First IWC 3706 and First post!

I've been an admirer of IWC and a follower of this forum for a while. Thank you to everyone for your thoughtful comments and for educating newcomers like me. Indeed, if it weren't for the information you've all provided on this forum I would not have made my first IWC purchase, which I'm loving.

Here it is:
[](s1378.photobucket.com/user/skgbos/media/79c1f2ec-5493-4e50-9c9f-ddc03979a67e_zpsbac49908.jpg.html)[](s1378.photobucket.com/user/skgbos/media/FullSizeRender1_zps647a064f.jpg.html)
[](s1378.photobucket.com/user/skgbos/media/FullSizeRender3_zps4ac68d25.jpg.html)

I have a few questions that I'm hoping you can help me with:
1. What's the history of the 3706 and is there any way to learn when mine was made from the serial number on the back, short of sending it back to IWC?
2. Although I purchased the watch pre-owned from an AD, just curious if there are any hints that it may not be authentic? Hopefully not!
3. What's the proper care for this watch, beyond the day-to-day. How often should it be serviced to keep it going so I can pass it along?

Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays to all!

Steve

A Big Welcome to the Forum Steve and a very nice piece you chose for your entry into the world of IWC! It looks to be in fine condition. I had always admired IWC but it was 3706 that made me fall for the brand in a big way.

In answer to your questions-

1. 3706 was the Pilot chronograph "Der Flieger Chronograph" that was paired with the Mark XV.
   Produced from 1994 to 2005 when it was replaced by 3717. You can try to check the production date of your iwc through this website, www.moeb.ch/dyIWC/

2. Considering it was bought at an AD - very unlikely. Looks perfect to me.

3. These watches will require a COA service(Clean Oil Adjust) every five years or so. Did it come from the AD serviced? If not, consider giving it a service.
   It's a beauty - good luck.

Welcome to the forum and the 3706 is a great way to start. A real classic. Nice pictures too. I guess Mark already answered your questions, so not much to add. Considering the need of service I also take into account whether or not the watch gains or loses too much time during the day. That can give you some indication about the need for service.

Hi Steve, another website run by one of the Forummers I have found very useful: www.fliegeruhr.ch/3706.htm

Have the waterproofness checked now if not already done by your AD and then every year. As long as they run ok, watches don't need a service in my opinion.
"If it's not broken, you don't have to fix it."
Big congratulations: A beautiful start with great heritage. Very functional too! The steel bracelet might be an option for the future. If you find the original one (they're around sometimes) even better.

Nothing to add to your questions, but welcome to the forum. Enjoy wearing your very nice timepiece.

Merry Christmas

Chris

Thank you all for the kind welcome and excellent information.

Happy Holidays!

Steve

Steve, what a classic!

A great timepiece and one which I am sure will serve you well. We do not see them come up here so often anymore (most who have one - simply hang onto it) and this makes for a good post.

Thanks for sharing, and wear in good health.

Hi, love the watch! That is the watch that made me fall in love with the brand IWC 20 years ago. Congrats!

Cool: Me too around 16 years ago! It was my boss's 3706 on bracelet. In the meetings most of the time I was staring at his wrist. Then I had to ask him what he had. The rest is history. ;-)