A fake IW371653 is a replica of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph reference IW371653, and the fastest way to identify one is the movement behind the sapphire caseback. The genuine watch runs IWC's in-house chronograph calibre, while most replicas hide a generic or cloned movement that starts, stops, and resets with a different feel. Case finishing and dial printing can be copied closely, so the movement stays the most dependable checkpoint.
What the Genuine IW371653 Is
The IW371653 sits in the Portugieser Chronograph family, a line IWC has produced for decades. The design language is consistent: a round stainless steel case of about 41 mm, a clean dial with two counters, feuille hands, applied numerals, and a rail-track minute ring. A sapphire crystal covers the dial, and a second sapphire crystal on the back shows the movement. IWC fits its own 69000-family chronograph calibre with a column wheel and a power reserve of roughly two days.
That combination matters when you evaluate a replica, because each element gives you something to compare against the reference.
Why This Reference Gets Copied So Often
Three things make the Portugieser Chronograph a frequent target for replica makers.
- Clean, readable design. A two-counter layout with simple hands is easier to reproduce than a busy, multi-scale dial.
- Strong recognition. The model is well known among collectors, so a convincing copy has a market.
- Steel case, leather strap. No precious metal or complex bracelet is needed to approximate the look.
The Movement Check
Ask for a clear photo of the caseback and the movement. On a genuine IW371653 you should see IWC engraving, consistent rotor finishing, and Geneva stripes applied with even spacing. On replicas the engraving often looks stamped rather than cut, the stripes can be flat or uneven, and screw heads may be the wrong shape.
Function tells you more than photos. Run the chronograph through several cycles.
- Pusher feel. A column wheel chronograph starts with a light, precise click. Many replicas use a cam system that feels stiff or mushy.
- Reset snap. Genuine hands return to zero in one sharp motion. Replicas often lag or drift off zero.
- Winding. The crown should feel smooth with light resistance, not gritty.
- Second-hand sweep. A low-beat replica movement ticks with a visible stutter at the subdial.
Case, Dial, and Hands
Compare any candidate against reference photography from IWC. Details to inspect:
- Case profile. Lug shape, bezel width, and the curve from caseband to lug should match. Replicas often have thicker lugs or a taller case.
- Dial printing. Text should be sharp and level under magnification. Fuzzy edges or uneven spacing are a warning sign.
- Subdial depth. The two counters should sit slightly recessed with a fine concentric texture.
- Hand finish. Leaf-shaped hands should be polished on top and matte on the sides.
- Layout. Check the position of every element against IWC's own images rather than a seller's render.
Weight, Strap, and Overall Feel
A steel Portugieser Chronograph has a settled, balanced weight on the wrist. Replicas frequently feel light or oddly top-heavy because the case is thinner-walled or the movement is smaller than the original. Strap quality is another tell: genuine alligator or calf straps have tight, even stitching, while replica straps often show loose threads and synthetic lining.
Red Flags in Listings
- Photos that never show the caseback or the movement.
- Stock images instead of pictures of the actual watch.
- No serial number visible, or a number that does not match the reference.
- A price far below the going rate for a used example of the reference.
- Pressure to buy quickly, or refusal to answer specific questions about the calibre.
First Copy vs Fake: What the Words Mean
"First copy" is a marketing term used for the higher grades of replica watches. "Fake" is the broader term that covers everything from crude copies to close reproductions. The label does not change what the object is. A first copy IW371653 is still a replica, and it will not carry IWC service support, original parts, or the resale value of the genuine reference. Understanding that distinction helps you judge a seller's claims on their merits rather than on wording.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Which movement is inside, and can you show it running?
- Are the photos of the exact watch I will receive?
- How does the chronograph reset, and does it return to zero?
- What is the return policy if the watch does not match the listing?
- Which parts are interchangeable with the original reference, if any?
Work through the movement, case, dial, and listing checks in order. If a seller cannot answer the basic questions about the calibre, the watch is a fake IW371653 regardless of how good the photos look.