Introduction

The Portuguese Chrono IW371626 ZF 1:1 Best Edition Light Blue Dial on Blue Leather Strap A69355 is one of the most attractive watches that combine the style with a technical touch. This watch is sold by Luxury Watch Lane and is a combination of an aesthetically pleasing watch and a chronograph which is designed to be used in everyday life. We take you through each of the key features in this paper: the dimensions, dial design, movement notes and the comfort of the real world. We want to enlighten the prospective buyers and fans in order to make them comprehend what this edition has to offer.

Overview & Positioning

Selling this watch as a ZF 1:1 Best Edition, that is, a high quality homage or a replica product designed to look as close to the original IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371626 as possible. As indicated on the product page on the Luxury Watch Lane, the watch costs USD 378.00.  

It is packaged with a 41 mm x 13 mm case size, which lies squarely in the middle of sporty dress chronographs. This movement is said to be a case of custom engineered slim Asian automatic chronograph type of movement, with its pace being 28,800 vph which is manufactured by the ZF maker, and is of the same thickness as the original IWC 96355 calibre.  

Key specs include:

• Solid 316L stainless steel case  
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal Scratchproof.  
• Light blue dial  
• Deployant strap is a blue leather strap.  
• Water resistant (not specified over which depth)  

On that foundation we can determine its fidelity to design, mechanical behavior and wearability.

Design & Aesthetics

Case & Proportions

The size of the chronograph is 41 mm, which is a standard size of chromoscopes that want to be both sporty and elegant at the same time to display dress watches. It is a moderately thick veneer, 13 mm, but also good enough with all the complications (chronograph) contained within. Both the durability and good corrosion resistance are provided by use of 316L stainless steel.

Finishing is usually a combination of brushes on the sides or flanks of the cases, as well as polished bezel or accents, most often in homage builds that seek to recreate the appearance of the luxury prototypical models. The bezel is less thick, which provides an increased amount of dial; the lugs are formed in such a way that the strap bends in the direction of the wrist.

Dial Layout & Light Blue Shade

The first distinction that this edition has is the light blue dial. It is airy and has a fresh appearance as compared to the dark dials or the silver dials that are typical of chronographs. Depending on the varying light conditions, the color can vary slightly which brings depth and personality. The dial is sparsely and symmetrically spaced: there are two subdials (one with minutes or hours of a chronograph or one with running seconds) which are located vertically or horizontally (depending on the design).

The hands and indices should be contrasting in either black or silver colour and easily readable. The chronograph subdials are a little inset or snailed to give texture and appearance of layering. The dial structure is geared toward the fusion of the traditional elegance of the Portugueser and the contemporary flair with the unique color twist.

The AR coating of the sapphire crystal contributes to the clarity and reduced glare in order to make sure that the dial can be easily read in the case of harsh light.

Strap & Clasp

The version is fitted with a blue leather strap and this matches with the light blue dial. The strap is probably very comfortable, yet will not wear out after daily use. It is fitted with a deployant clasp (sometimes also known as a folding clasp), and is superior to a pin buckle in bending stress, as well as being more securely fastened.

Depending on the strap width will influence the way the watch fits; in the case of a 41 mm watch, 20 mm lug width is typical. It is supposed to fit both business and casual appearances with a good leather strap.

Water Resistance

Though the listing does indicate that it has resistance to water, water resistance: yes, it does not specify a specific resistance (e.g. 30 m, 50 m, etc.). Considering the style and design (dress / chronograph), it can be recommended that water resistance be considered as appropriate to splashes and rain but not swimming or submersion.

Movement & Mechanics

Movement Type & Performance

Its core is a slim Asian chronograph of custom designed automatic movement of 28,800 Vph of ZF maker. The description boasts of being the same thickness as the original IWC 96355 calibre movement.  

The fundamental functions, hours and minutes, a small seconds subdial, and chronograph, are processed by this movement. The thinness is also significant, where the chronograph movements only have a tendency of raising the height. It is not easy to match the original thickness and in the process one can bring the homage watch to be closer to an original.

Functionality & Reliability

The common characteristics that can be found in such a movement are:

• Chronograph seconds and minutes (or hours as indicated by design of subdial)
• Running subdial of small seconds.
• Chronograph start, stop and reset pushers.
• Along with automatic rotor winding, manual winding.

Reliability is largely reliant on build, part tolerance and control. As this is a homage edition, there might be no difference in the serviceability and parts availability compared to the brand originals. Handling comes in handling and servicing after every period to ensure longevity.

Accuracy & Regulation

There is no specified accuracy or regulation range expected but in well adjusted examples users could target deviation between +-20 to +-30 seconds per day (or less) according to tolerance. Being an automatic movement, timing will be affected by positional variations, magnetism and wear as time progresses. The fact that it can be fine-regulated (through an adjustable index or balance regulation) is useful.

Power Reserve

The listing does not give specific power reserves. A number of comparable chronograph functions provide between 40 and 48 hours of self-sufficiency on a full wind. That provides enough reserve in case one is not wearing the watch throughout the weekend and therefore has the spare time to rest.

Wearing Experience & Comfort

Wrist Presence & Fit

The watch is 41 mm and neither too big nor too traditional, which is in the sweet spot of the wrist size of many. The thickness of 13 mm renders presence and is still fitting beneath shirt sleeves. The lug shape and the flexibility of the straps define the amount of hugging that will occur around the wrist; the right straps shape and enough curve of the lugs will serve to reduce the perceived bulk.

The hue of the dial is blue and is repeated by the color of the strap which gives a harmonious appearance. There is a deployant clasp that is used to achieve a fit and easy day-to-wear comfort. The watch is a compromise between sporty chronograph and classy dress, thus fitting in various day to day environments.

Legibility & Daily Use

The blue dial is light blue with contrasting hands and indices, hence in most imaging, the watch can be read easily. The sapphire crystal is also an anti-reflective crystal that contributes to the minimization of glare. The chronograph pushers must have a crisp and responsive feel; in a properly assembled homage edition the feel given by the pushers is a major sign of workmanship.

Due to the chronograph complication, the dial contains other subdials but they are usually placed in such a way that they do not overcrowd the dial but maintain the readability. The design is simple and free of clutter in the daily time and seconds.

Comparisons & Value proposition

The Context of original IWC Portugieser Chronograph

The true IWC Portugieser Chronograph is much more appreciated, and it has its own in-house calibre versions, precious metals editions, and good brand background. As an example the IW371626 reference in white gold with a horizon blue dial and the new in-house movement is the perfect example of the high original pricing and workmanship.

Its original costs an appreciably higher premium, with the help of brand, movement legacy, finishing, warranty and exclusivity.

Homage Market Landscape

In the homage / replica market, consumers usually consider visual fidelity, movement stability, finishing control and post sales service. The point of having this best version is to provide the closest appearance to the original, but with mechanical capabilities in a more affordable bracket (USD 378, in this case).  

Other rival homage chronographs may skimp on the finishing, spacing of dials or movement strength. The achievement of this edition depends on the manner it balances on the accuracy of imitation and the period of operation.

Strengths & Tradeoffs

The strengths of this version are:

• Unique and classy light blue dial that is not prevalent in homage models.
• 41 mm in size to make it a wearable item.
• Complete chronograph at a low cost.
• Stainless steel case Sapphire crystal.
• Aesthetic use of deployant clasp and corresponding straps.

Tradeoffs / risks include:

• Absence of water resistance rating, clear and strong.
• Since it is a fake/parody, there is no proper brand warranty or service network
• The quality control determines the duration of movement
• Diversity in unit finishing

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The light blue dial and matching strap will be eye pleasing.
• Automatic movement chronograph that is functionally complete.
• Sapphire crystal and solid stainless steel case.
• Adequate size to be worn on a daily basis.
• Application Adds wearability and comfort.
• Strong branding in its niche of homage watches.

Cons

• Waterproofing not entirely revealed – do not expose to heavy water.
• As a homage, there are no factory brand heritage, warranties or even after sales services.
• Serviceability of motion could be at the mercies of independent watchmakers.
• Cuffs of thin dress shirts can be problematic because of thickness.
• Precision and uniformity might not be unit-wise.

Tips for Buyers & Owners

Look at carefully on delivery

Check dialing, positioning date dials (where they are on a chronograph) and the distance around subdials, hand positioning and finish consistency

Comparison of test with known references

 Operate it over some days to evaluate timekeeping consistency and identify aggressive drift

Push button wear and test chronograph

 Note the clean feeling of the start/stop/reset operations – loose mounting of tolerances can be indicated by sloppy pushers.

Avoid water pressure

 Although it might be water resistant, it is not swimming or showering time unless it is known to be so.

Service periodically

 Reblube the movement with every service to ensure that it remains lubricated and continues to work.

Alternatives of straps

 Although the corresponding blue leather is also pretty, the appearance can be varied by considering alternatives in the form of suede, canvas, or lighter leather.

Final Thoughts

The Portuguese Chrono IW371626 ZF 1:1 Best Edition Light Blue Dial on Blue Leather Strap A69355 is an audacious and sophisticated product in the category of the homage chronograph. Its light blue dial, stainless steel case, sapphire crystal and full chronograph movement, offer both the style and the content at a more affordable price bracket.

It will attract the attention of the buyers, who respect the design and appearance of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph but will not be willing to spend the high price on the original. At that, there are tradeoffs that the potential owners are to be aware of with homage watches, and they are warranty, parts support, and non-uniform finishing.

In case you are willing to have a watch that appears fancy, has the features of chronograph and can be a highlight in your wardrobe, this edition is worth taking a second look.