The replica IW371779 is a copy of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph, a 41 mm stainless steel watch with a two-register dial, feuille hands, and applied Arabic numerals. The genuine version runs IWC's in-house calibre 69355, while every replica on the market uses a third-party Asian movement dressed to look like it. That one difference drives price, service life, and how quickly the watch gives itself away on the wrist.
What is the IW371779 in the real IWC lineup?
The reference sits inside the Portugieser Chronograph family, IWC's cleanest two-counter chronograph and one of its longest-running designs. Genuine specs: a 41 mm stainless steel case, 20 mm lugs, box-shaped sapphire crystal, and a dial with a 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock and running small seconds at 6 o'clock. The in-house calibre 69355 is automatic with a column wheel, a 4 Hz beat rate, and roughly 46 hours of power reserve.
Dial finishing is where the design earns its reputation. The Portugieser uses a thin railway minute track, slim applied numerals, and leaf-shaped hands that stay legible against a lacquered or sunburst surface. None of that is decorative filler. It is the part of the watch that separates a credible replica from a cheap one.
How close is a super clone IW371779 to the original?
Case and crystal are the easiest elements to copy well. A top-tier replica reproduces the 41 mm footprint, the polished bezel and lug tops with brushed flanks, and a box sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating. Weight and balance feel close to the genuine once the watch is on a leather strap.
The movement is where the gap opens. No factory produces a true clone of the 69355, so replica makers use a modified Asian 7750 chronograph movement with decorated bridges, an engraved rotor, and IWC-style lettering. It runs, it resets, and it keeps reasonable time, but the pusher feel is softer and the chronograph engagement lacks the crisp column-wheel snap.
Which details give a replica away?
- Sub-dial printing that looks thick or slightly smeared under magnification
- A flat mineral crystal instead of a domed box sapphire
- Applied numerals with soft edges or uneven polishing
- A ticking small seconds hand at 6 o'clock, which signals a quartz movement
- Misaligned chronograph hands that do not return exactly to zero
What should you check before buying a replica IW371779?
- Confirm the movement. Ask for a photo of the caseback and expect an Asian 7750-based calibre in the better tiers, not a genuine IWC.
- Look at the sub-dials. Both must be functional chronograph registers, not a cosmetic seconds hand.
- Check the crystal profile. A box sapphire with visible edge curvature and an AR tint is the correct look.
- Verify the strap. The genuine ships on alligator or calf leather with a signed pin buckle; most replicas ship on generic leather.
- Ask about the date and packaging. Reputable sellers show real photos of the exact watch rather than catalog renders.
How much should a replica IW371779 cost?
Entry-level examples with mineral glass and a thin movement typically land in the low hundreds of dollars and should be avoided if you care about longevity. Mid-tier watches with a working A7750 chronograph and a sapphire crystal sit in the middle of the range.
Super clone grade examples cost the most because of case finishing, crystal quality, and movement decoration. Prices move with dial colorway popularity and strap choice, so compare like for like before judging a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Does the replica IW371779 use a real IWC movement?
No. Replicas use third-party Asian chronograph movements, usually a 7750 derivative with cosmetic IWC engraving. A genuine calibre 69355 is never fitted to a replica case.
Can you swim with a replica IW371779?
Avoid it. The genuine Portugieser Chronograph carries only light water resistance, and replica caseback gaskets are rarely tested. Keep either version away from pools, showers, and salt water.
Is the replica IW371779 worth buying?
It is worth it if you want the Portugieser look, a functional chronograph, and a leather strap watch for daily wear. It is not worth it if you expect genuine movement architecture, factory servicing, or resale value.
How do you spot a quartz fake instantly?
Watch the small seconds hand at 6 o'clock. A smooth sweeping sweep suggests a mechanical movement, while one tick per second means quartz and a much lower grade of replica.