The replica IW371438 is a copy of the IWC Portuguese Chronograph, a 41 mm stainless steel watch with a two register chronograph layout, a silvered dial, and gold tone hands and applied markers. The better replica IW371438 versions pair a 7750 based automatic movement with a sapphire crystal and a case that follows the original proportions closely, which is why this reference is one of the more convincing copies to build.
What Reference IW371438 Actually Is
IW371438 sits inside the IWC Portuguese Chronograph family. The watch has a round steel case roughly 41 mm across, a slim bezel, and a clean dial with two sub registers: running seconds at 6 o'clock and a 30 minute chronograph counter at 12. Leaf shaped hands and applied indices give it a dressier look than most chronographs of the same size.
Inside, the original runs an automatic chronograph movement built on the Valjoux 7750 architecture, with a power reserve in the 40 hour range. A replica IW371438 reproduces the exterior design, the dial layout, and the overall feel on the wrist at a small fraction of the original price.
Why This Reference Gets Copied
The Portuguese Chronograph is a good candidate for replication for a few practical reasons:
- The two register layout uses a standard 7750 base, so the subdial positions can match the original without heavy modification.
- A 41 mm round case with a simple bezel is easier to machine accurately than a shaped or cushion case.
- The dial is mostly flat surfaces and printed markings, which reduces the number of parts that can look wrong.
- A leather strap means there is no bracelet to copy, and no clasp tolerances to get right.
Movement Choices in Replica IW371438 Watches
Most replicas of this reference fall into three groups.
- Asian 7750 automatic. The most common option. It gives a smooth sweeping seconds hand, a working chronograph, and a pusher feel that is closer to the original.
- Swiss or Swiss style 7750 automatic. A higher grade version with better finishing and, in most cases, more consistent timekeeping.
- Quartz. The budget route. The chronograph still works, but the seconds hand ticks and the case is often thinner than it should be.
If the look on the wrist matters more than the mechanics, quartz is acceptable. If you want the correct case thickness and hand movement, go with an automatic.
What to Check Before Buying
Ask for real photos of the actual watch, not catalog renders, and look at these points:
- Subdial spacing. On the original the two registers sit close to the center. Wide spacing is the most common giveaway on cheap copies.
- Dial printing. Text should be crisp and level, with no fuzzy edges or thick lettering.
- Crystal. A sapphire crystal with an anti reflective coating keeps the dial readable. Mineral glass looks flatter and scratches sooner.
- Case finishing. Brushed sides with polished edges are correct. Uneven brushing or rounded edges show up in daylight.
- Caseback. Engraving should be sharp and evenly spaced, with the reference number placed correctly.
- Pusher feel. The chronograph start, stop, and reset should click firmly without grinding.
Size, Fit, and Strap Options
At around 41 mm with a modest thickness, this reference wears well on most wrists from about 6.5 inches upward. The original ships on an alligator style leather strap, and that is the look most buyers want. A dark brown or black strap with a steel pin buckle suits the watch best. If you plan to wear it daily, a simple calf leather strap is a practical swap and keeps the dressy profile intact.
Legal and Practical Notes
A replica IW371438 is a copy watch and not an IWC product. It carries no manufacturer warranty, and trademark law around replica watches differs from country to country, so check your local rules before ordering. For everyday wear, treat it as a fashion watch: keep it away from water beyond splashes, service the movement if the chronograph stops resetting cleanly, and store it on a soft surface to protect the crystal and case edges.