A fake IW371747 is a replica of the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Automatic from the 3717 reference family, a 42mm steel chronograph that IWC built from roughly 2006 to 2012. Genuine examples run a Valjoux 7750-based calibre with subdials at 6, 9, and 12 o'clock, a day-date window at 3 o'clock, and a soft iron inner case for magnetic shielding. Replicas copy the silhouette but usually miss on movement construction, dial printing, and case finishing.
What defines the IWC 3717 Pilot's Chronograph?
The 3717 family is the second-generation Pilot's Watch Chronograph Automatic, sitting between the earlier 3706 and the later 3777. It is a tool-watch design: matte or sunburst dial, large luminous Arabic numerals, and sword-style hands.
- Case: stainless steel, approximately 42mm wide
- Movement: IWC calibre 79320, automatic, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph, about 44 hours of power reserve
- Crystal: domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides
- Water resistance: 6 bar (about 60 meters)
- Features: day-date at 3 o'clock, screw-down crown, magnetic shielding
How can you spot a fake IW371747?
Start with the movement, because that is the most expensive part to reproduce and the hardest to hide. Then move outward to dial printing, case finishing, and water resistance.
Is the movement correct?
The genuine calibre 79320 is a heavily modified Valjoux 7750 with a chronograph module layout shared by few copies. Most fakes use an Asian 7750 clone or a quartz movement dressed to look mechanical.
A quartz fake often has dead or sweeping-forward subdials that do not reset to zero, and the chronograph pushers feel mushy. A cheap mechanical clone may reset imperfectly, so the chronograph seconds hand lands slightly off 12.
Does the dial printing hold up?
Genuine IWC dial text is crisp, evenly spaced, and sharply defined under magnification. Replica dials show fat or doubled lettering, uneven lume application, and numerals that sit off-center in their tracks.
Check the day-date window too. Fakes often use a generic date disc with the wrong font weight, and the day and date can be misaligned with each other.
How do the case, crown, and pushers feel?
Genuine 3717 cases have sharp, consistent lug bevels and a brushed finish that changes direction cleanly at the edges. Replica cases tend to have softer edges, polished spots where brushing should be, and lugs that feel thin.
The crown should screw down smoothly with a defined stop, and both pushers should have a firm, springy action rather than a hollow click.
Why does weight matter?
A steel 42mm chronograph has real heft, and a fake that feels light usually has a thinner case or a hollow bracelet. Weight alone is not proof, but it is a fast first filter.
What replica grades exist for the IW371747?
Wholesale replica supply generally splits into three tiers, and the tier determines how close the watch gets to the original.
- Entry grade: quartz or basic automatic, wrong subdial function, thin case, printed rather than applied markers
- Mid grade: Asian 7750 automatic, working chronograph, decent dial printing, average case finishing
- Super clone: decorated 7750 clone, closer case proportions, sapphire crystal, accurate dial fonts and lume
How much does a fake IW371747 cost?
Entry-grade copies typically sell for $80 to $150, mid-grade automatics for $250 to $400, and super clone versions for $500 to $900. Genuine 3717 models trade on the secondary market roughly between $4,000 and $7,000 depending on dial variant, condition, and whether box and papers are included.
Frequently asked questions
Can a super clone IW371747 pass as genuine?
Not under close inspection by someone who knows the reference. The movement decoration, caseback engraving depth, and dial font weight usually give it away.
Do replica 3717 chronographs actually work?
Mid-grade and super clone versions usually have functioning chronographs, though reset accuracy varies. Entry-grade quartz models often have decorative subdials that do nothing.
What should you check before paying?
Ask for movement photos, dial macro shots, and a weight or caliper reading. Confirm water resistance claims in writing, since most replicas are not pressure tested.