Short answer

A fake Da Vinci IW376018 is a copy of an IWC Da Vinci automatic chronograph. IWC started the Da Vinci line in 1969. Reference numbers in the IW3760xx block cover Da Vinci chronograph models sold in the 2000s. Replica versions sell from about $70 to $800. The case finish, the dial print, and the movement decide the price.

Reference facts

  • Line: Da Vinci, IWC's round-case family, launched 1969.
  • Case: stainless steel on most versions.
  • Crystal: sapphire on the front. Some versions add a sapphire display back.
  • Movement families from this era: the Valjoux 7750 based IWC calibre 79350, and the in-house calibre 89360.
  • Case diameter and caliber for IW376018 differ between catalogs and years. Sources do not agree on one spec sheet. Read the number and the serial on the caseback, then compare them with IWC service documents.

What replicas get wrong

  1. Case finish: genuine cases show a hard line between brushed and polished surfaces. Copies show a soft edge and a wide polish band.
  2. Dial: logo thickness, the spacing of the "Schaffhausen" text, and subdial position. Many copies place the date window off center.
  3. Hands: length and lume fill. Cheap copies use flat paint. Better copies use applied lume.
  4. Movement: "Asia 7750" clones run at 28,800 vph with about 40 hours of reserve. Genuine IWC movements carry more finishing and tighter regulation.
  5. Caseback: engraving depth and font. Copies use laser etching with shallow lines and rounded letter forms.

Movement checks

Ask the seller for a timing readout. A healthy 7750 clone shows amplitude of 260 to 300 degrees, a rate within plus or minus 15 seconds a day, and a beat error under 0.6 ms. Push the chronograph start, stop, and reset. The chronograph seconds hand should snap back to zero. A slow or partial reset points to a dirty or worn movement.

Price tiers

  • $70 to $150: quartz or 21,600 vph automatic, mineral glass, stamped caseback.
  • $200 to $400: 28,800 vph clone, sapphire crystal, clean dial print.
  • $450 to $800: clone with anti-reflective coating, closer case profile, better strap or bracelet.

Service and parts

Parts for clone movements come from generic suppliers. An independent watchmaker charges about $80 to $160 for a clean and oil. Genuine IWC service runs higher and uses different parts. A copy cannot be serviced by IWC.

Before you buy

Ask for macro photos of the dial, the caseback, and the movement. Ask for the timing sheet. Confirm the return window in writing. Water resistance on copies is not tested at the factory, so keep the watch away from water.