My Conclusions Concerning New Pilots

The great thing is that what you like is the stainless version, which has an Ardoise dial. There is no white gold version; the only gold one is red gold.

Thank you for the clarification! The fact that it is in stainless steel doesn't bother me at all. In fact, it means that when I go to purchase one, I won't have to check to see how much money is in the account! Whether stainless, platinum white gold is not so much a concern to me as is the statement it makes visually and it's inner workings. With IWC these factors are never in question.

[QUOTE="IWCD38"]ks. I Definitely like the white gold version.

I think MF's point was that the richness of the dial greatly adds to the beauty of the watch to the extent that you actually thought it was white gold.

A few more observations:
1.)On the flight home I sat near two younger people who worked for AD's in the US. Before they were aware that I was a member of the IWC Forum I asked each their opinion of the new products introduced at SIHH. Each independently stated that they thought that the Pilot line at IWC was the hit of the show.
I learned that the demographic that they service is very anxious to augment their Pilot watch collections. Each was very exited and thought their IWC business would expand.
2.) I know there has been some discussion about the use of military names with respect to watch sales. I think that, based on IWC's market research, there is a huge market for this line of watches. Mr Kern was adamant that the size and variety of new pieces feeds that desire among the targeted demographic. Those who prefer to avoid military overtones have five other lines from which to choose.
3.) I spoke with an executive from IWC who indicated that the company heard our requests for more ceramic models.

While I really like many of the new changes to the Pilot's line, I hope the Big Pilot remains exactly how it is for years to come. It is truly an iconic watch that I think will be a timeless classsic.

I think the fact that the BP is essentially unchanged for 2012 in the year of the Pilot speaks volumes as to IWC's intentions in this regard. There are plenty of variations to the dial in limited editions and BPPs but the basic BP remains the same.

thanks for the report alan. indeed the spitfire chronograph in ardoise/brown strap is fantastic. but as mentioned in another post, i think it's a big disappointment that it doesn't have a clear back as per image below. vinhthang

It will interesting to see what special editions come out especially in the highly popular BP line.

pilot watches (except special ones) have solid back, as their movement would be shielded by an iron-cage for anti-magnetic purposes. The new Spitfire Chrono, as I would imagine, is the same.

Kelvin,

The new Spitfire Chrono has a dial that can't be produced using soft iron, an essential component for completely encapsulating the movement with an amagnetic cage. As such its anti-magnetic properties are diminished.

The IWC Pilot Chrono has always been my favourite IWC. I know it has the ETA based movement, yet it still is my favourite designed IWC. Its the perfect size and has an amazingly simple yet elegant dial.

Now; the new Pilot Chrono. I personally like the 'old' one better. I like the triple date on the new one, its a very nice touch, yet the fact that the IWC logo text had to be moved to a subdial I don't like so much. But IWC designers made the right choice. It is a very good evolution of the Pilot Chrono which gives the watch a more dynamic look. And buyers will still have the choice between old and new at their ADs for quite some time. WELL DONE IWC.

Here is the new & old side by side

Gotta agree with You, Sven,. In the midst of the more radical new models, I think the Pilot Chrono 3777 has been somewhat overlooked. Undeservedly, imho. Along with the Doppel chrono 3778, it is the model where the triple date actually looks like it belongs to the watch, balancing the dial.

Swen W:

Thanks for the comparison pic's (3777 & 3717). My preference too was the 3717 when making my decison recently. And I am in agreement that the new 3777 remains a elegent watch. The great thing about the timing of a release like "Year of the Pilot" is that you get an opportunity to compare new vs. retiring. If one has been considering acquiring the "outgoing" model, like you said, there's still a window to pick one up.

But a word of caution to those who are contemplating "pulling the trigger". My AD says, he sees this situation every time a line is refreshed and requests for a model that is being discontinued gets more difficult each passing day after the launch. He says that new product will hopefully be arriving much earlier this year (April?) and manufacturing has already turned to the new lineup. So.....If you want it.....

One last thing...your Pic's helped me see another item that I missed when I was first comparing. The "hour markers" in the chapter ring on the new 3777 have been greatly reduced. The "hour numbers" now appear to "float" in the layout. IMHO, the outgoing 3717 still remains my favorite. Glad I got one ( New in Box )before it's to late.

Andy