Is your Portugieser Chrono
the real deal?
The IWC Portugieser Chronograph (ref. 3716) is one of the most popular luxury chronographs in the world, recognized by its clean dial with two sub-dials and distinctive thin bezel. Priced around $9,000-$12,000, its widespread popularity has made it heavily counterfeited.
How to authenticate a Portugieser Chronograph
Dial Layout
Two sub-dials positioned at 6 and 12 o'clock, with leaf-shaped hands and applied Arabic numerals with luminous fill. The dial should be clean and uncluttered with precise printing. The sub-dial registers should be properly recessed. Counterfeits often have mispositioned sub-dials, flat printing, or incorrect hand shapes.
Case Size & Profile
41mm case that is relatively thin for a chronograph, with a polished finish. The Portugieser is known for its elegant, dress-watch-like proportions despite being a chronograph. The thin bezel creates a large dial opening. Counterfeits often have thicker, clunkier cases that lack the refined profile.
Movement
In-house caliber 69355, a column-wheel chronograph with 46-hour power reserve, visible through the display caseback. The movement features bi-directional pawl winding and IWC-specific bridge architecture. Look for proper IWC rotor engraving and finishing. Counterfeits use generic movements with wrong layouts.
Pushers & Crown
Refined rectangular chronograph pushers with smooth, precise action and an IWC-signed crown. The pushers should have a distinctive slim, elongated shape that sits flush with the case profile. The crown features the IWC logo cleanly engraved. Counterfeits have oversized, clunky pushers or poorly engraved crowns.
Crystal
Slightly domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The crystal should sit cleanly in the bezel with no visible gaps. The domed shape is subtle but distinctive, following the thin bezel's curvature. Anti-reflective coating should show a faint blue-purple tint when viewed at an angle. Counterfeits use flat or poorly coated crystals.
Case Back
Sapphire display back with IWC engravings and the Probus Scafusia medallion. Through the sapphire you should see the in-house caliber 69355 with its column-wheel chronograph mechanism. The engravings around the case back ring should be deep, precise, and include the reference number and serial number.
Portugieser Chronograph counterfeit warning signs
Sub-Dials at Wrong Positions
The Portugieser Chronograph's sub-dials should be at 12 and 6 o'clock, not 3 and 9. This vertical layout is a defining characteristic of the model. Sub-dials at 3 and 9 typically indicate a cheap movement swap and an obvious counterfeit.
Thick or Clunky Case Proportions
The genuine Portugieser Chronograph is remarkably thin and elegant for a chronograph. If the case appears thick, bulky, or heavy-looking, or if the bezel is wider than the characteristically thin IWC design, it is likely counterfeit.
Non-Functional Chronograph Pushers
On a genuine Portugieser Chronograph, both pushers operate the start/stop and reset functions with a crisp, satisfying click. If the pushers are stiff, mushy, or non-functional, the watch uses a non-chronograph movement and is counterfeit.
Wrong Movement Through Display Back
The display caseback should reveal the IWC caliber 69355 column-wheel chronograph. If you see a different movement architecture — especially one without a column wheel or with a different bridge layout — the watch is counterfeit.
Scan your Portugieser now
Upload a few photos and get an AI-powered authenticity report in seconds. First scan free.
Start ScanningFor high-value purchases, we recommend pairing your AI scan with an in-person inspection by a certified watchmaker for complete peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Portugieser" mean?
In the 1930s, two Portuguese merchants asked IWC to make a wristwatch with the precision of a marine chronometer. The resulting large-dialed watch became the Portugieser (Portuguese in German).
Is the movement in-house?
The current Portugieser Chronograph uses IWC's in-house caliber 69355, replacing the earlier ETA 7750-based movements. The in-house movement has a column-wheel chronograph mechanism and bi-directional pawl winding.
What sizes is the Portugieser Chronograph available in?
The current model is 41mm. The previous generation (ref. 3714) was also 41mm. IWC also offers the Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph at 44.6mm for those wanting a sportier, larger option.