A fake IW371748 is a counterfeit of IWC's Portugieser chronograph reference IW371748. You can identify one in under a minute by checking four things: the subdial layout, the dial printing, the caseback engraving, and the weight of the case. On a genuine current generation Portugieser chronograph the running seconds sit at 6 o'clock, while most counterfeits use a Valjoux 7750 base with running seconds at 9 o'clock.
What is the IWC IW371748?
IW371748 belongs to IWC's Portugieser chronograph family, a line defined by a large round case, a thin bezel, applied Arabic numerals, and feuille hands. The reference falls inside the IW3717 number block, which IWC used for several dial and metal variations of the same chronograph. Steel versions of the family measure 41 to 42 mm across and wear larger than that number suggests because the bezel is nearly absent.
Why is the IW371748 faked so often?
The Portugieser dial is simple: printed text, applied markers, two subdials. Simple dials are cheap to copy well, which is why this model appears at every replica tier from budget quartz to so called super clone. Strong resale values on the genuine watch keep demand for convincing copies high.
How do you spot a fake IW371748?
Check the subdial layout first
Genuine IWC Portugieser chronographs place running seconds at 6 o'clock. Fakes built on a 7750 or a generic Chinese chronograph movement put running seconds at 9 o'clock and the chronograph minute counter at 12. If the small seconds hand sits at 9, the watch is not a real IW371748.
Inspect the dial printing and applied numerals
Genuine IWC printing is crisp with tight kerning and no ink bleed at the edges of the letters. Replica dials often show slightly bold text, uneven spacing in the SCHAFFHAUSEN line, or numerals that sit at the wrong height above the dial. Check the date window as well: the aperture should have a clean frame and the date font should match IWC's own.
Weigh the case and measure the thickness
A genuine steel Portugieser chronograph head feels dense for its size and lands in a narrow weight band. Fakes are lighter, and their cases are often 1 to 2 mm thicker because the copied case has to swallow a thicker movement. A caliper reading from caseback to crystal settles the question faster than handling.
Read the caseback engraving and reference stamping
The caseback should carry the reference number, a unique serial number, and IWC branding cut deep into the metal. Fakes use laser etching that looks shallow, fuzzy, or misaligned, and the same serial is frequently reused across many units. Verify the serial and reference with IWC or an authorized dealer before money changes hands.
Test the crown, pushers, and date change
Pushers on a genuine in house chronograph have short, precise travel and reset to zero in one instant. Replica pushers feel mushy or need a hard push, and the reset hand often stops a fraction off the 12 index. The date should snap over at midnight, not drift across several hours.
Quick authenticity checklist
- Running seconds at 6 o'clock, not 9.
- Case thickness within about 1 mm of spec.
- Deep caseback engraving with a serial that checks out.
- Crisp dial print and the correct date font.
- Smooth pusher travel and instant reset to zero.
How much does a fake IW371748 cost compared to the real watch?
Counterfeit IW371748 watches sell for roughly $150 to $600 depending on tier, with super clone versions at the top of that range. Genuine steel Portugieser chronographs trade on the secondary market in the several thousand dollar range, and precious metal versions go higher. That gap is the reason the fakes exist.
Does a super clone IW371748 fool an expert?
No. A watchmaker with a caseback tool identifies the movement in seconds from the finishing, the rotor engraving, and the absence of IWC caliber stamping. Even without opening it, the subdial layout, case thickness, and print quality give the watch away under a loupe.
Frequently asked questions
Can a jeweler tell a fake IW371748?
Yes. Most jewelers and watchmakers who handle IWC can flag one by handling it, and any authorized service center confirms it once the watch is opened. Bring the watch in person rather than judging from photos.
Does a fake IW371748 keep accurate time?
Some do run within a few seconds a day, since mass produced automatic movements can be regulated. Accuracy is not proof of authenticity, so never treat good timekeeping as a verdict.
Is it legal to buy a fake IW371748?
In the United States and most of Europe, importing or selling counterfeit goods is illegal and customs can seize the shipment. A counterfeit also carries no warranty or service support, because no IWC service center will work on it.
What should you check before buying a used IW371748?
Ask for the reference and serial number first, then verify both with IWC or an authorized dealer. Request macro photos of the dial, caseback, and movement, plus the original box and papers, and pay with a method that allows a dispute if the watch proves fake.