What the term covers
A fake Portugieser 44mm is a replica of an IWC Portugieser with a case that measures about 44 mm across. The genuine reference behind the size is the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44.2mm. IWC uses the same case for the Portugieser Annual Calendar 44.2mm. Both have a round case, a thin bezel and a leather strap. The dial holds four subdials, a moon phase and a power reserve display. That layout makes this size harder to copy than a three-hand watch.
Case checks
Measure with calipers at the widest point of the case, not across the crystal and not across the crown. The genuine width is 44.2 mm. A listing marked 44mm that measures 42 mm or 43 mm is the wrong case. Height on the genuine perpetual calendar is close to 15 mm. A copy that measures 16 mm or 17 mm sits high on the wrist.
- Lug width: 22 mm on most 44 mm Portugieser references.
- Weight: a steel case on a leather strap runs above 100 g. A light package points to a quartz movement.
- Crown: signed with the IWC fish emblem. The perpetual calendar has one crown and no pushers on the case band.
- Correctors: recessed pushers in the case back or case side for day, date, month and moon phase.
Dial and print
Indexes are applied, not printed. The brand line reads IWC above SCHAFFHAUSEN. Subdial hands sit at the center of each subdial track. Print on copies shows thicker strokes and a flatter black. Match subdial positions against the reference you compare, because the perpetual calendar and the annual calendar use different dial layouts.
Case back and movement
The genuine 44.2 mm Portugieser has a sapphire display back, so the movement is visible. IWC fits a Pellaton-wound automatic in the 52610 family with a seven-day power reserve and two barrels. The rotor carries the Probus Scafusia engraving. Copies use a modular chronograph base or a quartz module. On those, the power reserve hand often does not track the barrel.
Moon phase and calendar
IWC states the moon phase on the perpetual calendar deviates by one day in 577.5 years, and the calendar needs no correction until 2100. A copy with a moon disc that jumps at noon, or stops, runs a different gear set. Set the moon phase and the month subdial at the same time and watch both for a week.
Price and law
Red gold 44.2 mm Portugieser Perpetual Calendar models list above USD 30,000 at retail. Copy prices sit in the low hundreds of US dollars. Under 18 U.S.C. 2320, trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal offense in the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize a shipment at the port of entry, so delivery from an overseas seller carries risk that the buyer holds.