⚡ Quick Verdict (TL;DR)
If you don’t have time to read the full 2,200-word review:
The ZF Factory IWC Portugieser Chronograph (IW371447) is widely considered the best chronograph replica on the market. It solves the biggest issue of older versions: Thickness.
- The Case: At 12.3mm, it matches the genuine profile exactly (thanks to a slimmed-down movement).
- The Movement: Modified Asian 7750 that removes the date module to achieve thinness.
- The Dial: Perfect sunburst black with raised numerals.
Score: 9.5/10. A masterpiece of engineering.
Watch Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Reference | IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371447 |
| Factory | ZF Factory (ZF) – V2 Version |
| Case Size | 40.9mm Diameter x 12.3mm Thickness |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel (Polished & Brushed) |
| Dial | Black Sunburst with Applied Arabic Numerals |
| Movement | ZF Modified Asian 7750 Automatic Chronograph |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Chronograph |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Double-Sided Blue AR Coating |
| Strap | Black Leather Strap with Deployant Clasp |
1. Introduction – Why the IWC Portugieser is a Legend
The IWC Portugieser collection is the backbone of IWC. Originally created in the 1930s for two Portuguese businessmen who wanted marine chronometer precision on their wrists, it has become an icon of design.
The Portugieser Chronograph (Reference 3714) is arguably the most famous model. Its clean dial, thin bezel, and vertical sub-dial layout make it timeless.
For replica collectors, this watch was always a challenge. Standard chronograph movements (like the Asian 7750) are naturally thick (15mm+). The genuine iwc portugieser is only 12.3mm thick. This meant early replicas were always too fat and easy to spot.
ZF Factory changed the game. They modified the movement to match the genuine thickness perfectly. In this review, we dissect the ZF iwc portugieser V2. Is it truly indistinguishable from the genuine?
Table of Contents
2. A Tale of Two References: 3714 vs. 3716
Before buying, you should know the history.
- The 3714 (Closed Caseback): This is the classic model produced until 2019. It used a modified Valjoux 7750 movement. This is what ZF replicates.
- The 3716 (Open Caseback): The new model released in 2020. It uses an in-house IWC 69355 movement visible through the back.
Why choose the 3714 Replica?
Because the genuine 3714 also used a modified 7750 base! This means the ZF replica’s movement architecture is actually historically correct to the genuine 3714. It is easier to replicate a closed caseback watch perfectly than an open caseback one.
3. The Case: Solving the Thickness Problem
This is the most critical part of this review. If the thickness is wrong, the watch is worthless.
The 12.3mm Breakthrough
- Old Replicas: Were 14-15mm thick. They sat high on the wrist like a “hamburger.”
- ZF V2: Measures exactly 12.3mm.
- How? ZF removed the unnecessary date module and calendar plate from the 7750 movement. This shaved off the extra millimeters needed to match the genuine iwc portugieser.
Finishing
The case is made of 316L stainless steel.
- Polishing: The bezel and top of the lugs are mirror-polished.
- Brushing: The sides of the case feature vertical satin brushing.
- Crown: The crown is signed with the IWC Probus Scafusia logo. The chronograph pushers are polished “mushroom” style, typical of the iwc portugieser line.
4. Dial Analysis: Black Sunburst Perfection
The dial of the iwc portugieser IW371447 is elegant and legible.
Black Sunburst Effect
The black dial is not flat matte; it has a subtle sunburst finish.
- Lighting: Under direct light, it glows with a deep charcoal hue. In shadow, it looks jet black. ZF has replicated this depth perfectly.
Sub-Dials
- 12 o’clock: 30-minute chronograph counter.
- 6 o’clock: Small running seconds.
- Texture: Both sub-dials feature “CD patterns” (concentric circles) that catch the light differently from the main dial.
Numerals & Hands
The applied Arabic numerals and leaf-shaped hands are silver-polished.
- 3D Effect: The numerals are raised, giving the dial volume.
- Alignment: The minutes track dots are printed crisply and align perfectly with the markers—a common flaw in cheaper replicas that ZF has fixed.
5. Color Guide: Which One to Buy?
ZF makes the Portugieser in several colors.
- White Dial / Blue Hands (IW371446): The most iconic. Very dressy, but the blue hands are hard to get 100% right (sometimes too dark).
- White Dial / Gold Hands (IW371445): The warmest option. Looks very vintage and expensive.
- Black Dial / Silver Hands (IW371447): The most modern and sharp. The black dial hides any tiny printing imperfections better than white. This is our top pick.
6. The Crystal: Blue AR Coating
One distinctive feature of the iwc portugieser is its crystal.
- Material: Sapphire glass.
- AR Coating: Double-sided Anti-Reflective coating.
- The “Blue Tint”: Just like the genuine, the AR coating gives off a subtle blue hue when light hits it at an angle. This increases legibility and adds a premium feel.
7. The Engine: ZF Modified 7750 Movement
The movement is the heart of the watch, and also the reason for its thinness.
The “Seconds @ 6” Dilemma
The standard 7750 movement has the running seconds at 9 o’clock. The iwc portugieser has seconds at 6 o’clock.
- The Hack: To move the seconds from 9 to 6, factories add transfer gears. In the past, this caused friction and made the movement unreliable (it would stop after a few months).
- The Fix: ZF uses new jewel bearings and graphite lubrication for the transfer gears. This has drastically improved reliability. The ZF V2 movement is stable and robust.
Reliability
- Chronograph: The stopwatch function works perfectly. Top button starts/stops, bottom button resets.
- Rotor Noise: The 7750 is known for a noisy rotor (“wobble”). ZF has dampened this, but it is still faintly audible in a silent room.
8. Strap & Clasp: Leather Quality
A dress watch lives or dies by its strap.
The Strap
- Material: The replica comes with a black calfskin strap stamped with an alligator pattern.
- Quality: It is decent and soft, but for a true luxury feel, we highly recommend upgrading to a Real Alligator Strap. It transforms the watch.
The Clasp
The stainless steel deployant clasp is excellent.
- Engraving: Deep “IWC” engraving.
- Action: It snaps shut with a solid click and is comfortable on the wrist.
9. ZF Factory vs. YL Factory
If you are shopping for an iwc portugieser replica, you might see YL Factory. Here is the comparison.
| Feature | ZF Factory (V2) | YL Factory |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 12.3mm (Correct) | 13.5mm+ (Thick) |
| Dial Print | Sharp & Raised | Slightly Flat |
| Movement | Slim 7750 | Standard 7750 |
| Crystal AR | Blue Tint (Correct) | Purple Tint (Wrong) |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Verdict:
ZF Factory is the undisputed king. YL is a budget option, but the thickness is a dead giveaway. For the best iwc portugieser experience, pay the extra for ZF.
10. On-Wrist Experience: The Perfect Dress Watch
Wearing the iwc portugieser is a statement of understated class.
- Size: At 40.9mm, it is the perfect modern dress watch size.
- Comfort: Because it is thin and has curved lugs, it hugs the wrist. It slides under any shirt cuff.
- Versatility: The black dial works with a tuxedo, a business suit, or even a smart-casual polo shirt.
Social Distance Test:
From 1 meter away, it is indistinguishable from the $8,000 genuine watch. The thin profile sells the illusion perfectly.
11. Pros & Cons
✅ The Pros
- Perfect Thickness: 12.3mm is the holy grail spec.
- Dial Quality: The sunburst and applied numerals are stunning.
- AR Coating: The blue tint looks premium.
- Value: Looks like a million bucks for a fraction of the price.
❌ The Cons
- Rotor Noise: The 7750 rotor can be heard if you shake your wrist violently.
- Power Reserve: Approx. 40 hours (standard for 7750), not as long as modern 70h movements.
- Strap: The stock leather strap is okay, but real alligator is better.
12. Final Verdict – Is the ZF Portugieser Worth It?
Yes. It is a Legend.
The ZF Factory IWC Portugieser Chronograph is one of the “Super Replicas” that every collector should own. It solved the thickness problem that plagued replicas for years.
Why you should buy it:
- Best Dress Watch: It is elegant and timeless.
- Engineering Marvel: The slim movement modification is impressive.
- Safe Buy: It has been on the market for years and is proven reliable.
For anyone searching for the perfect iwc portugieser replica, this is the end-game choice.
Check the latest price and stock here.
FAQ: Common Buyer Questions
Q1: Is the chronograph functional?
A: Yes! It is a fully functional stopwatch. You can time events up to 30 minutes.
Q2: Is the watch waterproof?
A: It is splash-proof (3ATM). It is safe for hand washing, but do NOT swim with it. Dress watches (and chronographs with pushers) are not designed for swimming.
Q3: Can I change the strap?
A: Yes. The lug width is 20mm. You can swap it for any high-quality leather strap to change the look.
Q4: Does the movement need service?
A: The ZF modified 7750 is reliable, but like any mechanical movement, a service (clean and oil) every 3-5 years will keep it running smoothly forever.