Quick answer
The IW371422 is a Portugieser Chronograph from IWC's 3714 family, and replicas of it run from about $120 in quartz junk up to $700 automatics that get most of the outside right. The good ones copy the 40.9 mm steel case, the two vertically stacked subdials, the leaf hands and the date at 3. The weak ones get the subdial positions wrong, print the dial flat, or ship with a case that sits 2 mm too thick. Buy the dial layout and the movement first, everything else second.
What the real watch is
The 3714 Portugieser Chronograph is a long-running IWC reference: 40.9 mm across, roughly 12.3 mm thick, sapphire crystal, 30 m water resistance on paper, and IWC's Calibre 79350. That calibre is a Valjoux 7750 reworked by IWC, with a 44-hour power reserve and a column-less cam chronograph. Knowing the base movement matters, because it explains what the subdials are supposed to do.
The subdial test
Running seconds sits at 6. The chronograph minute counter sits at 12. The date window sits at 3. A stock 7750 puts running seconds at 9, so any replica that shows seconds at 9 has skipped the transfer plate and will never look right on the wrist. Ask for a short video with the chronograph started: the small seconds at 6 should tick about eight times a second, and the counter at 12 should jump one step per minute. If the seller sends a still photo only, move on.
Case, crystal and dial
Look at three things. First, the lugs: they should curve down and taper, with crisp polished edges and no rounding from a cheap polish. Second, the crystal: it should have a slight dome and a mild antireflective tint, not a flat pane with a blue glare. Third, the printing: the minute track, the IWC wordmark and the subdial rings should be sharp under a loupe photo, and the date font should be thin and tall rather than a fat block.
Thickness and wear
Replicas built on an A7750 often run 13.5 to 14.5 mm instead of 12.3 mm. That extra bulk is the single thing you notice when a cuff drags over the case. Ask the seller to measure with calipers if they can. Strap fittings on the 3714 are common enough that aftermarket leather is easy to sort, which is worth knowing before you settle for a stiff out-of-the-box band.
Price tiers
Under $180 you get quartz, wrong layout, printed dial and a hollow-feeling case. Around $250 to $400 you reach A7750 automatics with a transfer plate, sapphire, and decent dial print. From $450 to $800 the finishing tightens up: better hand-polish on the case, closer dial colour, decorated rotor. Past that you are buying a story, not a better watch.
Questions to ask before paying
- Photos of the movement, plus a video of the chrono starting, stopping and resetting to zero.
- Measured case thickness, if the seller will do it.
- Whether the case was pressure tested, and to what depth.
- Strap and buckle photos, and whether spare spring bars are included.
- Return window, and who covers shipping on a return.
What you give up
There is no service network behind a replica. Gaskets are generic, the movement is a workhorse but not a 79350, and resale is close to zero. Keep it away from water, wind it gently, and treat it as a look rather than an heirloom.