Answer: "Replica Portofino 29" is not an IWC reference number. IWC does not list a Portofino with the number 29. The phrase comes from the replica trade, where sellers attach short codes to listings. In most listings the 29 points to one of three things: a 29 mm case width claim, a seller stock code, or a price band. Treat the number as a listing label, not a factory model.
What IWC makes under the Portofino name
IWC introduced the Portofino line in 1984. Current references include the Portofino Automatic 40 mm (IW3565), the Automatic 37 mm (IW4581), the Chronograph 42 mm (IW3910) and the Hand-Wound Eight Days 45 mm (IW5101). None of these carry 29 in the reference.
IWC built smaller Portofino cases for women in past decades. I found no verified IWC reference at 29 mm, so a listing that says "Portofino 29" describes a replica, not a catalog model.
Three readings of 29
- Case width. A 29 mm case sits in the women's size range. Measure the replica with calipers before you compare it to an IWC photo.
- Seller stock code. Wholesale lists reuse short numbers across batches. The same code can point to different watches from different sellers.
- Price band. Some sellers group stock by price, not by model.
Parts to check on the watch
- Case: measure width and thickness with calipers. The 40 mm Portofino Automatic is 9.5 mm thick on the original.
- Movement: three-hand replicas use an Asian clone of the ETA 2892 or a Miyota 9015. Chronograph replicas use a 7750 clone. Ask for the movement name in writing.
- Crystal: sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on the original. Check for a blue or purple tint at an angle.
- Dial: applied indices, printed minute track, date window at 3 o'clock on the Automatic.
- Caseback: engraved reference and serial. Font weight and depth vary between batches.
- Strap and clasp: leather type, stitch density, tang or deployant.
Price ranges
Three-hand replica Portofino listings run about $150 to $400. Chronograph listings run about $300 to $600. These are asking prices from public listings, not survey data. No public dataset covers replica watch pricing, so treat any figure as a sample.
Legal position in the US
Counterfeit watches carry trademarks owned by IWC Schaffhausen, part of Richemont. Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 2320. US Customs and Border Protection can seize and destroy shipments of counterfeit watches. A purchase for personal use does not create a legal right to import the item.
Questions for the seller
- What is the measured case width in mm?
- Which movement is inside, and what is its beat rate?
- Is the crystal sapphire or mineral glass?
- What is the total weight in grams?
- Can you send a photo of the caseback engraving?
What this guide does not cover
Factory names, batch numbers and production volumes in the replica trade are not published. Any guide that names a "best factory" is repeating seller claims. Water resistance on replicas is untested by any independent lab, so do not swim with one.