Replica IW371618: The Short Answer

A replica IW371618 is a counterfeit copy of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph reference IW371618, a 41 mm stainless steel chronograph built around the in-house calibre 69355. A convincing replica should match the 41 mm case, the roughly 13 mm height, the 12 and 6 o'clock subdial layout, and the mixed polished and brushed finishing of the original. Expect to pay $250 to $700 for a high grade example, and expect to verify every detail yourself, because no replica matches the genuine watch exactly.

What Is the IWC IW371618?

The IW371618 belongs to IWC's Portugieser Chronograph family, the ref. 3716 line that the brand refreshed in 2020 with an in-house movement. It uses a 41 mm stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a display caseback that shows the calibre 69355. IWC rates the movement at 46 hours of power reserve and the case at 3 bar of water resistance.

Dial and strap combinations vary across the 3716 series, so confirm the exact dial color, hand finish, and strap on IWC's official product page before you compare a replica. The chronograph runs a two register layout: a 30 minute counter at 12 o'clock and running seconds at 6 o'clock, with a date window at 3.

What Should a Replica IW371618 Get Right?

Use this checklist when you review photos or a video from a seller.

  • Case size: 41 mm across, about 13 mm thick, 20 mm lugs.
  • Subdials: 30 minute counter at 12, small seconds at 6.
  • Dial text: arched "International Watch Co." above center and "SCHAFFHAUSEN" below.
  • Hands: leaf shaped, finished to match the dial variant.
  • Caseback: sapphire display back with an engraved rotor.
  • Strap: alligator pattern leather with the correct buckle shape and finish.

What Are the Replica Grades for the IW371618?

Most sellers sort replicas into three rough tiers, and each tier trades accuracy for price.

  • Budget ($60 to $150): quartz or low grade automatic, printed dials, wrong thickness, mineral crystal.
  • Mid tier ($180 to $350): A7750 based chronograph, sapphire crystal, closer dial printing, obvious movement differences through the caseback.
  • High grade ($400 to $700): cloned 69355 layout, better date font, sharper brushing, improved hand finishing. Still not genuine, still detectable by a watchmaker.

How Do You Spot a Weak Replica IW371618?

  • The case is too thick, often 14 mm or more, so the watch sits high on the wrist.
  • The subdials are swapped, or the chronograph seconds hand is not centrally mounted.
  • The date font is too large, too bold, or misaligned in the window.
  • The rotor engraving looks shallow, laser etched, or uses the wrong lettering.
  • The strap smells of plastic, or the buckle is stamped rather than finished.

Ask for a video with the chronograph running, a close shot of the dial text, and a clear look at the caseback and movement.

Is Buying a Replica IW371618 Legal in the US?

No. Trafficking in counterfeit goods is illegal under 18 U.S.C. 2320, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize and destroy counterfeit shipments. Buying a replica for personal use still carries the risk of seizure and loss of the money you paid, with no realistic path to a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a replica IW371618 have a working chronograph?

Mid tier and high grade replicas do, usually through an A7750 or a cloned movement. Budget replicas sometimes use a faux chronograph where the pushers only move the hands cosmetically.

What does a good replica IW371618 cost?

Plan on $400 to $700 for the top tier and $180 to $350 for a mid grade example. Anything under $150 rarely matches the case proportions.

Can a watchmaker tell it is a replica?

Yes. A trained eye can spot the movement architecture, finishing, and dial printing within minutes once the caseback is open.

Bottom Line

The replica IW371618 succeeds or fails on case proportions, subdial layout, and dial text. Compare any offer against IWC's published specs, weigh the customs and legal risk, and treat a low price as a warning rather than a bargain.