What Is the Replica IW371758?
The replica IW371758 is a copy of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph from the 3717 reference group. The real watch uses a 41mm stainless steel case, two subdials stacked at 12 and 6, applied Arabic numerals, and leaf-shaped hands. Copies start near $60 for quartz builds and climb past $500 for super clones.
What Separates a Good Replica IW371758 From a Bad One?
Four things decide whether the watch looks right on your wrist: case profile, dial geometry, hand shape, and glass.
- Case profile: the mid-case should taper into slim lugs of about 20mm. Chunky lugs give the watch away at arm's length.
- Dial geometry: the two subdials must sit on one vertical line through the center, with even spacing between them.
- Hands: leaf hands with a polished bevel and a sharp tip. Flat stamped hands look dull and thin.
- Glass: domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating. Mineral glass shows a blue haze under shop lights.
Movement Choices and What They Cost
The 3717 generation runs a modified Valjoux 7750 base, so the closest replica option is an Asia 7750 chronograph. It gives you a working chronograph at 12 and 6, a smooth winding feel, and a rotor that spins like the real thing.
- Quartz: cheap, no chronograph depth, ticking seconds hand. Fine as a costume piece.
- Seagull ST19: hand-wound, smooth sweep, light on torque. Good if you want a mechanical feel at a low price.
- Asia 7750: automatic, correct subdial layout, 28,800 vph. The pick for anyone who wants the watch to behave like the original.
Ask the seller which movement sits inside. A vague answer about a "Japanese movement" on a $90 listing means quartz.
Case Size, Thickness, and Weight
A faithful copy measures about 41mm across, about 13mm thick, and 20mm between the lugs. Those numbers matter more than the logo on the dial.
Thickness is the hardest part to fake. Thin movements cost money, so budget replicas often run 14mm or more and sit high on the wrist. A steel case on a leather strap lands between 75g and 95g.
Dial Details to Inspect
Zoom in on seller photos before you commit.
- Subdial rings should be recessed with crisp printed scales.
- Applied numerals should catch light and cast a small shadow at the edge.
- Dial print should stay sharp at 2x zoom, not soft or doubled.
- Subdial hands should rest at zero when the chronograph resets.
Strap, Clasp, and Hardware
Most copies ship on calf leather, and the better ones offer alligator-grain leather with matching stitching. The folding clasp should close with a firm click and carry clean engraving. A loose clasp on a $400 watch tells you the rest of the build got the same treatment.
Water Resistance and Daily Wear
Treat a replica as splash-proof at best. Gaskets on budget builds sit loose, and few sellers pressure-test before shipping. Keep it out of the pool and off the shower shelf.
Price Tiers: What You Get at Each Level
- Under $100: quartz, mineral glass, printed dial, hollow lugs.
- $120 to $280: automatic movement, sapphire or mineral glass, working chronograph, decent leather.
- $350 to $600: cloned case dimensions, sapphire with AR coating, decorated 7750, sharp dial print.
Above $600 you pay for a name, not for a better watch.
How to Check a Seller Before You Pay
- Ask for dated photos of the exact watch, not stock images.
- Request a video of the chronograph start, stop, and reset.
- Confirm the movement name in writing.
- Check the return window and who pays return shipping.
- Use a payment method with buyer protection.
FAQ
Does a replica IW371758 keep good time?
An Asia 7750 clone holds within about 10 to 20 seconds a day after regulation. Quartz versions stay closer, but the seconds hand ticks instead of sweeping.
Can a watchmaker service a replica IW371758?
Any shop that works on Valjoux 7750 movements can service it. Many shops refuse replicas, so ask first and expect to pay $80 to $150 for a clean and oil.
Is the chronograph usable?
On automatic versions, yes. Run it when you need it, then reset it. Leave the chronograph running all day and you add wear to the movement.
How do I spot a low-grade copy in photos?
Check the lugs for thickness, the subdial spacing, and the reflection on the glass. Soft print and a flat crystal give it away every time.