A fake IW371468 is a counterfeit copy of an IWC Portugieser Chronograph. IWC lists the Portugieser Chronograph under the IW3714 and IW3716 reference prefixes. The number IW371468 does not appear in IWC's current online catalog, and it shows up in search results tied to replica sellers. Copy prices run from $60 for a quartz model to about $700 for a high grade copy with a Chinese clone of the Valjoux 7750. No fake carries a serial that IWC will verify. IWC service centers will not repair one.
What the real watch is
The IW3714 is a steel chronograph. Case diameter is 40.9 mm. Case thickness is 12.3 mm. Lug width is 20 mm. It runs IWC caliber 79350, a Valjoux 7750 base with 31 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a 44-hour power reserve. Two subdials sit at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. The dial has applied numerals, feuille hands, and no date window.
The later IW3716 uses a 41 mm case and IWC caliber 69355, a column wheel chronograph with a 46-hour reserve.
How copies are built
Three grades reach the market.
- Quartz: $40 to $120. The second hand ticks one step per second. The case is chromed brass.
- Mid grade: $150 to $350. A Chinese 7750 copy or a Seagull ST19 hand-wind movement. Case thickness lands at 14 to 15 mm.
- High grade: $400 to $700. A decorated Shanghai 7750 copy, sapphire crystal, correct 20 mm lug width.
Common faults: subdials set too far apart, wrong subdial color, a printed logo in place of an applied one, wrong font on the Schaffhausen line, and a date window the real reference does not have.
Check points
- Thickness. A real IW3714 measures 12.3 mm. Most fakes measure 14 mm or more.
- Movement. A hand-wind movement behind a caseback is wrong for an automatic reference.
- Caseback. Compare the reference, serial, and hallmark stamps against IWC's published photo for that model year.
- Crystal. Mineral glass scratches. Sapphire does not.
Serial numbers
IWC engraves a serial on the caseback. Fakes reuse one serial across a batch. A serial check with an IWC boutique or an independent watchmaker confirms whether the case matches a sold watch. Replica sellers have no access to IWC's register.
Price and market
Wholesale replica sites list the IW371468 between $120 and $700. Prices under $100 point to quartz or brass. Payment methods include crypto and wire transfer. Both remove chargeback rights.
Legal status in the US
18 U.S.C. § 2320 sets up to 10 years for a first offense of trafficking in counterfeit goods. 19 U.S.C. § 1526 bars import of counterfeit goods, including one item for personal use. CBP can seize and destroy the shipment. The seizure record holds the buyer's name and address.
How to verify a watch
- Ask for the caseback photo and the serial number.
- Ask for a movement photo with the caseback open.
- Match the reference against IWC's catalog page for that model year.
- Take the watch to an IWC boutique or a watchmaker with an IWC parts account.