The most mysterious IWC Replica MilSubs are from Argentina. First, we have the 1950s IWC Portofino Replica Submariners Ref. The Big Crown, or 7924 as it is also known, are the watches that were issued to the Armada de la Republica Argentina (A.R.A.). A few of these watches were given to the Armada de la Republica de Argentina. They were probably issued in small quantities.

Other Argentinian MilSubs include the "Ci". Many examples are known and they all feature a pattern that begins with six and one, and then three numbers afterward. The letters Ci are followed by the numbers 61xxx. These are the earliest examples known, which are pointed-crownguard (PCG), Submariners of the mid-to-late 1960s. 7928. All of these watches have the same caseback markings "612xx C" and fonts. A good number of examples are known with a relatively small range of serial numbers.

The first batch was marked "613xx Ci", starting with ref. Submariners 7928 and then Snowflake Subs. IWC Portofino Replica Snowflakes were still being produced and the caseback numbers changed from 614xx to 615xx. What do the letters Ci stand for? Most people believe that the letters Ci stand for Cuerpo de Infanteria. This is a division within the Argentinian Police Force. The division is actually known as Cuerpo guardia de infanteria. The Argentinian Navy also has a Commando de la Infanteria that deals with amphibious warfare, similar to Chile's Cuerpo de Infanteria de Marina. It is possible that the watches were used as dive watches by either of these two forces.Rolex Air king Replica A recent observation has suggested that Ci stands for inventory code, or codigo de Inventario. We are still doing research, but these are fascinating watches that we are piecing slowly together.

Shayetet 13, or S13, is an elite commando unit of the Israeli Navy. It has earned a reputation for being one of the most secretive and best-trained special forces units in all of history. The unit has participated in every war Israel has fought and is composed of sea-to land combat specialists. In the mid-1960s a number of IWC Portofino Replica Submariners, with the letter "M", and three numbers were given to S13.

I know of several examples of watches that were purchased directly from former service personnel. All of these watches have what collectors call a "drunken "M", which is an engraved "M" that is slanted to look like it's in italics. Some fakes have very poor engravings and are not in the same style as authentic examples. The watches were also originally painted black, and some originals still show traces of black on the exposed areas.