The IW371641 is a reference in the IWC Portugieser Chronograph family. A fake IW371641 is a counterfeit watch stamped with that reference. The genuine watch holds an in-house IWC movement. Copies hold third-party movements. No photo set confirms a watch on its own.
What the genuine reference covers
IWC lists the Portugieser Chronograph with a stainless steel case, 41 mm across. Current production uses IWC calibre 69355, an automatic chronograph with a 46-hour power reserve. Earlier versions of the same family used calibre 79350, built on the Valjoux 7750 platform. The dial carries two subdials: chronograph minutes at 12 o'clock and small seconds at 6 o'clock. Hands are leaf shaped. Water resistance is 3 bar. References inside the IW3716 group differ by dial color, case metal, and strap.
Where copies come from
Counterfeit IWC watches are produced in factories in Guangdong province, China, and in smaller volumes in other countries. They reach buyers through online marketplaces, social media sellers, and sites that host photo listings. Many listings use IWC press images instead of photos of the item for sale.
Case and dial checks
- Subdial spacing. The gap between the two subdials follows the movement inside. Copies built on a Valjoux 7750 clone or a Seagull ST19 place the subdials at different positions.
- Dial printing. Check the IWC logo, the Schaffhausen line, and the subdial numerals. Stroke weight and letter spacing vary on copies.
- Date aperture. The current IW3716 group carries a date at 3 o'clock. Window shape and frame finish differ on fakes.
- Hands. Leaf hands on the genuine watch have a polished bevel. Copies show flat or rough edges.
- Case profile. Case thickness, lug shape, and bezel polish differ. Weight runs lower on most copies.
Movement checks
Open the display back. Calibre 69355 shows a rotor with IWC engraving, Geneva stripes, and a set bridge layout. Counterfeits use decorated third-party movements. Rotor text is engraved on the genuine and printed on many copies. Compare the balance wheel position and jewel count against IWC published data for the exact reference.
What photos cannot show
A photo set cannot confirm case metal, crystal material, or movement. Sellers reuse images of a genuine watch. A hands-on inspection by a watchmaker with the caseback open is the only reliable check.
Price and legal status
Genuine steel Portugieser Chronograph models sell near $8,000 USD at retail. Copies sell from about $200 to $800. Counterfeit watches are illegal to import into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize shipments, and IWC records its marks with the agency.