What a replica Portugieser Chrono is
A replica Portugieser Chrono is a copy of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph. The current genuine reference, IW3716, has a 41 mm steel case, a 13.0 mm profile, an in-house caliber 69355 with a column wheel, and a 46-hour power reserve. IWC lists the steel version on a leather strap near $8,100 in the US. Replicas sell for $60 to $900 depending on the tier. They are not made by IWC and carry the IWC name and logo without permission.
Genuine specs to compare
- Case: 41 mm diameter, 13.0 mm thick, stainless steel
- Movement: caliber 69355, automatic, column wheel, 46 hours
- Subdials: 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock, small seconds at 6 o'clock
- Crystal: sapphire, front and caseback
- Water resistance: 3 bar, about 30 m
- Strap: alligator leather, 20 mm lug width
The older reference 3714 used a 40.9 mm case and a Valjoux 7750 base movement, caliber 79350. Some sellers still use that reference number for stock that does not match it.
Tiers and prices
Sellers sort replica stock into tiers. Each tier differs in movement, glass, and case thickness.
- Low tier, $60 to $180: quartz or a basic automatic, printed dial markers, mineral glass, case 15 mm thick.
- Mid tier, $180 to $400: Asian 7750 automatic, sapphire glass, case closer to 14 mm.
- High tier, $400 to $900: clone 69355 or a decorated A7750, case 13.0 to 13.5 mm, applied numerals, correct dial font.
Checks before paying
- Ask for the case thickness measured with calipers. Anything above 14 mm sits high on the wrist.
- Ask for a photo of the movement through the caseback.
- Confirm the subdial functions. The 12 o'clock subdial counts 30 chronograph minutes. The 6 o'clock subdial runs seconds.
- Check for a date window. The genuine IW3716 has none. Many replicas add one.
- Confirm the return policy in writing before payment.
US law
Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 2320. A first offense carries up to 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine for an individual. US Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit watches at ports of entry and destroys them. Personal import carries seizure risk. Resale carries criminal exposure plus civil suits from the trademark owner under the Lanham Act. State laws add separate penalties in some jurisdictions.
What replicas do not match
Movement finishing, blue dial color, and pusher feel differ from the genuine watch. Resale value is zero. IWC service centers decline replica work, so repairs go to independent watchmakers. Parts supply for clone movements is not guaranteed.