A fake Portugieser Automatic 42 is a replica of the IWC Portugieser Automatic, reference IW5007, built to copy the 42.3 mm case, the three-counter dial layout, and the look of the in-house calibre 52010. The genuine watch is defined by three dial features at the same time: small seconds at 9, a power reserve indicator at 3, and a date window at 6. That layout, more than the logo, is the fastest way to sort a good replica from a poor one.
What defines the genuine Portugieser Automatic 42?
The original uses a 42.3 mm case in steel or precious metal, roughly 14.5 mm thick, with a domed sapphire crystal and a display back. Inside sits the calibre 52010, a double-barrel automatic with Pellaton winding and a 168-hour (7-day) power reserve. It beats at 28,800 vph with 31 jewels.
How can you spot a fake Portugieser Automatic 42?
Case size and thickness
Most replicas miss the profile. A correct case measures 42.3 mm across, so anything listed at 41 mm or 43 mm comes from a different mold. Thickness is the bigger tell, because replica cases often run 1 to 2 mm thicker to fit a substitute movement.
Dial, hands, and printing
Check the power reserve track and the date font first. Genuine numerals are applied and polished, while cheaper replicas use printed or glued markers that sit flat under the crystal. Sub-dial edges should be crisp, and the date window should align at 6 o'clock.
Movement and power reserve
A working 7-day power reserve indicator is rare in replicas. Many fake Portugieser Automatic 42 watches show a decorative indicator that never moves, or a rotor engraved to imitate calibre 52010. If the reserve hand does not travel across the scale when you wind the watch, the function is not real.
Case back and engraving
Genuine engraving is deep, even, and machine-cut. Replicas often use shallow laser etching with soft edges, mismatched reference numbers, or a sapphire back that reveals an unfinished movement. Compare the reference number on the back with the one on the paperwork.
What movement is inside replica Portugieser Automatic 42 watches?
Most versions use a modified Asian automatic movement, often a 7750-derived base with the chronograph parts removed or left unused. Better tiers use a decorated clone with a faux Pellaton rotor and a cosmetic double barrel. None of these match the true 168-hour reserve of the calibre 52010.
How much do fake Portugieser Automatic 42 watches cost?
Entry replicas sit in the low hundreds, mid-tier versions in the several-hundred range, and top-tier first copy builds higher still. Price follows the movement, the crystal coating, and the dial finishing. A seller who cannot name the movement tier is usually selling the entry level.
Quick checklist before you buy
- Case listed at 42.3 mm, thickness close to 14.5 mm.
- Power reserve hand actually moves when wound.
- Small seconds at 9, reserve at 3, date at 6.
- Applied polished numerals, not printed.
- Matching reference number on the case back.
FAQ
Is a replica Portugieser Automatic 42 waterproof?
Do not assume it. Replica cases rarely carry the genuine rating, and gasket quality varies by batch. Keep any fake away from swimming and showers.
Will a watchmaker service a fake Portugieser Automatic 42?
Some independent watchmakers will, and many will not. Parts for clone movements are hard to source, so a service can cost as much as the watch itself. Ask before you buy.