Quick answer

The IW545142 is a dial and case variant of the IWC Portuguese Hand-Wound ref. IW5451. Replica versions sell in three tiers: about $90 to $120 for a quartz or basic build, $150 to $280 for a hand-wound 6497 clone, and $300 and up for a decorated movement with sapphire on both sides. The genuine case is 44 mm wide. A replica listed at 40 mm or 42 mm is a different watch.

IWC does not publish a separate public spec sheet for each dial variant of the 5451 line. Compare the dial color, numeral style and hand shape against a photo of the genuine reference before you pay.

What the genuine watch is

The Portuguese Hand-Wound, ref. IW5451, is a steel watch with a 44 mm case, a hand-wound movement, small seconds at 6 o'clock and sapphire crystals front and back. The line ran through several dial variants. The last two digits of the reference code mark the dial and case combination.

Specs a replica should match

  • Case diameter: 44 mm
  • Lug width: 22 mm
  • Thickness: about 10 mm
  • Crystal: domed sapphire, front and display back
  • Dial: applied numerals or batons, small seconds subdial at 6
  • Movement: hand-wound, no rotor

Movement options

  1. Quartz. Thin and cheap. The second hand ticks once per second. Skip it if you want the hand-wound feel.
  2. Asian 6497 clone. Hand-wound, about 16.5 ligne. The bare movement puts sub-seconds at 9 o'clock, so makers re-gear it to move the subdial to 6. Check the subdial position in photos.
  3. Decorated 6497 or a clone of the IWC layout. Engraved bridges, blued screws, stripes. This tier photographs well through the caseback.

Price bands

  • Under $120: quartz or basic hand-wound, mineral glass, stamped caseback.
  • $150 to $280: 6497 clone, sapphire front, plain display back.
  • $300 and up: decorated movement, sapphire front and back, closer dial print and hand shape.

Prices move. Treat these as ranges, not quotes.

Inspection checklist

  1. Subdial position. 6 o'clock on this reference. A subdial at 9 is a stock 6497 layout.
  2. Case size. Measure with calipers. 44 mm, not 40.
  3. Dial print. Check spacing of the brand text and the town name. Look for blurred serifs at 2x magnification.
  4. Hands. Leaf shape. The minute hand should reach the minute track.
  5. Winding. A hand-wound movement should give resistance through the full wind, about 40 turns. Grit or a hard stop means a bad movement.
  6. Caseback engraving. Check depth and edge sharpness of the reference and serial numbers.
  7. Strap. Genuine is alligator. Replicas ship with calf leather or synthetic. Ask which.

Known limits

Case finishing is the weak point. The genuine has a polished bezel and a brushed case band. Replicas may polish both surfaces or brush both. Dial lacquer depth also differs under raking light. No replica of this reference carries IWC service or a factory warranty.

What to ask a seller

Ask for the movement name and beat rate, the case diameter measured with calipers, the crystal material, and photos of the caseback and the subdial at 2x. Get the return window in writing. If a seller cannot name the movement, the listing is a stock-photo reseller.