and a side profile shot?
A seller who answers with measurements and photos is easier to deal with than one who only sends marketing images.
Care and realistic lifespan
Keep a leather strap dry, wipe the case with a soft cloth, and avoid twisting the crown when it is pushed in. An automatic copy benefits from being worn regularly or wound by hand a few turns each week. Expect a copy to need attention sooner than an original, and budget for that rather than assuming it will run for years without service.