What a Replica IW371408 Is

A replica IW371408 is a copy of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph, reference IW371408. The genuine watch is a stainless steel chronograph with a 40.9 mm case, a two-register dial, and IWC caliber 79350 inside. Replicas come from factories in China and sell for about $60 to $700. IWC does not make them and does not service them.

The Genuine Reference

IWC sells the Portugieser Chronograph in several dial and case versions inside the 3714 reference group. Confirm the dial color and the hands of IW371408 with IWC or an authorized dealer before you compare a replica against it.

  • Case: stainless steel, 40.9 mm wide, about 12.3 mm thick
  • Movement: IWC caliber 79350, automatic, built on the Valjoux 7750
  • Rate: 28,800 vibrations per hour, about 44 hours of power reserve
  • Dial: small seconds at 6 o'clock, 30-minute chronograph counter at 12 o'clock, leaf hands, applied numerals
  • Crystal: sapphire with antireflective coating on both faces
  • Water resistance: 3 bar, 30 m, splash protection only
  • Strap: alligator leather on a steel pin buckle

What Replica Versions Copy

Most replicas match the case diameter, the dial layout, the numeral shape, and the caseback engraving. The better ones use a 7750 clone or a Swiss ETA 7750, a sapphire crystal, and a leather strap with a steel buckle. Case shape and lug curve read close at arm's length.

Where Replicas Differ

  • Thickness. A 7750-based replica measures 13.5 mm to 14.5 mm. The genuine case is about 12.3 mm.
  • Subdial function. On the genuine 79350 the 6 o'clock subdial runs the seconds and makes one turn per minute. On a stock 7750 that subdial counts 12 hours and moves almost not at all.
  • Crystal. Many replicas use mineral glass, or sapphire coated on the outside face only. Look for a blue or purple sheen from the inner surface.
  • Dial print. Replica lettering sits heavy, and the gap between IWC and SCHAFFHAUSEN is off.
  • Strap. Replicas ship with embossed cowhide, not alligator. The grain repeats.
  • Caseback and crown. Engraving is shallow and the crown logo is soft.

Price Tiers

Quartz copies sell for $60 to $150. Automatic copies with a Seagull or a 7750 clone sell for $150 to $350. Copies with a Swiss ETA 7750, a sapphire crystal, and a closer dial sell for $400 to $700. Ask for a photo of the movement and the caseback before you pay.

How to Check One

  1. Measure the case thickness with calipers.
  2. Watch the 6 o'clock subdial for five minutes. It should complete five turns.
  3. Start the chronograph, run it 10 minutes against a phone clock, then reset. The hands should snap back to 12.
  4. Wind the crown by hand and listen to the rotor. A dry grind points to a cheap movement.
  5. Tilt the crystal toward a light. Coating on both faces cuts glare to almost nothing.
  6. Do not swim with a replica, whatever the caseback says.

Legal Note

In the United States, importing or selling counterfeit watches violates trademark law and 18 U.S.C. 2320. Customs and Border Protection can seize a shipment, including one watch sent to a home address. IWC will not repair a replica or supply parts for one, so a broken copy is a total loss.