What a fake Portofino 42 is
A fake Portofino 42 is a replica of the IWC Portofino Chronograph 42mm. The genuine watch has a 42mm stainless steel case, a chronograph movement, and a sapphire crystal. Replicas copy the look. They do not match the movement, materials, or finishing.
Genuine specs
- Case diameter: 42mm
- Case thickness: 13.5mm
- Movement: IWC calibre 79320, automatic
- Power reserve: 44 hours
- Water resistance: 30 meters
- Crystal: sapphire, antireflective on both sides
How to spot a fake Portofino 42
- Check the subdial spacing. Genuine chronograph subdials sit at 12, 6, and 9 o'clock. Many fakes use a 3, 6, 9 layout.
- Look at the date window. Genuine date sits at 3 o'clock. Fakes may add a magnifier or use a different font.
- Inspect the caseback. Genuine has an engraved reference number and sapphire display back. Fakes use mineral glass or solid steel.
- Weigh the watch. Genuine weighs about 90 grams with strap. Fakes use alloys and weigh less.
- Test the chronograph pushers. Genuine pushers have resistance. Fakes have no resistance.
Movement details
The IWC calibre 79320 is a modified ETA 7750. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Fakes use Chinese chronograph movements. They often have a 21,600 vph rate. The rotor on a fake may be noisy. The power reserve on a fake is shorter.
Price and market
A genuine Portofino Chronograph 42 costs about $5,000 to $6,000. A fake costs $200 to $500. No fake uses a real IWC movement. No fake has IWC warranty or service.
What to do
If you want a Portofino 42, buy from an authorized dealer. If you buy used, ask for service records. A watchmaker can open the caseback and verify the movement. That check takes 10 minutes.