IWC Portuguese Chronograph Automatic (3714) Genuine v Replica Parts

[Adz]

For a long time I've been searching for a good comparison of genuine v replica parts without much success so I decided to take some pictures of my own parts so others wondering the same can see in detail.

To begin with, I'd have to say that the IWC 3714 replica is very good. Sure it has movement problems but nothing that can't be fixed with a genuine movement. In order to fit a genuine movement the case must be milled slightly.

When it comes to colour choice, the black face/black subdial and black face/white subdial (panda) certianly have the advantage as the black colour is a lot easier to replicate. The 3714-14 (Silver face, blue numerals) is the least accurate I believe. In saying that, it's still quite good but side by side the difference is easy to spot. The rep has a sparkly silver flake though it where as the genuine item is a basic flat silver.

The biggest flaws with the 3714 replica in my opinion are the subdials - the texture of the grooves is too defined, and the numbers on the main dial - they are not smooth on the edges like the genuine and looking closely they are clearly stuck on and not finished as cleanly with colour as the genuine.

Other minor flaws (and now I'm being very particular) are the print on the tachometer ring - it is not as crisp as the gen. The replica tachometer ring also meets the dial flush. The genuine ring does not, it's has a step/facet of about 1mm. The other minor flaw is the printed "IWC Schaffhausen" and "Chronograph Automatic" text is slightly different on the rep. One thing to note is that the genuine tachometer ring requires slight modification in order to fit the rep case.

One thing that is near perfect is the hands, I think they are as good as the genuine item though I noticed with mine that there are slight flaws with the finish and for this reason, I am using gen hands also.

I haven't bothered with a replacement strap yet but the rep is horrible. It looks cheap and nasty and should be the first thing replaced on any 3714 rep.

The caseback also needs to be brushed in the centre to match the gen but this is also a very easy fix.

I'm replacing the replica old style fish crown with a genuine new style Probus Scafusia crown. Many people say that the replica crown is fine but the genuine crown is slightly different where it meets the case, it tapers slightly and the teeth are also slightly different and more defined on the gen. A 7750 winding stem and tube is required to fit the genuine crown.

Ultimately I'd love to source a genuine case with crystal and pushers etc but this doesn't seem possible like the 3717 so for now a good double AR on the rep crystal and a brushed caseback will have to do. If genuine cases become available in the future I'll go 100% gen.

I hope you find this post informative

[wiesn089]

Great post, thank you! I have a Concepta 3714-38 in the making, so this comparison is very interesting. I have opted for exactly the same setup you are discussing including a gen strap, glad I made that choice.

[yamahatwin]

Very nice post...! Thanks!

You're right, it's difficult to find a good review of Gen/rep for this 3714.

[StormTooper4]

Nice one thank you

[JohnDorian]

So what kind of modding does the Tachy ring require?

[mrboombasteke]

Very informative. My 3714-38 from Nik is amazing...and I have it on today! He couldn't source a gen dial for it, so I have one on order. Gen movement, strap, hands, and dial is probably all I'll do. If I feel like going crazy, I'll get the gen case & tachy ring!

[Orion1632]

How much is the gen movement?

[TLeusink]

Nice parts, where did you source them?

[Adz]

All parts were sourced from Hugo (Hacra)

[Orion1632]

thanks for the pics. really points out the difference between the gen and the Rep.. made me take a closer look at the watch on my wrist too !

[Hugo Alves]

@Tleusink pm me for more details in case you are interested.

[mefor22]

Hugo, I am interested to get those parts. Can you pm me?

[dmacnz]

Can I ask how is the AR? I really want this watch but to impatient to have to wait for a AR service!

Thanks

[mrboombasteke]

Took almost a year, but I fiiiiiiinally got my gen 3714-38 dial. This couldn't have happened without the help of Hugo.

[teeps]

Thanks for the post, I have recently ordered the very same watch.

Out of interest, what movement did the rep come with? I've heard some concerning feedback on the A-7750 (28,800) , new improved 29J movement, which is inside my rep.

[mrboombasteke]

Thought I'd share...

[dmacnz]

Love the 3714.......... Really thinking of having this as the grail watch..........

[nmartin771]

This look's amassing.

I was reading this forum for a while and finally decided to by rep watch, and this is my gral ...

I'm thinking of changing 3 things: Dial, hands and crown.

Can someone tell me where I can find those gen parts ?

And how much are they ?

Thanks.

Nikola

[bayoule]

hello,

In case I'd like to change the strap, what size is it on the rep? 20mm?

Thanks

[limedbk]

Hi All,

I am comtemplating getting a rep 3714 too. May I ask where would be a good website to get one? Wish I can even talk about considering making changes. But I need a rep first.

Many Thanks,

bk

[saibhui]

sorry to ask this stupid question but I am new to this... how do you replace your dial? is that you should remove the movement first and then push off the crystal from behind?

any website you guys recommend to get the gen hands and crystal?