Fake Portofino Automatic 40: What It Is

A fake Portofino Automatic 40 is a counterfeit copy of IWC reference IW357501. The genuine watch has a 40 mm stainless steel case, caliber 35111, a 42-hour power reserve, and 50 m water resistance. Replicas sell for $150 to $400. They copy the outside. They do not use an IWC movement.

Genuine IWC Portofino Automatic 40 specs

  • Reference: IW357501 (steel, silver-plated dial, black leather strap)
  • Case: 40 mm diameter, about 9 mm thick, stainless steel
  • Movement: IWC caliber 35111, automatic, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph
  • Power reserve: 42 hours
  • Water resistance: 50 m (5 bar)
  • Crystal: sapphire, antireflective coating on both sides
  • Caseback: solid steel, engraved

How to spot a fake Portofino Automatic 40

  1. Dial printing. Genuine IWC and Schaffhausen text is sharp and raised. Replicas show thick or blurry paint.
  2. Date window. The genuine date wheel aligns with the aperture and uses a clean font. Replicas sit low or show a different numeral shape.
  3. Hands. Genuine leaf hands have polished bevels. Replicas use flat, stamped hands.
  4. Case finishing. Genuine case flanks have satin brushing and polished bevels. Replicas show rounded edges and uneven brushing.
  5. Caseback engraving. Genuine engraving is deep and crisp with the reference number. Replicas use shallow laser etching or the wrong reference.
  6. Weight and feel. The genuine steel head weighs about 55 g. Some replicas use a brass case with steel plating. Those weigh less.
  7. Crown. The genuine crown has a crisp IWC logo and smooth winding. Replicas have a shallow logo and gritty threads.

Movement differences

The genuine caliber 35111 is based on the Sellita SW300-1. It runs at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and has 25 jewels. Most fake Portofino Automatic 40 watches use a Chinese clone of the ETA 2824 or a Miyota 9015. Some use a Sellita SW200. The date change and winding feel differ. A watchmaker can identify the movement. The Portofino Automatic 40 has a solid caseback, so you cannot see the movement without opening the watch. That is why external checks matter more.

Buying notes

Ask for the reference number, a photo of the caseback, and a photo of the movement if the seller claims an open caseback. The genuine Portofino Automatic 40 does not have an open caseback. If a seller shows a display back, the watch is not genuine. Get the serial number and check it with IWC. IWC does not publish a public serial database, so contact IWC service. Prices for a used steel Portofino Automatic 40 vary. A genuine used example often sells for $3,000 to $4,500 USD. A fake sells for far less. If the price is below $2,000, treat it as a counterfeit.