IW376045 does not appear in IWC's published catalogs or in the major watch reference databases. A watch sold under that number is mislabeled, relabeled, or counterfeit. Before you pay, confirm the reference exists in an official IWC source, then compare the case, dial, movement, and papers against that exact reference. If the number cannot be confirmed, treat the watch as fake.
Before You Start
- Clear photos of the dial, caseback, crown, and movement
- The reference number and serial number written down exactly as printed
- A jeweler's loupe or a phone macro lens
- Access to IWC's official reference lookup and, if possible, an authorized dealer
Step-by-Step Verification
- Search the reference number in IWC's official catalog or reference lookup and confirm the exact number exists as a produced model.
- Compare the digit format against known IWC references, which use the letters IW followed by six digits, and note that a correct format does not prove a correct number.
- Ask the seller for a close photo of the caseback and the serial number stamped on it.
- Measure the case diameter and thickness with calipers and compare them to the published specs for the reference the seller claims.
- Inspect the dial printing with a loupe and check font weight, letter spacing, subdial placement, and date window position.
- View the movement through the caseback and look for the caliber number, rotor engraving, and finishing consistent with the claimed model.
- Check the crown and pushers for correct proportions, crisp knurling, and smooth operation without wobble.
- Compare the warranty card, booklet, and box against the watch, and confirm the reference and serial numbers match on every document.
- Take the watch to an authorized IWC service center or an independent watchmaker for an authenticity opinion before you commit.
Red Flags on the Case and Dial
- A reference number that no official catalog lists
- Dial text that is too thick, uneven, or off-center
- A date window with wrong magnification or a mismatched date font
- Caseback engraving that looks shallow, laser-etched, or inconsistent with factory depth
- A movement with no caliber stamp or with finishing that does not match the model
- A price far below the current market for the claimed model
- A seller who refuses in-person inspection or third-party authentication
Movement and Papers
IWC movements carry a caliber number and finishing that match the reference. Counterfeit cases often hide a generic movement behind a decorated rotor, so ask for a clear photo of the balance area and the rotor edge. Papers matter too. A genuine set has a warranty card with the reference and serial printed and matched to the watch, plus a booklet and box consistent with the production year. Mismatched numbers between the case and the card point to a swapped or fabricated set.
What to Do Next
If the reference cannot be confirmed in an official IWC source, walk away. If you already own the watch, get a written opinion from a qualified watchmaker before you sell or repair it, and report a fraudulent listing to the platform where you bought it.