Top pick: a high-tier 1:1-style build of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph reference IW371408, judged on five criteria: movement type and chronograph function, dial and hand finishing, case and pusher feel, caseback engraving, and strap quality. That pick wins because the Portugieser layout is unforgiving. A wide, flat dial with a thin printed track and a clean chronograph subdial arrangement exposes sloppy work that a busy dive watch can hide. Two things to settle before the details. Counterfeit watches are illegal to import and sell in the United States. And no replica holds value, so treat any money spent as gone.
What the IW371408 Actually Is
The IW371408 sits in the Portugieser Chronograph family, a line IWC has produced across two generations. The earlier 3714 generation used a Valjoux 7750-based calibre; the newer 3716 generation moved to IWC's in-house 69355 column-wheel chronograph. Case size lands near 41mm, the dial is thin and legible, and the reference number controls small details such as dial color, hand finish, and strap. Because those details vary by reference, check the exact spec against IWC's own catalog before you compare any replica to it. Builders copy the look, not the reference sheet.
Evaluation Criteria, In Order of Importance
- Chronograph function. Start and stop the chrono. Pushers should have a short, clean travel. A mushy pusher or a second hand that stutters means a low-grade movement.
- Dial printing. The Portugieser relies on thin Arabic numerals and a fine minute track. Look for ragged edges under magnification.
- Case and crystal. Look for sharp lug edges, even brushing, and a domed sapphire with a clear anti-reflective tint. A milky or heavily blue-tinted crystal is a tell.
- Caseback. Engraving depth and font weight matter more than most buyers expect.
- Strap and hardware. Most builds ship with stiff alligator-pattern leather. Budget for a replacement strap either way.
Top Pick: High-Tier 1:1-Style Build
This tier tries to match case dimensions, dial layout, and hand geometry to the real reference, usually with a 7750-derived chronograph or a column-wheel style clone inside.
Pros
- Correct proportions and lug shape, which is the hardest part to fake
- Working chronograph with subdials in the right positions
- Better dial printing and applied numerals than lower tiers
Cons
- Highest cost of the three tiers, with no resale value
- Movement may be a modified generic chronograph, not IWC's 69355
- Still a counterfeit, so import risk is real
Use case: Buyers who already own genuine pieces and want a wear-anywhere stand-in, and who accept the loss.
Mid-Tier Builds
Pros
- Lower cost, often with a sapphire crystal and decent case finishing
- Good enough from arm's length on a dark strap
Cons
- Dial print tends to look flat and slightly thick
- Subdial spacing is often off, which breaks the Portugieser balance
- Pusher feel gives it away in seconds
Use case: Someone curious about the design who wants a low-stakes try before committing to a legal alternative.
Entry-Tier Builds
Pros
- Cheapest option and easy to replace
Cons
- Mineral glass, wrong case thickness, painted numerals
- Chronograph often does not function correctly
- Highest chance of a customs seizure
Use case: None that I would recommend.
The Legal and Practical Side
Counterfeit goods are prohibited at the US border and can be seized and destroyed, with no refund to the buyer. Selling one is a trademark violation that carries civil and criminal exposure. Practical risks stack up too: no warranty, no service network, and parts that no watchmaker stocks. If you want the Portugieser look without the risk, a pre-owned genuine 3714, a quartz dress chronograph, or a well-made microbrand with a 7753 movement gets you a working chronograph, a legal paper trail, and something you can insure.