Short answer

A replica IW371655 is a copy of an IWC Portugieser Chronograph. Replicas of this reference sell for $230 to $900. No replica uses an IWC movement. Most run an Asian Valjoux 7750 or a decorated copy of it. The two subdials sit at 12 and 6. A date window at 3 is the main tell. Most listings give a 41 mm steel case, sapphire crystal, and a leather strap.

What IW371655 Is

IWC sorts the 3716 block under the Portugieser Chronograph line. The current catalog lists a 41 mm case, 13.1 mm thickness, 3 bar water resistance, and in-house Cal. 69355. Earlier 3714 models use a 40.9 mm case and Cal. 79350, a Valjoux 7750 base. IWC does not publish a spec sheet for every sub-reference such as 371655, so dial color and strap vary by edition. Check the dealer's own photos before you buy.

Movement tiers

  • Budget, $230 to $350: Asian 7750. Subdials at 12 and 6. Hand winding feels rough. Rotor noise.
  • Mid, $350 to $550: Seagull ST19 or improved 7750, decorated rotor, cleaner dial print.
  • Top, $550 to $900: "super clone" builds from shops that replica forums name, such as ZF. Thickness within 0.5 mm of 13.1 mm, sapphire with AR coating, alligator-style strap.

Checks before you buy

  1. Subdial layout. 12 and 6. No date at 3.
  2. Case thickness. Target 13.1 mm. Copies run 13.5 mm to 14.5 mm.
  3. Hands. Leaf shape, polished, no burrs at the tips.
  4. Dial print. "IWC" and "SCHAFFHAUSEN" under 12. Sharp edges, no bleed.
  5. Crystal. The real watch uses box sapphire with AR coating. Many replicas use flat sapphire with no coating.
  6. Strap. Genuine ships on alligator. Copies ship on cowhide or PU.
  7. Weight. A steel 41 mm chronograph head sits near 75 g. Light copies fall below 60 g.

Market facts

Steel IWC Portugieser Chronograph models trade at $5,000 to $7,500 on the secondary market, based on recent sold prices. Replica resale value is zero. Parts do not come from IWC, so a failed chrono module means a new movement. Water resistance on a replica is not tested. Keep it away from water.

Legal note

Selling a replica as a genuine watch is a crime in the US under 18 U.S.C. 2320. US and EU customs seize counterfeit shipments. A seized package is not refunded.