A high-quality chronograph: disassembly of the ZF Factory IWC Portugieser chronograph, the details are almost perfect

The IWC Portugieser model is produced by ZF Factory with a solid stainless steel case, standard case diameter and 7750 automatic chronograph movement architecture. It is among the most successful 1:1 super clone watch reviews on the market, with its sapphire crystal AR coating glass, original case tolerances and detailed workmanship.

Dial and Hand Details

When it comes to IWC, in addition to the Portugieser chronograph, on the classic watches side, there is also the Portugieser 7 Diary, which is also extremely magnificent. It's IWC's most popular model and it never gets out of people's hearts! But our topic today is the Portugieser chronograph. There are many copycats in the market after such an eye-catching watch, and the most reliable ones among these copycats are ZF and YL. The two are almost neck and neck in terms of workmanship; Their movements are also the same, both use the Dandong-made 7750 movement. However, after a careful comparison, minor differences emerge between them. Today, we will first introduce ZF's Portugieser chronograph; Let's examine it together.

Looking at the actual shooting images, small differences are easily seen, from the logo to the hour markers and font; ZF is one click ahead. Since ZF is better, let's disassemble it below and talk in detail about where it is good.

At first glance, the wrist situation is extremely accurate. The three-dimensional feel and color of the figures are very successful; Additionally, the section containing the number 6 has been handled very carefully. As everyone knows, the number 6 is not perfect in this position, but making the half of the 6 fit exactly to the original is a job that really requires mastery. I think they have done the 6 sections on the dial surface of the V2 very well.

The color scheme of the watch is predominantly blue-white. The white dial is paired with blue hour markers and hour and minute hands; He is really very handsome! The materials used are 316 stainless steel, anti-reflective blue coated sapphire glass and blue annealed steel hour and minute hands. Previously, continuous electroplating technique was used on the hour markers of Portugieser chronographs made by 3A and TG Factory; ZF and YL Factory have adopted the blue annealing technique as in the original, and the result is much more three-dimensional.

Numerical hour markers are where ZF is noticeably better than YL Factory. You can take each hour marker and compare it to the original image. At YL Factory, the font of almost all hour markers is quite different from the original; Of course, this is a conclusion that can only be reached after a very careful comparison.

A correction has already been made to this watch: the chronograph pushers on the top are not in the same horizontal alignment, and the time setting crown in the middle is slightly higher than the chronograph pushers on the two sides. This detail is very close to the original.

I don't know if you noticed, but the tip of the seconds hand is pressed downwards, meaning it is slightly curved. Many watch lovers are very worried about this issue: Is there something wrong with this watch? Actually it is not. There is a logic to this practice; I won't explain it in detail, just know that ZF did it right!

Case and Body Workmanship

Closed case back design; 7750 chronograph caliber is used as the movement. The entire thickness of the watch is 11 mm, which is extremely compatible with the original! It deserves a round of applause!

So why do we say good? In fact, previously some copyists used the subtype 7750, which ran seconds at the standard 6 position; That's why the measurements didn't fit. After choosing the 7750 movement, ZF made a bold decision and completely removed the date function of the original movement, thus achieving a thinner result. YL achieved the same thing.

Movement and Caliber Performance

Thanks to this breakthrough in the mechanism, the general structure has also been updated. In the past, the structure of the Portugieser chronograph was pressurized; To disassemble the watch, it was necessary to remove the front cover. Now, with the improvement in the mechanism, the structure has become the same as the original: the front cover is separated and fixed with a long screw on the inside. Thus, the job was perfected!

The glass is coated on one side; The coating is on the inside. Although it may seem like a small process, this technique is actually done with Swiss patented coating technology and is different from our ordinary eyeglass coatings.

The text was etched with acid on the inside of the case back, and acid etched and sandblasted on the outside; inner side laser engraving. There is also a waterproof seal on the inside of the case back.

Strap, Buckle and Comfort

As for the strap, ZF leaves the factory with Italian calfskin; I changed it to crocodile skin for the photo shoot. I think this is a personal preference, because the factory's own calfskin is not bad either, only the original is crocodile leather. So it's up to personal taste. No need to say anything about the buckle; A solid and full original buckle was used.

Summary: After reading this far, I think you have seen with your own eyes why ZF is good. There is a saying: Detail determines success! Indeed, everything is very successful, both in terms of technique and detail. Of course, there is a reason why it is accepted as the top version. The stability of the mechanism is also an issue that worries many friends; There is no problem with the stability of the mechanism that this factory had specially made again with the Dandong mechanism factory, you can put your doubts aside with peace of mind!

If you read until the end, I hope this article was useful to you. We will share more detailed reviews in the coming days.