A fake IWC Portugieser is a counterfeit watch stamped with IWC markings and sold as genuine. Most copies fail on four points: the reference number on the caseback, the movement seen through the display back, the position of the subdials, and the dial print. IWC has built the Portugieser line since 1939, so counterfeits cover a wide range of designs. The checks below apply to the current chronograph and automatic models.
Check the reference number
IWC engraves the model reference on the caseback in the format IW plus six digits. Steel Portugieser Chronographs carry references that start with IW3716. The Portugieser Automatic 42.3 mm uses references that start with IW5007. The number is cut into the metal. It is not printed on a sticker or etched on a plastic back. Copies often reuse a real reference on a watch with the wrong case size or the wrong dial layout. Compare the number to the watch in hand. Ref. 3716 has a 41 mm case and a date window at 3 o'clock. Ref. 3714 is 40.9 mm and ran from 1998 until ref. 3716 arrived in 2020.
Look at the movement
Current Portugieser watches have a sapphire display back. The chronograph ref. 3716 uses IWC calibre 69355, an in-house design from the 69000 family. The Portugieser Automatic ref. 5007 uses calibre 52010 with two barrels and a 168-hour power reserve, which is seven days. A counterfeit with a solid caseback avoids this test. A counterfeit with a glass back shows a stock ETA or Seagull movement, no IWC engraving on the rotor, and plain bridges with no Geneva stripes or perlage.
Compare the dial
The dial is where copies drift most. Four points matter:
- Subdial spacing. On genuine ref. 3716 the subdials at 12 and 6 sit close to the center. Copies built on a Valjoux 7750 base push them outward.
- Numerals. IWC numerals are solid metal, polished or rhodium plated. Copies use printed or glued numerals with visible edges.
- Print. "IWC" and "SCHAFFHAUSEN" are thin and sharp. Copy print is thicker and uneven.
- Date wheel. Genuine date fonts are flat and centered in the window. Copies use a different font and sit off center.
Inspect the case and caseback
Genuine engraving is cut deep and clean. The text reads International Watch Co. and Schaffhausen, plus the reference, the serial number, and the case material. Copy engraving looks laser etched, shallow, and gray. Steel Portugieser cases have sharp lugs with brushed sides and polished bevels. Copies show soft lug edges and a polished caseback ring. Straps on current models come from Santoni or IWC's own line, with a signed pin buckle or folding clasp.
Price and paperwork
New steel Portugieser Chronographs list above $7,000 USD. Gold and platinum models cost more. An offer far below market for the reference is a warning sign. Genuine watches ship with a warranty card that lists the reference, the serial number, and a dealer stamp. Ask the seller to photograph the caseback serial next to the card. If the two numbers do not match, treat the watch as counterfeit.
Quick checklist
- Reference in IW plus six digits, engraved into the caseback.
- Sapphire back with an IWC signed rotor and finished bridges.
- Subdials tight to the center on ref. 3716.
- Applied metal numerals and thin dial print.
- Serial on the caseback matches the warranty card.
- Asking price close to market for the reference.
No single check settles the question. Work through all of them in order. A watch that fails two or more points is a counterfeit.