Short answer

A fake IW371632 is a replica of an IWC Portugieser Chronograph. Genuine IW3716xx watches use a 41 mm stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and IWC calibre 69355. Replica versions copy the dial layout and the case shape. They do not use the IWC movement.

What the reference number covers

IWC uses the IW3716xx block for the current Portugieser Chronograph. The 41 mm case measures about 13.1 mm thick. Water resistance is rated at 3 bar. Calibre 69355 is a column-wheel chronograph with a 46-hour power reserve and a 4 Hz balance, or 28,800 vibrations per hour.

Public sources do not agree on every dial and strap combination sold under IW371632. Treat any single listing as unverified until IWC confirms the reference.

Replica price bands

  • Low tier, $60 to $150. Quartz or low-grade automatic, printed dial, mineral glass.
  • Mid tier, $150 to $300. Automatic with a decorated rotor, sapphire glass on some units.
  • High tier, $300 to $600. Copies of the 69355 layout, cloned case tooling, closer dial print.

Prices come from listings on Chinese wholesale sites and from resellers. Numbers move with exchange rates and shipping cost.

Where replicas differ

  • Case thickness. Replica cases run 1 mm to 2 mm thicker in many samples.
  • Dial print. The IWC name and the Schaffhausen text sit at a different weight and spacing.
  • Subdial spacing. The 12 and 6 subdial positions drift on cheap movements.
  • Chronograph feel. A real column wheel gives a light pusher start. Copies feel stiff.
  • Caseback engraving. Font, depth, and reference digits differ.
  • Strap. Genuine alligator is replaced by embossed calf or synthetic material.

Checks you can do

  1. Measure the case with calipers. A 41 mm case that reads 43 mm is not a match.
  2. Weigh the head. Steel Portugieser Chronographs sit near 80 g to 90 g on a strap.
  3. Run the chronograph for 24 hours. A column wheel reset snaps to zero.
  4. Read the balance rate with a timegrapher. Calibre 69355 runs at 28,800 vph.
  5. Ask for a photo of the movement with the caseback off.

Legal position in the US

Counterfeit watches fall under 18 U.S.C. 2320. Import carries seizure and civil penalties. US Customs and Border Protection destroys seized goods. Buying a replica is a risk to the buyer, and resale is a separate offense.

What is not known

No public data confirms how many IW371632 replicas ship each year. Movement origins inside replica cases are not documented by the sellers.