The replica IW371779 is sold most often as the "IWC Portugieser Chronograph replica," the "Port chrono rep," or plain "IW3717 replica." Most sellers shorten the reference to four digits, so IW3717, 3717, and "Portugieser chrono" all point to the same watch. Search those terms together and you cover the whole naming range.
What other names does the IW371779 replica use?
Sellers rename the same watch to match how buyers search. One listing may carry three or four of these labels in its title and tags.
- IWC Portugieser Chronograph replica: the full descriptive name, used by most Western-facing stores.
- IW3717 replica / 3717 rep: the short reference form, and the most common tag of all.
- Port chrono: shorthand used in forum threads, Reddit posts, and chat groups.
- Portugieser 41 chrono: names the 41 mm case of the current generation.
- Factory code plus reference: labels like "ZF 3717," where the code names the workshop, not the watch.
- Portuguese chrono: the older English spelling, still alive on legacy listings.
- Portuguiser: a common misspelling that sellers copy into titles on purpose.
Why does one watch carry so many names?
The reference number is long and easy to mistype. Buyers remember "Portugieser" or "3717," never the full string, so sellers stack both words into titles to catch either search.
Replica IW371779 Buying Guide: Judge the Build, Not the Label
IWC also renamed the line in its own catalogs. "Portuguese" became "Portugieser," and the chrono grew from 40.9 mm to 41 mm. Old listings keep the older wording, which is why the synonyms split along age lines.
Replica IW371779 Compared to Gen: Pick First, Then Options
Which generation am I actually looking at?
The reference family covers two distinct builds, and the caseback tells you which one a copy is based on.
- Older chrono (IW3714 family): 40.9 mm case, modified Valjoux 7750 base, two counters stacked at 12 and 6.
- Current chrono (IW3716 family): 41 mm case, in-house 69355 caliber, 46-hour power reserve, display caseback.
- Suffix digits: the last two numbers usually mark dial color, strap type, or a regional batch, not a different watch.
How do I check a listing matches the reference?
- Compare the dial layout: two recessed subdials, one at 12 and one at 6, printed Arabic numerals, leaf-shaped hands.
- Check the case size: about 41 mm across and under 13 mm thick.
- Read the movement callout: recent gens use the 69355 with a 46-hour reserve.
- Ask for a caseback photo and match the engraved digits to the title.
- Confirm the 20 mm lug width, which decides your strap options.
Which details separate a strong copy from a weak one?
Photos at macro distance answer most of this before you pay. Ask for them if the listing shows only stock images.
- Subdials: good copies recess the counters. Cheap ones print them flat on the dial.
- Hands: leaf hands should taper to a sharp point, not end in a blunt tip.
- Printing: numerals should sit crisp and centered, with no thick edges or blur.
- Chrono action: pushers start, stop, and reset with a firm click. Mushy pushers mean a cheap module.
- Case finish: brushed flanks, polished bevels, no sharp edges where the lugs meet the strap.
- Beat rate: a 7750-based automatic runs at 28,800 vph and sweeps. A ticking seconds hand means quartz.
What price range is normal?
Expect about $250 to $450 for a mid-tier automatic copy and $450 to $700 for the top grades with a decorated or clone movement. Anything under $150 is a quartz build with a printed dial. Anything past $800 is either a rare build or an upsell.
Which listing tricks should I watch for?
- Studio photos of the genuine watch instead of the actual unit for sale.
- Titles that stack five synonyms and three factory codes at once.
- "1:1 mirror" claims with no macro shots to back them up.
- No return policy, or a "no returns on sale items" clause buried in the footer.
- Prices far below the market for the movement the listing claims.
Frequently asked questions
Is the IW371779 the same as the IW3717?
For shopping purposes, yes. Sellers treat 3717 as the family name and the last two digits as a colorway or batch marker. Search both spellings and compare photos rather than titles.
Does the synonym change what is inside the watch?
No. The name only affects how a listing is titled. The movement, case, and dial come from the factory build, not from the label in the title.
Can I ask a seller for photos of the exact unit?
Yes, and you should. Request close-ups of the dial, the caseback engraving, and the clasp, plus a short video of the chrono running. Real sellers send these without a fuss.
Which factory makes the best copy of this reference?
There is no settled answer. Build quality shifts between batches, and one workshop code gets reused by several resellers. Judge the photos and the movement spec, not the code in the title.
Does a replica hold its value?
No. Replica watches resell at a fraction of the purchase price and carry no brand warranty. Treat the money as spent.