Short answer
The replica IW371696 is a counterfeit copy of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph. Asking prices in the online replica market run from about $120 for a quartz version to $600 or more for a model with a decorated automatic chronograph movement. None of these watches contain IWC caliber 69355. Dial details sold under the 371696 number change from listing to listing, and a current IWC catalog page for that exact reference is hard to confirm, so treat any dial claim as unverified.
What the reference is
IWC builds the Portugieser Chronograph in a 41 mm steel case with a bi-compax dial: two subdials, small seconds and a 30 minute counter. Lug width is 20 mm. Case thickness is about 13 mm. The current generation uses the in-house 69355 movement with a column wheel and a 46 hour power reserve. Older 3714 references used a modified Valjoux 7750. Reference numbers in the 3716xx range differ by dial color, strap, and market.
Movements inside the copies
Three movement types show up in replica IW371696 listings.
- Quartz: low cost, the second hand ticks once per second.
- Asian 7750 clone: automatic, small seconds, date window. The base is a Valjoux 7750 copy, not a 69355.
- Decorated 7750 or Seagull ST19: plates and rotor engraved to look like IWC finishing. The gear train is still a different design.
A real 69355 has a column wheel and a free sprung balance. A copy shows a cam and lever system under the rotor and a regulator arm with a screw.
Checks before you pay
- Case size. Ask for caliper photos. Genuine is 41 mm across.
- Subdial spacing. On the 69355 the two subdials sit close to the center. Many copies spread them wider because the 7750 layout differs.
- Dial print. Look for bleeding on the IWC and SCHAFFHAUSEN text at 12.
- Date wheel. Font, height, and position in the window.
- Caseback. Engraving depth and reference stamp. The same photo set from two sellers is a warning sign.
Price tiers and what they buy
- $120 to $200: quartz or low grade automatic. Mineral glass, hollow end links.
- $250 to $400: Asian 7750, sapphire glass, cleaner dial print.
- $450 to $700: decorated movement, deeper caseback engraving, closer strap.
Prices above $700 for a replica IW371696 are not supported by the parts in the watch.
Risk notes for US buyers
US law bars import of goods that infringe a trademark. Customs can seize a package and the buyer can lose the money. Payment by bank transfer or gift card leaves no recourse. Dealers who show no timestamp, no real photos, and no return policy account for most losses. Ask for a video with the chronograph running, a date change at midnight, and the caseback in focus.