A fake IW371789 is a counterfeit IWC Portugieser Chronograph stamped with a reference number that does not appear in IWC's public catalog. The fastest way to identify one is to compare the caseback engraving, the dial printing and the movement finishing against IWC's published specifications, then verify the serial number with an authorized dealer. Genuine Portugieser chronographs use in-house calibers with defined finishing, and most counterfeits miss at least one of those three checkpoints.
Does the IWC reference IW371789 actually exist?
IWC's published catalog lists Portugieser Chronograph references in the IW3716xx range, such as IW371617 and IW371604, along with older IW3714xx versions. IW371789 does not appear among them, so any listing using that number deserves extra scrutiny. Some sellers transpose or invent digits to make a counterfeit look like a rare or limited edition.
What are the fastest tells on a counterfeit IW371789?
- Caseback engraving. Genuine IWC engraving is crisp, evenly spaced and cut into the metal. Fakes often show shallow laser etching, soft edges or a wrong font on the reference and serial lines.
- Dial printing and subdials. The IWC Schaffhausen wordmark, the minute track and the two chronograph subdials should align with the case center. Counterfeit dials often shift the subdial position or print thicker numerals.
- Movement finish. A sapphire caseback reveals Geneva stripes or circular graining on genuine IWC calibers. Clone movements typically show unfinished bridges, mismatched screws and an incorrect rotor engraving.
- Hands and pushers. Genuine chronograph pushers give a firm, defined click, and the hands rest flush at zero after reset. Fakes show sloppy reset positions and loose pushers.
- Weight and balance. A steel Portugieser Chronograph on a strap sits around the 90 to 100 gram range. Counterfeits frequently feel light or badly balanced on the wrist.
Which reference details should you verify before buying?
Ask the seller for a straight-on photo of the caseback, a clear shot of the movement through the display back, and the buckle or clasp engraving. Cross-check the reference and serial against IWC's published specs and, when possible, request service paperwork. A seller who refuses these requests is a red flag regardless of price.
How much should a genuine example cost?
Pre-owned Portugieser Chronograph models in steel commonly trade in the low to mid four-figure dollar range depending on reference, condition and whether box and papers are included. Listings at a few hundred dollars are almost always counterfeit. A deep discount on a current reference is the single strongest warning sign.
Are super clones of this model hard to spot?
The best counterfeit Portugieser chronographs copy the dial layout and case proportions well enough to pass a casual glance. They still fail under magnification, on movement architecture and on paperwork. A watchmaker with a loupe and a timing machine can confirm the caliber in minutes.
What should you do if you already bought a fake?
Collect the listing, photos, payment records and any messages, then file a dispute through the selling platform or your card issuer. Report the seller, and if the watch was sold as genuine, contact your local consumer protection office. An authenticity claim in writing makes a refund far easier to obtain.