Short answer

"Fake IW371772" is a search term for a counterfeit IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph. IWC reference numbers in the 3717 family include IW371701, IW371702, IW371704 and IW371705. IWC does not publish a reference numbered IW371772. That missing catalog entry is the first signal. A seller who quotes a number the maker does not list has either typed it wrong or invented it.

What the 3717 is

The 3717 is a steel pilot chronograph sold from about 2006 to 2012. Case size is 42 mm. Water resistance is 60 m. The movement is calibre 79320, built on a Valjoux 7750 base, with 25 jewels, a 28,800 vph beat rate and a 44-hour power reserve. The dial carries a day and date window at 3 o'clock and three chronograph counters. IWC replaced the line with the 3777 in 2012.

Checks on a suspected fake

Dial and hands

Genuine 3717 dials use applied numerals with polished edges. Day and date text sits centered in the window. Replica dials show flat printed numerals, off-center day text, and hands with thick paint instead of brushed steel. Lume on a fake glows green or not at all. The original uses a cream tone.

Case, crown and pushers

Case width measures 42.0 mm, lug width 22 mm, thickness near 14.5 mm. Check those numbers with calipers. Copies measure 43 mm or more. The crown on a genuine piece screws down in 4 to 5 turns and the threads feel smooth. Pushers on a fake rattle and travel 2 mm or more before the chronograph starts.

Movement

A 79320 shows a rotor with IWC engraving, blued screws and perlage on the bridges. Counterfeit chronographs use a Seagull ST19 or a plain 7750 clone with a printed rotor. A chronograph second hand that stutters points to a low-grade movement.

Reference stamp and papers

The reference is engraved on the caseback. Compare the digits against the IWC catalog. Booklets and a warranty card add value but cost $30 to print, so treat them as weak proof. Serial numbers on a fake repeat across listings.

Price reality

A steel 3717 on the used market runs about $3,000 to $5,000, based on box, papers and service history. A listing at $300 to $700 is a replica. Replica sellers reuse the same words, "Swiss movement" and "1:1," for watches that do not match the original specs.

Terms

  • Reference: the model code, for example IW371701.
  • Calibre 79320: the IWC chronograph movement used in the 3717.
  • Fake: a watch sold as genuine that is not.
  • Replica: a copy sold as a copy.