Newbie member with spitfire bracelet question

I am a newbie member but a 5 year old spitfire chrono 3717(42mm)user, about last year i had this itch in getting a SS bracelet for it but the price tag of around USD 1,800 gave me more than just second thoughts. Do you think its worth the money? Since most of my watches are already in leather and i believe the SS bracelet for my 3717 is one of the most comfortable to wear. Thanks

If you wear the 3717 as an everyday watch, and especially in hot/humid/wet conditions and perhaps during sports where water is concerned e.g. fishing, I would say the ss bracelet is worth it and will last for many years, far longer in harsh conditions than leather straps.

Hi,
first of all congratulations on a great watch.
Second, go for the bracelet, it's worth every Penny. I wear mine on a daily basis and I praised the comfort and durability more than once. Lots of dough though but only a one-time-purchase compared to the leather equivalent.

Thanks guys, i dont wear my 3717 everyday bec i rotate it with other watches and the croc strap tan color i mostly match to my clothes. But i just realized that i have more leather strapped watches than i need and among them the 3717 will look its best with the SS bracelet. I have tried ebay to find a pre owned one but to no avail. I also tried looking for it in EU, but price is almost the same in HK and they give no discount for it.

Congrats to a very nice watch!

I bought a new Spitfire 3878 earlier this year and decided to get both options -04/-02. I'm living on the Swedish costline and in the summer I have a lot of "water interaction" - from swiming to boating and fishing. Wintertime I think the croc strap will give it a more dressed look.

I'm not sure wether or not the bracelet of 3717 has the same construction as the relatively new 21mm version I've got but I'm really impressed by the quality of mine.

Removing/adding links is easy as 1-2-3 due to built in springs. The micro-adjustment function integrated in the buckle is just great for daily adjutment to make it fit perfectly with shifting temperature/humidity.

Best
/Anders

PJS,
I think most serious watch folks will agree that the IWC SS bracelet is one of the best engineered bracelets available. I have one for my Spitfire and the fit is perfect. I live in Texas and it is almost a necessity for our long steamy summers. The bracelet is comfortable, durable and holds up to constant use in a way that can't be duplicated by a leather strap. The short answer is: Yep, it is worth every penny I opted to pay!

I concur with all the previous comments. The bracelet is a thing of beauty in itself, is superbly made (you can easily spot the difference between the IWC's hand-satinizing in comparison with other watch bracelets whose stainless-steel surfaces are machine-satinized and look utterly boring), and will outlive your grandchildren. Despite the cost, go for it!

Cheers!

Donald

Aloha all -

For those same reasons I hope that IWC provides us with the option to purchase a stainless bracelet for the Big Pilot someday.

• Tracy

I will say that I personally prefer the looks of the Spitfire Chrono (I have both the 3706 and the 3717) on the strap, a bracelet has a number of practical benefits (and I have several watches with the bracelet, including a 3777).

And the IWC bracelet is outstanding. While it's expensive, it is beautifully designed, engineered and made -- well worth the premium, IMHO.

Another vote here for an IWC SS bracelet. While I don't have the one in question, I do have the Milanese Mesh bracelet. It is the best I've ever owned. I'm certain that you won't be dissatisfied and you'll feel it was worth it.

Todd

Hi PJS and welcome!

I have the SS on my Mark XVII and I can't praise it enough, it is just brilliant. The micro adjustment system is outstanding and it provides a comfort of use that is hard to match. Go for it, you won't regret it.

Cheers!

Have the 3717 on bracelet and it's great and helps in sweaty or dirty conditions and can take a light rinse as required afterwards.

Tracy, if BPs have 22 lugs you could always use Milanese 22mm per the option on the Portofino 8 day. Not the ideal bracelet but an option that is inhouse. Don't forget that the Milanese is available as three lengths.

Aloha Gregory -

Thanks for the tip.

I guess that's an idea but I would prefer to use the same bracelet that is used for the other current pilot watches.

• Tracy