A replica IW371620 is a counterfeit copy of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph reference IW371620, a 41 mm stainless steel chronograph with an in-house column-wheel movement. Replica versions copy the case shape, dial layout, and branding, but almost all use third-party movements, thinner finishing, and non-original materials. Buying, importing, or reselling one in the United States carries real legal and practical risk.
What is the IWC Portugieser IW371620?
The IW371620 belongs to IWC's Portugieser Chronograph family, a 41 mm stainless steel line introduced in its current form in 2020. It runs the in-house calibre 69355, an automatic column-wheel chronograph with roughly 46 hours of power reserve.
Key specs across the 3716 series include a 13.1 mm thickness, 20 mm lug width, 3 bar water resistance, sapphire crystal, and a sapphire display back. The dial uses a vertical two-register layout with a 30-minute counter at 12 and running seconds at 6.
What do replica IW371620 watches usually copy?
Most replicas target the outside of the watch first: case dimensions, dial color, applied indices, feuille hands, and the printed IWC logo. Some sellers advertise "Swiss made" or "1:1" grading, though the labels are marketing terms with no standard definition.
- Case and bracelet: often 316L steel rather than the original's finishing standard.
- Crystal: sapphire is common, but anti-reflective coating tint and clarity vary.
- Dial: printed text, subdial depth, and hand polishing are the most visible gaps.
- Caseback: engraving depth and font weight rarely match the genuine piece.
How close are replica IW371620 watches to the original?
Externally, a decent replica can look convincing in photos and at arm's length. In hand, weight, crown feel, pusher snap, and strap quality usually give it away.
Movement
The genuine calibre 69355 is a column-wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch feel and a smooth pusher action. Replicas typically use a Seagull ST19, a modified Valjoux 7750 clone, or a modular quartz, none of which share the architecture.
Dial and hands
Genuine feuille hands are polished on all surfaces and catch light along a sharp ridge. Replica hands often show rounded edges, uneven lume, and subdial hands that sit too high or too low.
Case and crystal
Case profile, lug curve, and crystal distortion are the fastest visual tells. Many replicas run thicker than 13.1 mm because of a taller movement spacer.
What should you check before buying a replica IW371620?
- Measure thickness against the 13.1 mm genuine spec.
- Confirm the subdial layout matches the 3716 series.
- Ask for macro photos of the crown, caseback, and dial text.
- Check whether the seller offers returns or any written terms.
Are replica IW371620 watches legal in the United States?
No. Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. Section 2320, and US Customs and Border Protection can seize counterfeit watches at import. Personal-use purchases are still subject to seizure and destruction.
A replica also has no manufacturer warranty and no authorized service path. Independent watchmakers may decline to work on counterfeit movements, and resale is both illegal and effectively impossible through legitimate channels.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a replica IW371620 cost?
Prices typically run from about $200 to $600 depending on movement and finishing claimed by the seller. That is far below the genuine reference, which trades in the several-thousand-dollar range.
Can a jeweler service a replica IW371620?
Some can replace a battery or a strap, but most authorized service centers will refuse counterfeit goods outright. Parts for clone movements are often scarce.
Does a replica IW371620 hold value?
No. Counterfeit watches have no collector market, no authentication path, and no legal resale channel in the US.
Is a "Swiss made" replica IW371620 genuinely Swiss?
Rarely. The phrase is unregulated in the replica trade and usually describes a Chinese-built watch with a decorated rotor.