The replica IW371652 is a counterfeit copy of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph, a 41mm stainless steel watch with a two-register dial and the in-house calibre 69355. Genuine examples sell for roughly $7,900 to $8,800, while replicas run about $250 to $600 depending on movement and finishing. The best copies match case dimensions and dial layout closely; the weakest ones miss subdial spacing and case thickness by a visible margin.
What is the IW371652?
IW371652 belongs to the IWC Portugieser Chronograph reference family, which uses a 41mm case, a slim bezel, and a clean two-register face. The layout places a 30-minute chronograph counter at 12 o'clock and running seconds at 6 o'clock, with feuille hands and applied numerals. Inside, the genuine watch carries the calibre 69355, a column-wheel chronograph with roughly 46 hours of power reserve and a closed steel caseback.
All references in this line share the same case and movement, so dial color is the main difference between variants. That matters for buyers because replica makers reuse one base case and swap dials, which is where color accuracy usually fails. Genuine dials use lacquer or sunburst finishing that shifts tone under angled light, while cheap copies look flat.
How much does a replica IW371652 cost?
Pricing splits into three tiers, and the gap between them is mostly movement and hand-finishing quality.
- Budget tier, $80 to $180: quartz or basic automatic movements, mineral glass, printed subdials that sit too far apart, and a case that feels light and hollow.
- Mid tier, $220 to $380: Asian 7750-derived automatic chronograph, sapphire crystal, closer subdial spacing, and decent brushing on the case.
- Top tier, $400 to $600: decorated clone or heavily modified chronograph movement, correct 13.1mm thickness, better dial printing, and properly recessed subdials.
How can you spot a low-quality replica IW371652?
Inspect the watch in raking light and check four things before anything else.
- Subdial spacing. The two registers should sit close to the center, leaving short stubs on the chronograph hands. Wide spacing is the clearest tell of a standard 7750 base.
- Case thickness. A genuine Portugieser Chronograph is 13.1mm thick. Copies built on thicker movements often measure 14.5mm or more and sit high on the wrist.
- Dial printing. Text should be crisp and level, with correct spacing between the brand name, the automatic line, and the Swiss-made marking at 6 o'clock.
- Pusher feel. A column-wheel movement starts and stops with a light, distinct click. A cam-actuated copy feels mushy and the chronograph hand may stutter.
Also check the date aperture if your reference has one. Misaligned windows, an off-center number, or a font that is too bold are common faults on mid-tier copies. Ask the seller for a straight-on dial photo and a caseback measurement photo before paying.
Is buying a replica IW371652 legal in the United States?
No. Importing or selling counterfeit watches is trademark infringement under 18 U.S.C. 2320, and US Customs and Border Protection seizes shipments without compensation to the buyer. First-offense trafficking can carry fines and imprisonment. Buying for personal use is lower risk, but the package can still be destroyed at the border and the money is lost.
There is also a practical downside. Replicas have no warranty, no service network, and no resale value. A $500 copy typically resells for a fraction of that, while a genuine IWC holds most of its value.
Do replica IWC Portugieser watches keep good time?
Top-tier copies with a regulated Asian 7750 or clone movement often run within 10 to 20 seconds per day, which is acceptable for daily wear. Budget quartz versions keep better time but feel wrong on the wrist and rarely include a working chronograph. Servicing is difficult because most watchmakers will not touch counterfeit movements, and parts are not standardized between batches.
What should you check before buying?
Request a video of the chronograph starting, stopping, and resetting to zero, plus weight and thickness measurements. Confirm the crystal is sapphire by asking for a water-drop or scratch test, since many listings claim sapphire while shipping mineral glass. Compare the seller's photos against official product images for the exact reference, paying attention to hands, numerals, and dial finish.