Bokey TimeHello everyone, this is Bokey Watch Industry. In this issue, we bring you a genuine vs. replica review of the ZF Factory IWC Pilot Series IW377704 Pilot’s Chronograph compared with the authentic version.
As one of IWC’s most popular watch series, the sales volume in authorized boutiques is extremely high! In the old version of the Pilot’s Chronograph, the V6 factory had the largest shipment volume, while the new version of the Pilot Double Calendar was launched by the ZF factory to seize the opportunity! Without further ado, let’s first look at the authentic parameters: IWC Pilot’s Watch Series IW377704 (also known as the Pilot’s Chronograph), priced at 50,500.
Next, Bokey will bring you a comparison between the Pilot IW377704 and the authentic version to see if the ZF Pilot IW377704 watch can be easily identified as a fake at first glance and whether there are any aspects that are not properly replicated! This comparison of the Pilot’s Chronograph will analyze more than a dozen details against the authentic version:
1.Overall comparison: Overall, apart from the difference in the length of the strap between the ZF Pilot’s Chronograph and the authentic version (the authentic one has been worn and the strap has been adjusted), no other differences can be seen. The stylish dial, elegant stainless steel case, and matching stainless steel bracelet give off a strong masculine vibe just from the appearance. (GEN represents the authentic version, while ZF refers to the ZF Pilot’s Chronograph).
2.Front comparison: The ZF Pilot’s Chronograph and the authentic version both feature a 43mm case diameter, paired with a silver stainless steel strap and a three-crown design, creating a very stylish appearance!
3.Mirror comparison: Like the authentic version, the ZF Pilot’s Chronograph uses sapphire crystal glass with double-sided anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal mirrors. When reflecting light, the dial appears blue. It should be noted that the dial is uniformly black; the blue appearance is due to the blue coating on the mirror. When photographed at the same angle as the authentic version, the ZF maintains the same transparency and brightness.
4. Dial comparison: The entire dials of both watches feature a classic black and white color scheme, and the blue light reflected on the dials appears exceptionally noble. When the replica and the authentic version are placed side by side, the replica is in no way inferior!
5. Pointer comparison: The proportion and length of the ZF pointer are consistent with the genuine product. (Note: Both the minute hand and the large chronograph second hand are curved. You can see that the genuine product is also bent. This is due to the curved design of the mirror surface – the pointer must be bent to avoid hitting the mirror, which is not a defect! Secondly, if you pay attention to dress watches from past decades, you will also find that many watch hands are bent. Some old – established manufacturers such as Jaeger – LeCoultre, Glashütte Original, and Girard – Perregaux all prefer to use curved hand designs.)
6.Hand center shaft: When observed under several times magnification, the center shaft hole of the ZF version is slightly larger than that of the authentic model. This can only be seen under magnification and is imperceptible to the naked eye.
7.Comparison of the chronograph minute sub-dial: The circular track and scales on the sub-dial are very clear. Upon close observation, it is found that the raised track pattern on the authentic version is more pronounced. Due to the difference in shooting distance between the two sets of photos, the numbers on the authentic chronograph minute sub-dial appear slightly larger than those on the replica, but this does not affect wearability.
8.Comparison of the regular second sub-dial: The IWC logo on the ZF replica version is slightly thicker than that on the authentic model, and the thread effect of the authentic version has a more layered appearance.
9.Chronograph hour sub-dial: The hands inside the replica sub-dial have a high degree of fidelity to the authentic model, with meticulous details executed perfectly.
10.Date comparison: The numerical fonts of the replica and the authentic model are different. When magnified, the authentic font is rounder and slightly bolder than the ZF version, which is hardly noticeable unless placed side by side. However, the three-dimensional effect of the replica’s date window is excellently executed!
11.Scale comparison: The edge scales of the replica are absolutely meticulous and identical to the authentic model. However, when magnified, the replica scales appear slightly wider.
12. Side comparison: The authentic model features a case with a thickness of 15 mm, while the replica case is 0.5 mm thicker than the authentic one. The design of the three crowns is very unique, and the replica has done an excellent job!
13. Lug comparison: Since the ZF factory uses the authentic model as a 1:1 mold for production, the outer shell’s lug lines are elegant, and the gaps between the lugs and the steel strap are appropriately sized. The resulting effect is equally appealing and can fully match the authentic model in terms of aesthetics.
14. Let’s look at the other side. Whether it’s the polishing or the brushing, the replica has been meticulously crafted, striving to maintain consistency with the authentic version to the greatest extent possible.
15.Crown comparison: As the authentic watch has been worn and used, some scratches can be seen on the crown. The replica has exquisitely polished the crown’s gears, demonstrating the ZF factory’s extremely high craftsmanship standards.
16.Back comparison: The polishing effect of the replica case back is quite good. The authentic watch has been worn for a period of time, and there are stains from use at the junction of the case and the strap. It is important to remind everyone here that watches should be regularly maintained.
17.Strap comparison: Both use silver straps made of stainless steel, and both watches exude a tough masculine vibe. When observing the details directly, the replica strap features a wave-like design, which is a 1:1 reproduction of the authentic version.
18.Buckle comparison: The replica is consistent with the authentic version, using a folding buckle. The polishing and detailed engraving are both exquisitely done. The ZF factory has basically maintained consistency with the authentic model, which demonstrates a great deal of effort in this regard.
Summary: The ZF factory has painstakingly created this pilot IW377704 replica watch. It has also made a big breakthrough and adjustment on the movement. It uses the Shanghai 7750 movement. The movement is more stable and there is not much difference from the genuine product. So choosing an IWC watch from the ZF factory will definitely not disappoint you!
[Aside: Some usage precautions for the 7750 movement:]
1.Do not adjust the time of the watch from 9 pm to 3 am. In particular, do not simply adjust the calendar and week. Because during this time period, the automatic slow-jumping wheel is jumping the calendar. If the manual quick-jumping wheel works at the same time, it will cause the movement to jam and lead to failure. The ideal calibration time is from 10 am to 2 pm.
2.The chronograph function of the watch had better not be used frequently (this is true for both genuine and imitation products). (Whether it is Shanghai or ETA, turning on the chronograph function will affect the error). Do not frequently turn it on and off. Note: Each time the chronograph function is turned on, the chronograph large second hand must run for 15 to 30 seconds before pausing and then resetting.
3.Handle your watch with care and protect it well. It will also bring you good performance correspondingly.
4.When calibrating the calendar and week, make sure to pull it to the gear position before adjusting. (To avoid breaking the gear). The lighter the force, the better. The slower the speed, the better. (After you become proficient, you will master a rhythm). The best way is to pull it to the second gear and drive it through the hour hand.
5.For the 7750 automatic mechanical movement, when it is completely stationary, please manually wind it about eight-tenths full. However, be careful not to wind it too tightly to avoid thread slipping and causing unnecessary trouble. (Generally, for an automatic watch, a man wearing it for one hour can bring three hours of power reserve).
