GR Factory IWC Portofino Automatic IW356501 “Portofino 40” White Dial Super Clone Replica

Stainless Steel · Classic Three-Hand · Date Display

This is the most honest version of the Portofino concept, and that honesty is exactly why replicas so often fail here. With no complications to distract the eye, no textures to hide proportion errors, and no sport elements to absorb mistakes, the Portofino Automatic exposes everything. GR Factory’s IW356501 works because it understands that the success of this watch depends almost entirely on restraint and long-term visual balance.

This is not a watch that impresses quickly. It is a watch that stops drawing attention altogether—and that is the harder standard.

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Correct Model Identification (Confirmed)

The watch shown corresponds to the IWC Portofino Automatic 40, reference IW356501, the stainless steel variant with a white dial.

This reference is often confused with IW356502 (black dial), but the following details confirm IW356501:

  • 40mm Portofino case in stainless steel

  • White/silver-toned dial with fine radial texture

  • Roman numeral XII at 12 and Roman VI at 6

  • Applied baton indices at remaining hours

  • Leaf-shaped hour and minute hands

  • Date window at 3 o’clock

  • “AUTOMATIC” text above 6 o’clock

  • Solid caseback

Among IWC enthusiasts, this is considered the purest expression of the modern Portofino line.


Why This GR Version Qualifies as a Super Clone

Three-hand dress watches are deceptively difficult. Most replicas fail quietly by being slightly too thick, too glossy, or too reflective. Those differences may seem minor, but they become obvious with repeated wear. GR avoids those pitfalls by not chasing drama.

The dial spacing is calm, the case profile is controlled, and nothing is exaggerated to compensate for simplicity. That is why this version holds together long after novelty fades.

It qualifies as a super clone not because it claims perfection, but because it avoids the cumulative errors that usually undermine this category.


Case Proportions and Stainless Steel Finish

At 40mm, the case sits exactly where a modern Portofino should. It wears flat and centered, with no top-heavy sensation and no unnecessary thickness under the cuff.

The polished stainless steel case is evenly finished, with clean reflections along the bezel and lugs. GR avoids the overly mirror-like polishing that often makes replicas feel artificial indoors. Edges remain defined, which helps the watch retain its shape visually over time.

Lug length and curvature are well judged, allowing the strap to fall naturally without forcing the case upward on the wrist.


Dial Tone and Long-Term Readability

The white dial is restrained and slightly warm rather than stark. Under soft indoor light it appears calm and neutral; under direct light the fine radial brushing becomes visible, then recedes.

Key details that hold up with daily wear:

  • Roman numerals are correctly proportioned and not oversized

  • Applied baton indices are slim and evenly aligned

  • Date window size and placement remain unobtrusive

  • Printed minute track spacing stays consistent

Nothing on the dial competes for attention. The eye always reads the time first, which is exactly how this watch is meant to function.


Crystal and Reflection Behavior

The watch uses a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The AR treatment is subtle, avoiding the blue or purple tint that often reveals replicas in office lighting.

Reflections remain soft rather than flattening the dial, allowing the applied markers and hands to retain depth from multiple angles.


Movement Architecture and Ownership Reality

GR Factory equips this model with an automatic movement based on the Asian 2892 architecture, selected for thinness, stability, and serviceability.

This choice prioritizes real ownership behavior:

  • Stable daily timekeeping

  • Clean and centered date switching

  • Controlled hand-setting feel

  • Slim profile that preserves correct case thickness

There is no attempt to cosmetically imitate IWC’s in-house calibers, which would add thickness without improving wearability. The result is a watch that behaves predictably rather than theatrically.


Strap and Wearing Comfort

The watch is fitted with a black calfskin leather strap, lightly padded with clean edge finishing. It balances the white dial without drawing attention away from it.

The strap breaks in evenly and maintains structure, keeping the watch centered during long wear sessions. Lug width and taper are proportioned correctly for the 40mm case.


Who This Watch Is For

This model suits wearers who want a neutral, dependable dress watch that never feels out of place. It works in professional environments, formal settings, and daily rotation where understatement matters more than presence.

It is not intended for those seeking visible mechanics or bold character. This watch is designed to disappear—and remain correct while doing so.


GR Replica vs Genuine Comparison

Feature GR Factory Super Clone Replica Genuine IWC IW356501
Model Reference IW356501 IW356501
Case Diameter 40mm 40mm
Case Material Stainless steel Stainless steel
Crystal Sapphire with AR coating Sapphire with AR coating
Movement Automatic, 2892-based IWC-modified automatic caliber
Dial Color White / silver tone White / silver tone
Date Function Yes Yes
Strap Black calfskin leather Alligator leather
Caseback Solid Solid
Water Resistance Daily wear resistant 30m

This GR Factory Portofino Automatic IW356501 succeeds by staying visually disciplined and mechanically conservative, making it one of the safest replica choices for those who value long-term coherence over immediate impact, with the final judgment left—where it belongs—to the wearer.

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