A fake Portofino Small Seconds 39 is a replica of IWC's Portofino dress watch, built with a 39mm round case and a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The 39 is the case diameter in millimeters, not a reference code. Shoppers pick this size because 39mm sits well on wrists from about 6.5 to 7.5 inches, and the offset seconds hand gives the face a vintage feel that a center seconds dial cannot copy.
What makes or breaks this replica
Three parts decide the grade: the case profile, the dial, and the movement that drives the subdial. Get any one of them wrong and the watch reads as a cheap copy from arm's length.
- Case: 39mm across, 9 to 10mm thick, straight lugs, thin polished bezel, mixed brushed and polished surfaces.
- Dial: applied indices, a crisp printed minute track, and a subdial ring set flush with the main dial.
- Hands: leaf shape, slim profile, beveled edges that catch light.
- Movement: a true small seconds caliber. A center seconds movement with a glued-on subdial is the biggest tell.
Case and lugs
The Portofino shape is simple, which makes small errors easy to spot. Lugs should taper toward the tips and meet the case without a step or a gap. Look for a caseback that sits flush and a crown that lines up with the 3 o'clock index.
Dial and small seconds subdial
The subdial sits at 6 o'clock and holds a tiny seconds hand. On better replicas the ring is stamped into the dial, not printed on top of it, and the hour markers are applied in metal. Poor versions show a flat printed circle, mismatched fonts, and a hand that floats too far above the ring.
Crystal and caseback
Most versions ship with sapphire or mineral glass. Sapphire costs more and resists scratches. The caseback carries an engraving of the reference and a serial number. Sharp, deep engraving suggests a higher grade, while shallow laser etching that rubs off is a warning sign.
Which movement drives a fake Portofino Small Seconds 39?
Small seconds at 6 o'clock limits the movement choices. This layout needs a caliber with a gear train that runs the seconds hand off-center, or an automatic movement with a small seconds module bolted on top.
Hand-wound options
Chinese hand-wound calibers such as the Seagull ST17 family are common in this build. They are thin, which suits a dress watch, and they cost less than automatics. Expect to wind the watch each morning and expect a power reserve near 40 hours.
Automatic options with a module
Automatic versions pair a base movement with a module that shifts the seconds hand to 6 o'clock. The trade-off is thickness. A module adds about 1 to 2mm to the profile, which can push the case past 10mm and break the slim Portofino look.
Questions to ask the seller
- Is the movement hand-wound or automatic, and what caliber number is listed?
- What is the measured case thickness with the crystal installed?
- Does the seconds hand sweep or tick?
- Can you send a photo of the movement with the caseback open?
What a fake Portofino Small Seconds 39 costs
Price tracks the movement and the finish, not the badge. Most listings fall into three bands.
- $90 to $180: mineral glass, printed dial markings, basic hand-wound movement, light case.
- $180 to $350: sapphire crystal, applied indices, better strap, Seagull or an equivalent caliber.
- $350 and up: closer case proportions, decorated movement, solid bracelet or alligator-style strap, sharper engraving.
Anything above $500 for this model deserves a hard look. The real watch is not a complicated piece, so there is little reason for a copy to cost that much.
Quality check list before you pay
- Measure the case. 39mm means 39mm, give or take half a millimeter.
- Check the subdial hand. It should sweep, not jump once per second.
- Line up the indices against the chapter ring.
- Test the crown. It should pull to one position, or two if there is a date.
- Ask for photos in daylight, not studio light.
- Confirm the strap size, which is often 20mm on a 39mm case.
Is a fake Portofino Small Seconds 39 worth buying?
Buy it if you want the Portofino look on a small budget and you accept that it is a copy. Skip it if you care about resale, service history, or brand value. Replicas hold no resale value, and a watchmaker may refuse to service some movements. The real value here is the look and the fit, nothing more.
FAQ
Does a fake Portofino Small Seconds 39 keep time?
A hand-wound Seagull caliber or a basic automatic will run within about 10 to 20 seconds a day once it is regulated. That is fine for daily wear. Accuracy drifts with temperature and with how the watch rests overnight.
What strap fits a 39mm Portofino replica?
Most 39mm versions use a 20mm lug width, though some use 19mm or 21mm. Measure between the lugs with a ruler before you order a strap. Brown or black leather suits the dress style best.
How do I pick the right case size?
Wrap a tape measure around your wrist. A 39mm case suits wrists from about 6.5 to 7.5 inches. Larger wrists can wear 40mm or more without the dial looking small.
Is buying a fake watch legal?
It depends on where you live and where the watch ships from. In the United States, importing goods that carry a counterfeit trademark can lead to seizure by customs. Many countries bar the sale of replicas outright. Check your local rules before you order.