What is the IWC IW371701?
The IW371701 is a reference in the IWC Portugieser Chronograph line. It pairs a stainless steel case of roughly 40.9 mm with a silver plated dial, a chronograph counter at 12 o'clock, small seconds at 6, and a date window at 3. Inside runs the IWC calibre 79350, a modified Valjoux 7750 with a power reserve of about 44 hours.
IWC built the 3714 family for well over a decade, which is exactly why it became a target. The reference is recognizable, the dial is simple, and demand stays high on the pre owned market.
Does a fake IW371701 exist?
Yes. The Portugieser Chronograph is one of the most copied IWC models, and counterfeit versions of the 3714 family sell for roughly $150 to $600. A genuine IW371701 typically trades for several thousand dollars on the secondary market, so price is the first and loudest signal.
How can you tell a fake IW371701 from the real thing?
Compare the movement, the dial furniture, the caseback engraving, and the paperwork. A counterfeit usually fails at least two of those four checkpoints.
- Movement. Genuine watches use the IWC calibre 79350, a Swiss chronograph with a recognizable bridge layout. Many fakes hide a Chinese chronograph or an unbranded 7750 clone behind a display back. Ask for a clear movement photo.
- Dial and hands. The printed text on a real dial is crisp, and the applied numerals sit flush. On fakes, the subdial rings look flat, the date font is too wide, and the hands are often plated rather than solid gold.
- Caseback. Reference numbers, serials, and hallmarks are engraved deep and sharp. Counterfeits show shallow, laser burned lettering and slightly wrong character spacing.
- Crown and pushers. The chronograph pushers on a real watch travel with a firm, short click. Fakes feel mushy or gritty.
Why is the counterfeit market risky for buyers?
A counterfeit carries no warranty and no service history. Most watchmakers decline to touch them, because parts are not available and the movement is undocumented.
Resale value is close to zero. A fake bought for $400 is worth nothing the day it arrives, while a genuine IW371701 holds most of its value.
Is it legal to buy a fake IW371701 in the United States?
Importing a counterfeit watch into the United States is illegal. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize and destroy the shipment, and trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 2320.
The practical result for a buyer is simple. You can lose the watch, the shipping cost, and any chance of a refund, since overseas sellers rarely offer recourse.
How do you verify a real IW371701 before you buy?
Buy from an authorized dealer or a pre owned dealer with a written authenticity policy. Request photos of the movement, the caseback, and the serial, plus box, papers, and any service records.
Have an independent watchmaker open the case before the return window closes. That step costs little and settles the question in minutes.
What does a genuine IW371701 cost?
Pre owned examples generally range from about $4,000 to $7,000 depending on condition, year, and whether the full set is included. A working Swiss chronograph movement, a signed crown, and matching papers are the value drivers.
What should you do if you were sold a fake?
Stop using the watch, keep every message and receipt, and dispute the payment through your card issuer or payment platform. You can also report the seller to the trademark owner and to CBP if the item crossed a border.