A fake IWC IW371438 is almost always exposed by three things: the chronograph subdials sit in the wrong positions, the "blued" hands are painted instead of heat-blued, and the caseback engraving is shallow or misspelled. The genuine reference is a stainless steel Portuguese Chronograph with a 40.9 mm case, 12.3 mm thickness, a Calibre 79350 movement, and a solid engraved caseback.
What Is the IWC IW371438?
The IW371438 is a stainless steel Portuguese Chronograph from IWC Schaffhausen, part of the classic 3714 family. It measures 40.9 mm across and about 12.3 mm thick, with a 20 mm lug width and 3 bar water resistance.
The dial carries a silver-plated finish with applied numerals and hands in a deep blue tone. Two subdials sit at 12 and 6 o'clock: a 30-minute chronograph counter above and running seconds below.
IWC retired the 3714 generation in the early 2020s, so every authentic IW371438 today is pre-owned or unsold stock. That scarcity is exactly what pushes buyers toward counterfeits.
Why Is the IW371438 Faked So Often?
The reference has everything a counterfeiter wants: a clean, symmetrical dial that photographs well, a steel case that costs little to copy, and a famous name.
The real movement, Calibre 79350, is a reworked Valjoux 7750 with the subdials relocated to 12 and 6. Reproducing that layout properly takes real machining, so most fakes cut corners.
How Do You Spot a Fake IW371438?
Case Size and Thickness
Measure the case. Genuine dimensions are 40.9 mm wide and 12.3 mm thick. Many replicas run 41.5 to 42 mm across and 13.5 mm thick, which sits noticeably taller on the wrist.
Subdial Layout and Hand Alignment
Genuine subdials appear at 12 and 6 only. Fakes built on a stock 7750 often show subdials at 6, 9, and 12, or place the two subdials slightly off center.
On a correct watch, the chronograph minute hand snaps back to 12 with a crisp reset. A wobbly or sluggish reset points to a cheap modular movement.
Blued Hands and Dial Printing
IWC heat-blues its steel hands, which produces an even, deep blue with a satin sheen. Painted or coated fakes look purple in daylight and flake at the edges.
Dial printing is razor sharp on the original. Fake dials show thick, fuzzy lettering and uneven spacing in the words "International Watch Co."
Caseback Engraving and Serial Numbers
The caseback is solid steel, not sapphire. It is engraved with the reference, a case number, the brand signature, and the Probus Scafusia motto.
Laser-etched fakes look grey and shallow under a loupe. Genuine engraving shows depth, sharp edges, and consistent letterforms.
Cross-check the case number with IWC or an authorized service center. Factory records exist for every genuine watch.
Crystal, Crown, Pushers, and Strap
Genuine watches use sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both faces, so the dial stays legible from steep angles. Single-sided or uncoated fakes glare badly.
The crown is signed and screws down smoothly, while the two pushers feel firm with short, positive travel.
The strap should be alligator with a signed buckle or deployant and correct stitching density. Most fakes ship with embossed cowhide and printed logos.
Quick Fake vs Genuine Checklist
- Case width: 40.9 mm genuine, often over 41 mm on fakes
- Case height: 12.3 mm genuine, often 13 mm or more on fakes
- Subdials: 12 and 6 only
- Hands: heat-blued steel, not painted
- Caseback: solid and deeply engraved
- Movement: Calibre 79350, 28,800 vph, roughly 44-hour reserve
- Papers and box: matching numbers and a traceable service history
How Much Should a Real IW371438 Cost?
Authentic steel Portuguese Chronographs trade on the secondary market in the low-to-mid four figures in US dollars, depending on condition, box, and papers.
Listings at a few hundred dollars are replicas, without exception. A genuine IWC alligator strap alone often sells for more than an entire counterfeit watch.
FAQ
Is a $400 IW371438 Real?
No. A genuine stainless steel IW371438 cannot be produced or sold at that price. Anything in that range is a replica or a watch with a swapped movement.
Does the IW371438 Have a Display Caseback?
No. The 3714 generation uses a solid steel caseback. A sapphire display back on a claimed IW371438 is a strong sign of a fake or a mismatched case.
What Movement Is in the IW371438?
Calibre 79350, an IWC-modified Valjoux 7750 running at 28,800 vibrations per hour with about 44 hours of power reserve.
Can a Watchmaker Confirm Authenticity?
Yes. A qualified watchmaker can open the case, inspect the movement finish and layout, and verify the case number. Ask for that inspection before paying.
Bottom Line
Request macro photos of the dial, caseback, and movement before buying. If the seller cannot supply them, or the price sits far below market, treat the watch as a fake IW371438.