A fake IW371433 is a counterfeit copy of the IWC Portuguese Chronograph, a 41 mm stainless steel chronograph with a silver-plated dial, applied gold numerals, and an IWC caliber 79350 automatic movement. The genuine reference runs with no date window, a 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock, small running seconds at 6 o'clock, and roughly 44 hours of power reserve. Fakes span from $60 quartz imitations to $500 "super clone" builds, and the tells live in the movement, the dial printing, and the case dimensions.
What Is a Fake IW371433?
A fake IW371433 is any watch built to imitate the IWC Portuguese Chronograph reference IW371433 without being made by IWC Schaffhausen. It may use a genuine-looking case, dial, and strap, but the movement, materials, and finishing are not the originals. Counterfeits are sold as though they were authentic, while replicas are openly marketed as copies.
How Do You Tell a Fake IW371433 From a Genuine One?
Movement and Caseback
The genuine watch uses the IWC caliber 79350, a 31-jewel automatic based on the Valjoux 7750 architecture, running at 28,800 vibrations per hour. A counterfeit with a quartz movement gives itself away the moment the chronograph second hand ticks instead of sweeping. Open the caseback or look through a display back and check the rotor engraving, the jewel count, and the balance wheel finish.
Dial, Hands, and Printing
Genuine applied numerals are solid gold on steel references and catch light along a polished bevel. Fakes usually use plated brass or plastic, and the edges look flat under a loupe. The "IWC" and "Schaffhausen" text on real dials is crisp and evenly spaced, while copies show fuzzy edges, thick strokes, and uneven gaps.
Case, Dimensions, and Weight
The original case measures about 40.9 mm across and 12.3 mm thick. Many fakes run 1 mm to 2 mm thicker because the substituted movement will not fit the correct profile. Weight is another quick test, since a real steel case with a sapphire crystal feels denser than a hollow counterfeit shell.
Why Do Replica IW371433 Watches Vary So Much in Quality?
- Quartz tier: plastic or pot-metal case, printed dial, seconds hand that ticks once per second.
- Entry automatic: generic Chinese movement, correct 7750 layout, rough finishing and soft crown action.
- Swiss-made tier: ETA or Sellita base movement, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, closer dial replication.
- Super clone tier: a clone of the 79350 layout with matching subdial spacing, engraved rotor, and period-correct strap hardware.
What Should You Check Before Buying?
- Confirm the subdial positions: 30-minute counter at 12, running seconds at 6, and no date window.
- Ask for a movement photo or a timed video of the chronograph starting, stopping, and resetting cleanly.
- Weigh the watch and measure thickness with calipers against the published specification.
- Inspect the caseback engraving for the reference number, serial, and "International Watch Co." lettering.
- Verify the strap and buckle details, since genuine alligator and steel deployant clasps are often swapped for cheap substitutes.
FAQ
Does a fake IW371433 keep accurate time?
A clone automatic can hold within about 10 to 20 seconds per day after regulation, which is close to a standard mechanical rate. Quartz copies are more accurate but instantly recognizable by the ticking seconds hand.
How much does a replica IW371433 cost?
Quartz copies start near $60, mid-tier automatics run $150 to $300, and Swiss-movement replicas sell for $400 to $700. A genuine IW3714 family watch trades in the thousands, so any low-priced "authentic" listing is a warning sign.
Can a jeweler tell a fake IW371433?
A watchmaker can identify a fake in minutes by opening the caseback and reading the movement signature and jewel count. Dial printing, crystal reflections, and crown feel usually confirm the verdict before the case is even opened.