The IWC Portugieser Chronograph 3716 keeps the familiar 3714 look but replaces its movement with IWC’s calibre 69355 and adds a sapphire display back. The 3714 example compared here, reference IW371447, uses calibre 79350 and a standard caseback. Their specifications are close in size and water resistance; the choice is chiefly about movement, the view through the back and the specific watch’s price and condition.
What changed from the 3714 to the 3716?
IWC announced the 3716 on February 3, 2020, describing its external design as unchanged and identifying the manufacture calibre 69355 as the main update. The movement is visible through a transparent caseback, unlike the standard back on the cited IW371447. IWC’s announcement presents the change as an evolution rather than a wholesale redesign.
The design continuity is the point: the dial layout and recognizable Portugieser Chronograph character remain. Monochrome’s comparison notes small exterior details, including logo treatment, pushers, caseback thickness and buckle, but these do not amount to a new overall design. Monochrome’s 2020 comparison also places the automatic 3714’s introduction in 1998 and describes its movement as a Valjoux-based calibre modified by IWC.
3714 vs. 3716 specifications
The figures below compare two specific IWC references, not every dial, material or production year in each family. The older model is IW371447 and the newer example is IW371610.
#1 Best Overall
- Inspired by classic American machinery, the Machine watch commands attention with its bold knurled topring. Unmistakably masculine with a bold 44mm case housing a brushed gunmetal dial with textured details, all protected by a mineral crystal face.
- Case & Movement: 44mm case, 22mm band width, scratch resistant mineral crystal, accurate quartz movement with chronograph analog display, imported
- Dial: Round gunmetal stainless steel case with a brushed, textured gray dial.
- Watch Band: Gunmetal durable stainless steel bracelet; links can be removed for a customized fit.
- Water Resistant: Up to 50m (165ft): Wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM.
| Specification | 3714 family: IW371447 | 3716: IW371610 |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | IWC calibre 79350, automatic | IWC-manufactured calibre 69355, automatic |
| Power reserve | 44 hours | 46 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) |
| Diameter | 40.9 mm | 41 mm |
| Height | 12.5 mm | 13 mm on IWC’s product page; 13.1 mm in Monochrome’s 2020 launch-specification table |
| Caseback | Standard caseback | Synthetic sapphire crystal |
| Water resistance | 3 bar | 3 bar |
| Strap width | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Components / jewels | 272 / 31 | 205 / 27 |
IWC’s archived specifications list the IW371447 figures on its 3714 product page and the IW371610 figures on its 3716 product page. Those pages were accessed in 2026. The 13 mm versus 13.1 mm height difference is a small reporting discrepancy between IWC’s listed specification and Monochrome’s 2020 table, not evidence of a meaningful design change.
What the in-house calibre and display back add
Calibre 69355 versus 79350
The 3716’s calibre 69355 is a column-wheel chronograph movement, with a stated 46-hour power reserve, 205 components and 27 jewels for IW371610. The 3714’s calibre 79350 is listed with 44 hours, 272 components and 31 jewels for IW371447. Both cited references run at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The component and jewel counts describe the named references; they are not, by themselves, a measure of accuracy, durability or service cost.
Rank #2
- DURABLE PERFORMANCE – Our most innovative dive-style watch is tested to 100 meters of water resistance and tracks multiple time zones. The Fossil Blue GMT also features a rotating 24-hr bezel, bold oversized crown, and lume indices for easy readability. Made for any adventure. *Not ISO-certified.
- ALL-DAY DURABILITY: 46mm case, 24mm band width, hardened mineral crystal lens resists scratches, GMT movement with GMT analog display echoing craftsmanship of fine watches, men's watch, imported.
- LARGE DIAL STYLE: Round silver and blue stainless steel case with a blue sunray dial and white accents, an ideal analog watch design inspired by classic big face watches.
- DURABLE STEEL BAND: Silver stainless steel bracelet for men's watch and big face watches, secure fold-over clasp; removable links for customized fit; interchangeable with all 24mm Fossil straps.
- ALL-DAY WATER DEFENSE – Water Resistant up to 100m (330ft): suitable for bathing, swimming or snorkeling, but is not resistant enough to withstand scuba diving; 10 ATM, ideal for those who rotate watches
Chronograph feel
Monochrome characterizes the 69355’s column wheel as giving smoother start, stop and reset pusher operation. Treat that as the publication’s comparison, not as a quantified IWC claim or a universal guarantee of how every example feels. If pusher action matters to you, try the particular watch you are considering.
Seeing the movement
The 3716’s synthetic sapphire display back makes its movement visible; the cited 3714 reference has a standard caseback. This is a practical preference, not a performance upgrade: choose the 3716 if seeing the mechanism is part of the appeal, or the earlier model if you prefer its more discreet back.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Citizen Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled Chronograph World Timer; Blue Angels edition with caseback insignia
- Synchronized to Atomic Time Clock for Superior Accuracy, Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 26 Time Zones, 1/20 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, Perpetual Calendar, 12/24 Hour Time, Power Reserve Indicator, Day/Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
How different are they on the wrist?
For the cited examples, diameter rises just 0.1 mm, from 40.9 mm on IW371447 to 41 mm on IW371610. Listed height rises from 12.5 mm to 13 mm on IWC’s page (13.1 mm in Monochrome’s 2020 table). Both list a 20 mm strap width and 3 bar water resistance. The supplied specifications do not establish how the small dimensional differences affect wear, so try the exact reference on if fit is decisive.
Both references’ 3 bar rating is a specification, not a recommendation for swimming. For a pre-owned watch, assess the individual watch’s condition and maintenance history rather than relying on the model’s original rating alone.
Rank #4
- Men's luxury timepieces with technical advancements and a sporty style
- 1 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, 12/24 Hour Time, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case
- Mineral Crystal
- 100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Which Portugieser Chronograph should you choose?
- Choose the 3716 if you specifically want IWC’s manufacture calibre 69355, the display back, or the stated two-hour power-reserve advantage in this reference comparison.
- Choose the 3714 if you prefer the earlier reference’s standard caseback or find a particular example more appealing at its actual asking price and condition.
- Try both if wrist comfort or chronograph-pusher feel is central. The listed dimensions are close, but specifications cannot substitute for trying the exact watch.
There is no established universal value winner here: the available sources do not establish current prices, resale value or a consistent market premium for either reference. Compare the specific watches on offer, including price, condition, service documentation and any warranty. A discussion post asking whether the change is “really worth it” is one buyer’s framing, not evidence of broader buyer consensus. The Reddit discussion is anecdotal.
Strap compatibility
IWC lists a 20 mm strap width for both cited references. If replacing a strap, verify the exact reference, end shape, material and attachment compatibility before buying; width alone does not confirm that a particular strap will fit.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Men's luxury timepieces with technical advancements and a sporty style
- 1/5 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, 12/24 Hour Time, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel with Black Patterned Strap
- Luminous Hands and Mineral Crystal
- 100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
