IWC Portugieser Automatic 7 Days IW500705 Super Clone — White Dial, ZF Factory
This is the IWC Portugieser Automatic 7 Days IW500705, often simply called the “Portugieser 7 Days” or “Portuguese Seven-Day.”
The version shown here is the white dial with blue hands, produced by ZF Factory, and it earns the super clone label not through novelty, but through long-term coherence in proportion, mechanics, and daily wear behavior.
Why the ZF Portugieser 7 Days Still Sets the Benchmark
Most replicas fail quietly over time. The dial spacing starts to feel off, the power-reserve indicator becomes cosmetic, or the movement loses stability after months of use. This ZF version avoids those failures because it was built around one core decision: replicate the architecture of the watch first, not the surface.
The IW500705 is defined by balance—large Arabic numerals, restrained sub-dials, and a calm layout that only works if spacing and depth are correct. ZF’s execution respects that balance, which is why this model continues to hold up long after the first impression.
Case Proportions That Remain Convincing on the Wrist
The stainless-steel case measures 42.3 mm in diameter with a thickness of approximately 14.1 mm, closely aligned with the genuine Portugieser Automatic 7 Days. While the watch is not thin, it wears flatter than the numbers suggest due to the long, gently curved lugs and broad dial opening.
ZF accurately reproduces the three-piece case construction, including the softly polished bezel, brushed mid-case, and smooth caseback transition. The lug geometry is especially important here. Shorter or thicker lugs immediately break the Portugieser silhouette, and this version avoids that mistake.
Dial Layout and Visual Balance Over Time
The white dial uses a matte, lightly grained finish rather than a glossy lacquer. This matters in real indoor lighting, where overly bright dials tend to look artificial. The applied Arabic numerals are cleanly cut, evenly spaced, and sit at the correct height above the dial surface.
The layout remains faithful to the original IW500705:
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Power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock, fully functional
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Small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, properly recessed
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Date window at 6 o’clock, with correct font weight and alignment
The leaf-shaped blued hands are proportionally correct, with accurate length and curvature. ZF avoids the common error of thick, flat hands that look acceptable in photos but feel wrong in motion.
Sapphire Crystal and Everyday Viewing Conditions
The watch is fitted with a domed sapphire crystal, not flat sapphire with exaggerated coating. The curvature and edge distortion closely resemble the genuine piece, especially when viewed at shallow angles.
Anti-reflective coating is applied with restraint. Reflections soften rather than disappear, which is consistent with how the original Portugieser behaves under indoor and office lighting. Over extended wear, this subtlety contributes significantly to realism.
Movement: Where ZF Makes the Right Compromises
Inside is ZF’s custom-developed automatic 7-day movement, visually and structurally based on the IWC Calibre 52010 architecture.
Key characteristics:
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Dual-barrel automatic movement
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Real power reserve of approximately 72 hours
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Fully functional power reserve indicator
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Stable small-seconds operation at 9 o’clock
ZF does not attempt to pass this movement off as a Swiss original. Instead, it prioritizes torque stability, consistent amplitude, and predictable service behavior. That decision matters far more than decorative bridge engraving once the watch is worn regularly.
The movement winds efficiently on the wrist and maintains steady timekeeping across the power range, which is where many lower-tier replicas fall apart.
Strap and Wearing Experience
The watch comes fitted with a black Italian calfskin leather strap, embossed with a subtle grain and finished with clean hand stitching. The strap thickness is appropriate for the case size, avoiding the stiff, oversized feel that plagues many replicas.
The folding clasp is correctly proportioned, with clear engraving and secure closure. On the wrist, the watch remains stable and balanced despite its size, which is essential for a daily-wear Portugieser.
How This ZF Version Compares to Other Factories
Among Portugieser 7 Days replicas, ZF continues to lead because it focuses on structural accuracy rather than visual shortcuts. Other factories may offer thinner cases or louder finishing, but they often sacrifice dial spacing, movement behavior, or long-term reliability.
ZF’s version is not flawless, but its errors do not compound with time. That is why it remains the reference point for this model.
Genuine vs Super Clone Comparison
| Feature | Genuine IWC IW500705 | ZF Factory Super Clone |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 42.3 mm | 42.3 mm |
| Case Thickness | ~14.1 mm | ~14.1 mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Domed Sapphire | Domed Sapphire |
| Dial | White, Arabic Numerals | White, Arabic Numerals |
| Movement | IWC Cal. 52010 | ZF 7-Day Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 7 Days | ~72 Hours |
| Power Reserve Indicator | Functional | Functional |
| Strap | Santoni Alligator | Italian Calfskin |
| Retail Price | Over USD 13,000 | Replica Tier |
Final Judgment
The ZF Factory IWC Portugieser Automatic 7 Days IW500705 super clone succeeds because it preserves proportion, movement logic, and long-term wear balance—qualities that matter far more than superficial perfection, and whether that standard is enough is ultimately up to the wearer.
