IWC reference IW371655 is the Portugieser Chronograph in stainless steel with a blue dial. The genuine watch measures 41 mm across, runs IWC caliber 69355, and has no date window. Replica versions sell for about USD 250 to USD 700. They copy the case shape, the two-subdial dial, and the strap. They do not copy the movement, the finishing, or the case tolerances.
Genuine IW371655 specifications
- Case: stainless steel, 41 mm diameter, 3 bar (30 m) water resistance
- Dial: blue, no date window
- Layout: chronograph counter at 12 o'clock, small seconds at 6 o'clock
- Movement: IWC caliber 69355, automatic, column wheel chronograph, 46-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph
- Crystal: sapphire front and back, display caseback
- Strap: leather with a steel pin buckle or folding clasp
The 3716 generation
IWC launched the current Portugieser Chronograph in 2020 as reference 3716. The earlier 3714 generation used caliber 79350, a Valjoux 7750 base, and carried a date window at 3 o'clock. The 3716 moved to the in-house 69355 and removed the date. That change matters when you shop for a copy. A replica with a date at 3 o'clock copies the older watch, not IW371655.
Movements inside replica IW371655
Most copies use a Chinese 7750 clone or a Seagull chronograph. A 7750 carries three counters and a date, so makers fit a plate or blank off functions to reach the two-subdial layout. The pushers feel stiffer than the genuine. The rotor is louder. Some high priced replicas add a decorated bridge shaped to look like the 69355. Through a display back that plate sits over the balance and the gear train. The genuine 69355 shows decorated bridges, a signed rotor, and a balance wheel in motion.
Where copies fail
- Dial print: the IWC and SCHAFFHAUSEN lettering is heavier and wider on copies.
- Subdial rings: the genuine uses snailed finishing, copies use flat or printed rings.
- Applied markers: replica markers sit lower and show softer edges.
- Case: the lug bevel and the flank polish differ, and the crown sits at a different depth.
- Caseback: engraving depth, font, and sapphire anti-reflective coating.
- Strap: stamped alligator grain instead of real alligator.
- Water resistance: gaskets on copies are not tested to 3 bar.
Price bands for replica IW371655
Listings fall into three bands. Quartz and low grade automatics: USD 100 to 200. Mid grade with a 7750 copy: USD 250 to 450. High grade with sapphire, a decorated bridge, and leather: USD 500 to 800. Genuine retail for a steel Portugieser Chronograph sits in the USD 7,000 to 9,000 range. Used examples trade below list.
Checklist before you buy
- Ask for a photo of the movement through the caseback.
- Confirm the dial has no date window.
- Compare subdial placement at 12 and 6 against photos of the genuine watch.
- Start the chronograph and watch the sweep hand reset to zero.
- Measure the case with calipers if you can. The genuine is 41 mm.
- Ask about water resistance. Treat any claim above 3 bar as unverified.
- Check the strap material and the stamp on the buckle.