The replica IW371704 is a copy of the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph reference IW371704, a 42 mm stainless steel chronograph with a black dial and a steel bracelet. A well made replica matches the case size, the subdial layout and the day-date position, so the main differences sit in movement finishing, crystal coating and small dial details. This guide explains what the reference is, how replicas of it are built and which points to inspect before you buy.

What the Genuine IW371704 Is

Reference IW371704 belongs to the 3717 generation of the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph, sold from the mid 2000s into the early 2010s. It is the steel bracelet version of the black dial pilot chronograph, and its proportions are part of why copies of it are in demand: it wears large without looking oversized on most wrists.

  • Case: stainless steel, about 42 mm wide and roughly 14.5 mm thick, with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces
  • Dial: black, with a 30-minute counter at 12, a 12-hour counter at 6 and small seconds at 9
  • Calendar: day and date in a single window at 3 o'clock
  • Movement: automatic chronograph from the IWC 79320 family, built on a modified Valjoux 7750 base
  • Extras: soft-iron inner case for magnetic protection and a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

How a Replica IW371704 Is Usually Built

The standard 7750 chronograph layout already places its counters at 12, 6 and 9 with the day-date at 3, which matches this dial. That means replica makers can use a copy of that movement without adding an extra module. On a replica IW371704 you will commonly find:

  • A stainless steel case machined to roughly match the reference dimensions
  • An Asian 7750 type chronograph movement, sometimes with a decorated rotor
  • Sapphire crystal, with or without coating on both faces
  • A steel bracelet with a folding clasp and stamped or engraved markings

What to Check Before You Buy

Small details separate a convincing copy from a cheap one. Work through this list and ask for close-up photos of each point.

  • Case size: confirm the diameter and thickness, since a case that is 2 mm too thick changes the profile on the wrist
  • Dial printing: the brand text, logo and "Automatic" line should be crisp, and the subdial rings should not run into the markers
  • Day-date window: the window shape, position and font size are common tells, and the discs should sit level in the aperture
  • Hands: baton shape, lume fill and the shape of the chronograph hand counterweight
  • Crystal: look for the faint tint from anti-reflective coating and for clarity at an angle
  • Bracelet: link spacing, how the end links meet the case, and how the clasp closes
  • Movement behavior: the chronograph should start, stop and reset to zero, and the date should change cleanly near midnight

Movement Tiers in Replicas

Replica chronographs are generally sold in tiers rather than at one fixed level of quality. Entry level watches usually pair a basic 7750 copy with a mineral crystal and simpler finishing. Mid tier versions add a sapphire crystal, better dial printing and a bracelet that feels less hollow. The top tier focuses on case finishing, tighter quality control and a movement that has been cleaned and adjusted before shipping. The tier matters more than any single spec, because two watches with the same listed movement can differ a lot in how they wear.

Questions to Ask the Seller

  • Which movement is inside, and is it a 7750 copy or a different chronograph calibre?
  • Is the crystal sapphire, and does it have anti-reflective coating?
  • What are the measured case diameter and thickness?
  • Are the photos of the exact watch being sold, or stock images?
  • What happens if the chronograph does not reset to zero on arrival?

Practical and Legal Notes

A replica IW371704 is not an IWC product. It has no manufacturer warranty, no service history and no guarantee of water resistance, so treat it like any other unbranded mechanical watch: keep it away from water unless it has been pressure tested, and expect a service at some point. Selling or importing counterfeit watches is illegal in some countries, so check the rules where you live. Many independent watchmakers will service a 7750 based movement, but some decline to work on replicas, so ask before you buy.