Pilot's Classic Chronograph

Hello everyone! I am contemplating on giving away my 2004 pilot's chrono and purchasing the 3717-01, wich has a larger diameter (42mm). Since I bought a Portuguese Automatic last spring the 38mm of my old chrono (3706-03) seem very little in comparison and I haven't worn that watch for, at least, three years now. Should I just keep the old chrono, even though I am not wearing it anymore, or do the "switch" and buy the larger 3717-01, which I am actualy also going to wear some times on my wrist instead of keeping it in a box. Any thoughts or advise would be welcome.

Hi Romangs, your 3706 has a 39 mm dial so not so small. In my opinion, the 3706 was the last of the Fliegerchronographs that has dial, numerals and hands of a style similar to the original Pilot 'Marks', but with the addition of day/date and chronograph. I believe the 3706 is destined to be considered as a classic. However, I am biased as I also have a 3706 and have no intention of parting with it.
But having made my plea for the 3706, I must say that the 3717 is very impressive with its 42 mm dial and larger chrono subdials, which makes the chrono hands easier to see. Also the IWC logo is better seperated from the number '2'.

I forgot to mention a good link for you to find out more technical details on your 3706: www.fliegeruhr.ch/3706.htm
Good luck with your decision Romangs, and try on the 3717 and the 3777 to be released later this year (plenty of posts on the 3777 in the archives on this Forum.)

If at all contemplating a switch, I would go for the new 3777, that looks quite great, having a similar open face like the Portuguese Automatic, and about the same size. As for me, I would much prefer the new look over the old 3706 look: those hands wouldn't do it for me anymore.

Kind regards,
Paul

Hi Romangs,
Have a similer problem but then regarding my Mark XII wich seems to be to small in comparisson to my other watches.
Decided to swapp it for an ingenieur amg titan....
Cheers
bas dekkers

...and Romangs, with a new Pilot Chrono purchase you would also have to decide on either an aligator leather strap, or a steel bracelet...or both! An adjustable steel bracelet is new for this year.

I've been very happy with my 3706 Spitfire and very much still enjoy wearing it. In fact, it's recently gone back to IWC for routine service; and I already miss it (although I have enough other good watches that I'm never in doubt as to the time).

And although I'm seriously considering the new Spitfire chrono, and am even toying with the idea of adding a 3717 Spitfire to round out my collection of Spitfire chronos, I fully intend to keep the 3706 and to continue to wear it on a regular basis. For me it's too nice and too useful a watch to give up.

But you're the one wearing the watch, so at the end of the day you must decide if it's one you want to keep and to continue to wear.

Hello Romangs:

Thought I'd jump in add add my 2 cents since I'm the proud owner of a recently acquired 3717.

Yes...if you are comparing the newly refreshed Pilot's for 2012 (up to 48mm) and specific the 3777(43mm), the 3706 would seem small. However, many high-end lines still produce a number of 38-40mm models. They are still considered a very wearable size. I will agree that most "Pilot" inspired designs today are larger than the 3706, still, it presents itself well and IMHO does not appear to reflect a "Size Challanged" impression. Each Pilot Chrono is unique and has it's special look. The 3706 is and will continue to be a classic.

If your wrists are on the smaller side (like mine...6.75") the 3706 is a great fit. One reason I chose the 3717 over the new 3777 was because 42mm was a great larger look, but wasn't to extreme for me.

If you haven't already read my post "Special Election - Your Vote Is Requested", it might assist you in your decision making.

BTW, should you go for either the 3717 or 3777, the new Micro-Adjustable bracelet will fit both (thanks IWC for keeping the luggs @ 21mm).

Regards,

Andy

Thanks for the insight and thoughts!

I will wait for the new chrono (3777) to be available in my AD, in order to try it on and decide afterwards. But, from the pictures, I must say that the 3717 looks a bit more captivating for me. It's design is more reminiscent of my old chrono and the size is great - pilot watches should be big I guess, but anything over 42mm for a wristwatch is a bit extravagant for me.

Also, Andy and David gave me something to think about, when he referred to the 3706 as a classic for the future. After all, that is the purpuse when buying these watches...

I would keep the ref.3706.
Truth be told I am turning towards vintage not that ref.3706 is a vintage model but it looks like one compared to the new chrono.
Yes Mark was right I am getting older, I think I need a Jubilee.

Well my friend IMHO keep your 3706.
It's a classic watch and in a few years will become a vintage one.
If you can afford to buy the 3717-01 without doing a "switch" go for it and pull the trigger.

Wearing my 3706 today.

By the way, it's the time on the camera that's wrong, the watch was set to the internet World Clock Beijing time last night!
I will also have to learn how to reduce the size of picture posted.

I quite agree with brother Argiris...and I live in constant need of a Jubilee! :>))

IWC 3706 is classic and elegant!

How about with NATO strap!!