Answer First

A replica Portugieser Annual Calendar is a copy of the IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar. The genuine watch has a 44.2 mm case, calibre 52850 movement, and a 7-day power reserve. It shows month, date, and day. It needs one adjustment each year at the end of February. Replicas range from $120 to $800. Most do not copy the annual calendar mechanism. They use a standard day-date module instead.

What the Genuine Watch Does

IWC launched the Portugieser Annual Calendar in 2015. The main reference is IW503501. The movement is calibre 52850. It has a Pellaton winding system and a 168-hour power reserve. The dial has separate displays for month, date, and day. The month display sits in a curved aperture. The date and day sit in windows on the dial. The annual calendar tracks 30 and 31 day months. It does not track leap years. On March 1, the owner advances the date by one day.

Replica Tiers and Prices

Replica sellers list three tiers. Low-tier models cost $80 to $150. They use a 21-jewel automatic movement. The month indicator is fake or fixed. Mid-tier models cost $200 to $350. They add a working month wheel. The date and day change at midnight. High-tier models cost $400 to $700. They copy the case shape, dial layout, and sapphire crystal. Movement is a modified Seagull ST25 or Miyota 9100.

How to Check a Replica

  • Case thickness: genuine is 15.3 mm. Many replicas are 16 to 18 mm.
  • Dial printing: genuine numerals are thin and crisp. Replicas may show thick text.
  • Calendar action: genuine date jumps at midnight. Replicas may creep or jump late.
  • Movement: genuine has a gold rotor and Côtes de Genève. Replicas have a plain rotor.
  • Correctors: genuine uses recessed pushers on the case side. Replicas use pins that need a tool.

What Replicas Do Not Copy

Replica movements do not match the IWC calibre 52850. The Pellaton winding system is absent or simulated. The power reserve on replicas is 40 to 48 hours. The annual calendar logic is not replicated on most models. On many replicas, the month must be set by hand each month. The caseback engraving differs in font and depth.

Buying Notes

Replica sellers list prices from $120 to $800. Shipping is from China. Delivery takes 10 to 30 days. Returns are few. Ask for photos of the actual watch. Ask for a video of the calendar change. No replica matches the original in every detail. Check the seller return policy before payment.