Short answer
IW371425 is a reference in the IWC Portugieser Chronograph line. IWC does not sell a "first copy" of this watch. A first copy, super clone, or AAA copy is a third-party replica. Fakes of the 3714 family are common because the layout is easy to copy: two subdials, a date at 3 o'clock, and a steel case.
What the reference is
The Portugieser Chronograph uses a stainless steel case that measures 40.9 mm across and about 12.3 mm thick. The movement is calibre 79350, a 31-jewel automatic with a 44-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Water resistance is 3 bar. The dial carries a chronograph minutes subdial at 12 and small seconds at 6. A date window sits at 3 o'clock.
Dial color, hands, and strap change by reference and by production year. IWC does not publish a separate spec sheet for every 3714 variant. Confirm the dial, hands, and strap of a specific IW371425 against the IWC catalog, a service center, or a dealer invoice before you pay.
Checks that separate a real watch from a replica
- Case size. Measure with a caliper. Fakes of the 3714 often run 40 mm or 41 mm, or sit 1 mm to 2 mm thicker than 12.3 mm.
- Movement. Look through the caseback or ask for a photo of the calibre. Replicas use a 7750 clone, a quartz module, or a decorated plate. A real 79350 shows a signed rotor and Geneva stripes.
- Chronograph action. Press the top pusher. A real 79350 starts with a firm click and resets to zero in one snap. Fakes feel soft and reset off-center.
- Subdial spacing. The distance between the 12 and 6 subdials matches the real movement. Clones with a quartz base place them off by a fraction.
- Dial print. Real dials show thin, sharp letters under a loupe. Replica print is heavier and fills in the counters of the numerals.
- Caseback engraving. Genuine backs carry the reference, the movement number, and the full company name. Replica backs use the wrong reference number or a generic serial.
- Crystal. Real sapphire has anti-reflective coating on both faces and throws a faint blue tint at an angle.
Price signals
Steel Portugieser Chronograph models list in the $7,000 to $8,000 band new. Used examples trade between $4,500 and $6,500. Offers below that range come from replica sellers or stolen stock. A "first copy" listed at $200 to $600 is a replica at that price point, not a discounted original.
Limits of any checklist
No photo guide settles the question. A watchmaker with a timing machine and a caseback tool can verify a watch in about 15 minutes. Balance amplitude, beat error, and winding feel are the hardest details to copy. Ask for service records and buy from a seller who accepts a return.