A fake IW371475 is a counterfeit version of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph reference IW371475, a 41 mm stainless steel chronograph. Genuine watches carry the in-house calibre 69355, a sapphire display caseback and a 46-hour power reserve, and those three details are what most replicas get wrong. If a seller cannot show the movement through the caseback or the reference engraving between the lugs, treat the watch as counterfeit.
What is the IW371475?
The IW371475 sits in the Portugieser Chronograph family, IWC's long-running two-register chronograph with subdials at 12 and 6 o'clock and a date at 3 o'clock. It uses a 41 mm stainless steel case, a slim polished bezel and a dial with applied numerals and feuille hands. Confirm the exact dial, hand and strap combination for this reference against official IWC data, because IWC lists many regional variants under similar numbers.
- Case: 41 mm stainless steel, about 13.1 mm thick, 30 m water resistance
- Movement: IWC calibre 69355, automatic, column-wheel chronograph, 46-hour power reserve
- Crystal: sapphire front and sapphire display caseback
- Lug width: 20 mm, alligator leather or steel bracelet depending on the variant
How do you spot a fake IW371475?
Does the dial printing match?
Genuine dial printing is sharp, with even spacing between the IWC signature, Schaffhausen and the Automatic Chronograph text. Counterfeits usually show thicker numerals, a date window that is off center, and chronograph hands that fail to reset exactly to zero. The subdials at 12 and 6 should be symmetrical and matched in size.
Is the case the right thickness?
A genuine IW371475 measures roughly 13.1 mm across the case, while fakes often run one to two millimeters thicker because they house a bulkier third-party movement. Look for crisp horizontal brushing on the lugs, mirror polishing on the bezel bevels, and a caseback that sits flush. Gritty pushers, a wobbly crown or a loose bezel are immediate warning signs.
What does the movement reveal?
Through the sapphire caseback, the calibre 69355 shows a column wheel, a skeletonized rotor and IWC engraving with the reference and serial numbers. Replica watches often hide a modified ETA or Seagull chronograph movement with bridge shapes and screw finishes that do not match IWC work. A watchmaker can confirm the calibre in minutes under a loupe.
Do the numbers and paperwork line up?
The reference and serial numbers are engraved between the lugs and repeated on the caseback and movement, and they should match the warranty card and box. Counterfeit sets reuse one serial number across dozens of watches, so search the number before you pay. Blurry certificates, mismatched box labels and missing service history point to a counterfeit.
Is price a red flag?
The Portugieser Chronograph sells new in the mid four-figure USD range, and used examples trade well below retail depending on age and condition. A "new" IW371475 offered at a fraction of the secondary market price is almost always counterfeit. Ask for provenance, service receipts and a written return policy before sending money.
Is buying a counterfeit IW371475 illegal?
Yes in the United States and across most of the European Union. Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. 2320, and customs officers seize counterfeit watches at entry. Buyers also give up warranty coverage, resale value and any realistic chance of authorized service.
How should you verify an IW371475 before buying?
- Compare the watch against official reference photos, checking dial text, hand shape and subdial spacing.
- Measure the case with calipers and weigh the watch, since a fake is usually thicker than spec.
- Photograph the caseback engraving and movement, then send both to an authorized IWC service center or an independent watchmaker.
- Search the serial number for duplicate listings and confirm the seller's return policy in writing.
- Meet at a watchmaker for authentication on high-value purchases, or pay with a method that allows a chargeback.
Documentation and an in-person inspection are the only checks that protect your money, and a legitimate seller will never refuse them.