If you are shopping the replica market for the reference IW371642, you are almost certainly drawn to one thing: the dial. The Portugieser Chronograph layout is one of the cleanest in modern watchmaking, and this fake captures that balance at a fraction of the cost. It is a replica piece built for people who enjoy the look, and it is not an authentic IWC product.
Key Features
- 41 mm stainless steel case with a polished bezel and brushed lugs
- Twin-register dial: chronograph minutes at 12, running seconds at 6
- Date window at 3 o'clock, matched to the dial printing
- Domed sapphire-style crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Applied numerals and faceted leaf hands over a printed minute track
- Automatic movement with a smooth sweeping seconds hand
- Interchangeable leather strap with deployant clasp or a steel bracelet
- Splash resistance for daily wear, not rated for swimming
Materials and Specs
The case is machined from 316L stainless steel and finished in two tones, with a mirror-polished bezel sitting against satin-brushed sides and lugs. The crystal is domed to mimic the gentle distortion of the original, and the dial uses applied metal markers rather than printed ones, which is usually the first detail that gives cheap copies away. Sub-dial hands are blued or steel-toned depending on the dial variant, the crown carries a signed cap, and the caseback is a screw-down display type. Lug width is 20 mm, so most aftermarket straps fit without modification.
Shipping and Returns
Orders are packed discreetly in protective foam and shipped with tracking, typically within a few business days of payment. If the watch arrives with a defect, a wrong dial color, or damage in transit, contact support within the stated inspection window for a replacement or refund. Unworn pieces in original packaging can generally be returned; keep the box and any protective film until you have confirmed the watch runs correctly.
Is the fake IW371642 hard to tell apart from the original?
At arm's length, no. The proportions and twin-register layout read correctly. Up close, expect differences in movement finishing and dial text crispness.
How does the chronograph actually work?
The top pusher starts and stops the central seconds hand, and the bottom pusher resets it. The counter at 12 tracks elapsed minutes.
What should I check when it arrives?
Wind it, run the chronograph through a full start-stop-reset cycle, and confirm the date flips cleanly before wearing it.