A fake IW371775 is a counterfeit version of the IWC Portugieser chronograph reference, built to look like the genuine watch while using cheaper materials and a non-original movement. Most copies fail in three places: the dial printing, the case finishing, and the movement behind the caseback. Those are the areas where an authentication check should start.
What the IW371775 Reference Is
The IW371775 sits in IWC's Portugieser family, a line known for a wide, uncluttered dial, a thin bezel, and a two-register chronograph layout. Genuine examples carry an IWC manufactured chronograph movement, which is the single hardest component for a counterfeiter to reproduce at scale. Because the reference is desirable and the design is simple, it is a frequent target for replica factories.
What "Fake IW371775" Usually Means
Counterfeits are not all the same quality. Sellers rarely describe the tier they are offering, so it helps to know the range.
- Budget copies: quartz or basic automatic movement, printed rather than applied indices, hollow-feeling case, poorly aligned subdials.
- Mid-tier copies: a generic automatic chronograph movement, better case polishing, but incorrect dial text weight and subdial spacing.
- High-end copies: a cloned movement, sapphire crystal, and careful finishing. These are the ones that fool buyers in photos and even in hand until the watch is opened.
Dial and Hands: Where Copies Slip First
The dial is the most photographed part of a watch and the hardest to fake cleanly. Look closely at the details under a loupe or a phone macro lens.
- Applied indices should sit flat with clean edges. Copies often show soft edges or uneven lume fill.
- Text should be crisp and evenly spaced. On fakes, letters can look slightly thick, uneven, or crowded.
- Subdial spacing should match the genuine layout. Repositioned subdials are a strong sign of a generic movement inside.
- Hands should be evenly finished with correct length. Replica hands frequently run short or show rough polishing.
- Anti-reflective coating on the crystal should reduce glare. Many copies use a plain crystal that reflects like a mirror.
Case, Crown, and Caseback
Genuine cases are machined to tight tolerances, so edges feel consistent all the way around. On a fake, the transition between brushed and polished surfaces is often blurry, and the lugs may not line up with the strap or bracelet correctly. Check the crown and pushers for smooth action and correct engraving. On the caseback, reference numbers and serial engravings on genuine watches are deep, sharp, and evenly spaced; on copies they are often shallow, thin, or slightly off-center.
Movement Checks
The movement is the clearest dividing line. A counterfeit chronograph typically uses a generic or cloned calibre with a decorative rotor plate, while a genuine watch carries IWC's own movement with the correct finishing, jewel count, and engraved markings. If the seller will not allow a watchmaker to open the caseback, treat that as a warning. Winding feel, pusher resistance, and reset behavior also differ: a genuine chronograph snaps back to zero cleanly, while cheap copies often drift or hesitate.
Papers, Price, and Seller Behavior
Price is a strong signal. If the asking price is far below the normal market range for the reference, the watch is either damaged, misrepresented, or counterfeit. Ask for the original warranty card, box, and service history, and check that serial numbers match across the caseback and paperwork. A seller who avoids close-up photos, refuses third-party authentication, or pushes for a fast off-platform payment is a risk regardless of how good the watch looks.
Quick Authentication Checklist
- Compare dial text, index edges, and subdial spacing against a known genuine example.
- Inspect case finishing, lug alignment, and crown and pusher action.
- Check engraving depth and font on the caseback and clasp.
- Have a qualified watchmaker open the watch and identify the movement.
- Verify serial numbers and paperwork, and confirm the price fits the market.
Can a fake IW371775 pass as genuine?
A high-end copy can look convincing in photos, but the movement, engraving quality, and dial finishing usually give it away under inspection. Only a watchmaker or an authorized service center can confirm authenticity with confidence.
Should I buy a replica instead of the real watch?
Counterfeits carry no manufacturer warranty or service support, and they cannot be authenticated or resold as genuine. If the goal is long-term ownership, the genuine reference holds value in a way a copy never will.