A fake IW371745 is a counterfeit copy of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph reference IW371745. Genuine examples leave IWC's factory with an IWC automatic chronograph movement, a sapphire crystal, and a caseback engraving that matches company service records. Fakes copy the dial and case shape, then cut corners on the movement and the finishing.
What is reference IW371745?
IWC builds the Portugieser Chronograph across several reference blocks, and numbers in the IW3717xx range sit in that family. The line shares a common look: a round steel case, thin feuille hands, applied numerals, and two subdials.
Case size, dial color, and strap change from one reference to the next. Confirm the exact spec for IW371745 on IWC's catalog page or with an authorized dealer before you commit money to one.
Why does this reference get copied?
The Portugieser Chronograph is one of IWC's best-selling designs, which makes it a target. The gap between an authentic watch and a fake runs into thousands of dollars, and that gap is the entire business model.
Counterfeiters pick recognizable models. A fake IW371745 sells because a buyer spots the dial across a room, not because the watch performs like the original.
How do you spot a fake IW371745?
Authentication takes a few minutes and a loupe. Work through these checks in order and stop at the first clear fail.
- Caseback engraving. Reference and serial numbers on the original are sharp, with even spacing, and they match the paperwork. Fakes show shallow laser etching, wrong fonts, or numbers that do not appear in IWC's records.
- Movement. Where the caseback is sapphire, look for the correct calibre number, striped bridges, blued screws, and a rotor engraving that sits square. Most fakes hide a generic third-party or Chinese movement behind a decorated plate.
- Dial printing. Compare the logo, the Schaffhausen text, and the subdial rings against photos from IWC or a dealer. Fakes show thick paint, uneven letter spacing, and subdial hands that miss the markers.
- Hands and pushers. The feuille hands on the real watch are polished and taper to a fine point. Pushers on a fake feel gritty, and the crown often wobbles when you wind it.
- Case finishing. Steel is steel, but polish tells the story. Look for rounded lugs, sloppy brushing, and gaps where the case meets the bezel.
- Box, papers, and price. A full set with a warranty card that matches the serial is a good sign. A price far below market is not.
What do replica sellers mean by "Swiss replica" or "1:1"?
Those labels come from sellers. No standards body grades replica watches, and terms such as AAA, mirror quality, and Swiss movement change meaning from one shop to the next.
Replica IWC watches fall into rough tiers in practice. Cheap copies use quartz or basic automatic movements and stamped dials. Mid-tier copies add decorated movements and closer case shapes. Top-tier copies cost hundreds of dollars and still fail a movement inspection.
Is buying a fake IW371745 legal in the US?
No. Trafficking counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 2320, and US Customs can seize counterfeit watches at the border. Buying one for personal use carries less risk than selling, but the watch can still be confiscated.
The practical costs add up. IWC will not service a counterfeit, many independent watchmakers refuse them, and resale value sits near zero. Some fakes use plating that irritates skin.
What are cleaner alternatives to a fake IW371745?
If the goal is the Portugieser look at a lower price, legal options exist. A pre-owned IWC from a trusted dealer costs less than new and holds value over time.
Homage brands copy the layout without copying the trademarked logo, and they sell for a few hundred dollars. You get a working watch, a warranty, and no customs risk.
Frequently asked questions
Is IW371745 a real IWC reference number?
IWC uses the IW3717xx block for Portugieser Chronograph models. If you cannot find the number on IWC's site or in a dealer's catalog, treat the watch as suspect.
Can a dealer verify a watch for me?
Authorized dealers and the IWC service center can check a serial number against company records. They may charge a fee and will not issue a written appraisal, but a verbal confirmation helps.
How much should a genuine IW371745 cost?
Pricing depends on the dial, production year, and condition. Check IWC's retail price for the current model and compare current pre-owned listings on established marketplaces.
Do "Swiss made" fakes use Swiss movements?
Some do, most do not. Even when a fake carries a Swiss movement, the case, dial, and finishing are not IWC parts, so the watch has no collector value and no factory service path.
What should I check before buying pre-owned?
Ask for movement photos, service records, and a serial number that matches the card. Buy from a seller with a return window, and pay with a method that offers buyer protection.
Bottom line
A fake IW371745 copies a look, not a watch. Buy from an authorized dealer or a pre-owned seller with a return policy, verify the serial number, and walk away from any deal that rests on the seller's story rather than the paperwork.