SPECIAL ELECTION - Your vote is requested

Forum Members:

I need your vote !

I've been so excited about the anticipation and launch of the new pilot line. Now that I've had a chance to view and compare the updated "Classic" Pilot Chrono (3777) vs. the retired (3717), I want to add one of these to my small but increasing collection.

I have formed a number of thoughts already. Please vote which model you would choose and WHY. I realize that the new model hasn't shipped yet to actually see, but those who were lucky enough to see the 3777 @ SIHH will have an advantage in comparing old and new.

The reason I need as much input as possible in the next day or two is that my AD was able to hold the last one (3717) he has for me until Tuesday. Things are tapering down quickly on stocks and backorders due to new model production.

Again ...I have formed many thoughts but forum members input would be most appreciated. Different viewpoints help greatly in the decision making process.

Many Thanks,

Andy

Andy - this may not be what you are looking for but since you asked for input I will give you mine: I would consider the new Spitfire chrono (3878) if I was you.
After having seen all the new pilot watches at SIHH this week, that one was the one which stood out to me. Just thought I'd make the choise even more difficult for you :-)

Andy
I always would prefer the older 3717:
The dial ist more plain, pure a pilot watch.
I like more the "IWC Schaffhausen" placed with the 3717.
The day/date is clearer.
I dont like so much the minute-numbers: 5 10 20 25 ...... on 3777 - the 3717 seems clearer to me. They seem to me too much on the 3777. I dont know whether "cluttered" is the correct term - and please - this is just my feeling.
The 3717 is a little bit smaller and I think this is no disadvantage.

But of course the 3777 is nevertheless a great and very good looking timepiece.

Regards, Lutz

From the pictures I saw, I would the 3717 let go, and go directly for the new Spitfire Chrono 3878 or, if you like, the new Saint Exupéry Chrono. But beware, the price of these watches most probably will be much higher: from what I saw elsewhere about twice the 3777, which is a bit more expensive than the 3717. But boy, in my opinion you really will get value for money!

Kind regards,
Paul

3777 better looking watch IMHO. New date dial is quite special and a winner. But if AD will sell you 3717 at an 'attractive discounted' price ie if there is a big price differential then I might go for 3717 - simply because the model is being discontinued. 3777 is a new model so will be around for a while so no need to rush the decision. Just my 2 pennies worth.

Hi Andy,
First of all: you won't make a mistake with any of the two, but that's not what you've asked for.
Next issue is, that I only can judge the new 3777 from the pictures provided here. I own the 3717 for five years now and find it a very clear, puristic and a wonderful watch that I really love.


That said, time never stands still and evolution goes on. That's why I always consider the new things offered.
The advantages of the old 3717 from Lutz make sense to me.

On the other hand the new 3777 has some advantages too:

[ul]
[li]The increased size from 42 to 43 mm. That is not much but it's quite a bit. For me the 42 mm chrono was always a little bit small.[/li]
[li]The dial has become really bigger because the bezel is smaller. The watch is much more open faced than the 3717.[/li]
[li]The subdials are drilled out so they get more depth and look a little more sophisticated.[/li]
[li]The new gauge triple date window is a little bit special, but has one advantage: When the date turns at night, in this calibre between 11:30 and 12:10, the triple date is readable while the single date sometimes is not because it "hangs" between two numbers.[/li]
[li]The new bracelet seems to be even more special than the old one which was already terrific.[/li]
[li]The watch seems to have even more instrument lookthan the old model.[/li]
[li]The crown is bigger and has the correct size now. The old one was a little bit too small.[/li]
[/ul]
These seem to be small items, but altogether is something.

My vote is for the 3717 for all the reasons listed by others, plus my requirements for a chrono require the 12 hour subdial, and the watch to be anti-magnetic.

The 3777 has both requirements too, the 3878 not. The 3777 looks great too, thank you Tilo for pointing some aspects out.

Kind regards,
Paul

I would buy the new model. But remember, I like bigger (to a point). And I love the triple date window.
Others, for good reason, will disagree.

Having a 3717 and having just seen and held the new model I would agree with Alan, but as already stated you can't go wrong with either.

Regards,
Kevin

Voters:

The input so far is giving me much to consider. A number of items covered in the comments have matched my initial thoughts exactly.

Interestingly, a few have suggested that I go for the new Spitfire Chrono instead. What I did not mention in my post was that my mind was made up the second I viewed that masterpiece and I have already informed my AD to advise the minute the first shipment arrives ( I hope in April).

Adding a classic Pilot Chrono to my collection has always been a priority. Now that the new 3777 has been unveiled, it was just a question of which one...3717 or 3777. By adding one of these and the new
Spitfire Chrono soon, this will diversify my collection perfectly. The two Chrono's I think are truly beautiful in their own right. The dial layout on each are very different not to mention the color variation.

I welcome any additional comments to aid in my decision making process. My thoughts are leaning more toward one, but more input from members would be appreciated. I have until Tuesday to make my choice.

BTW, I should say that my wrists are on the smaller side ( 6 3/4" ) and well balanced dials are important to me. I'm so happy to see that the new Spitfire Chrono did not "Number Eat" the 10:00 marker like the retired models did.

Thanks to everyone for helping me with your ideas on the 3717/3777 comparison. I will let you know my choice results on Tuesday and what were the deciding factors. I recognize that everyone has personal taste and a watch must "Sing to You" and that either one will be a good choice, but reading Forum members input is important to me because we all share the same passion for IWC watches. Who could ask for better opinions than from the people who know and study these models the most?

Again, many thanks for the assistance,

Andy

Personnaly, I will choose the 3717 for the following reasons:
- 42 mm size
- improved readability with fewer inscriptions on the dial (I dont feel comfortable with the 3777 date display.)
- simplicity and discretion: a criteria that I always appreciated with IWC pilot watches.

Regards

RAZ

3717 vs. 3777...decision made Tuesday.

First, thank you all for your comments and suggestions. They were extremely helpful in the decision making process. I picked up my new 3717 today at my AD. Broke many vehicle laws getting there (speeding, incomplete stops to name a few).

Here is what influenced my decision:

The dial layout on the 3717 seemed more balanced and easier to read. It was more Pilot "Traditional" for lack of better words. The 3777 seems "Crowded". While I will enjoy the 3 level date on my future new Spitfire Chrono ( Hurry up April... I hope!)the Day/Date 3 level combo just doesn't thrill me. I like the "Straight Level Day/Date layout better on the 3717. Additionally,locating IWC name on hacking seconds sub-dial covers the 60 and thats the sub-dial that will get the most "EyeTime" (love the red hand). 5,10,15,20 in the chapter ring of the new 3777 just added IMHO, to much detail to the face(but it looks right in the upcoming Spitfire).

42mm is a good size for my smaller wrist. While the 3777 will be only 1mm larger, the bezel is thinner which makes for a larger face which I find makes for even a "Bigger" wear. As was mentioned...If you like big watches, you will like the new Pilots.

Of course, price of the new 3777 is bumped up, so a positive about the 3717 is that the new "Micro" adjust bracelet will fit it. I'm taking the cost difference and applying it to an optional bracelet purchase for a varied look. Also, I had my AD change the alligator strap to a "Top Gun" nylon and he also orderd a St. Exupery brown buffalo (on backorder ) so I can mix it up.

I am very happy with my choice and am wearing it as I write this. It looks so cool !! As sson as my backoder strap comes in, I will post wristshots of the varied looks.

Thanks again everyone for your input and reading the joy I feel for my new addition.

Andy

Hi Andy,
congratulations on a wonderful watch that I too love so much.
It seems you have great plans for the near future (straps, bracelet, Spitfire).
Enjoy your wonderful new (old ;-) ) timepiece.

Thanks Tilo....I can tell how much you enjoy yours as well. The pic's you posted were great and they were instrumental in helping me visualize the 3717 on my wrist (not to mention your comments).

This was a perfect addition to my collection. So many "Look" options with this model.

Best to you,

Andy

Th

Thanks also from over here in the Netherlands for all the good points made. I myself was asking the same questions about the 3717 and 3777 and which i preferred. I think I am slowly gravitating towards the 3777 because of its size and the data indicator.

Andy,
I just bought my 3717 last December and got a bit confused when I saw the new 3777 model couple of days ago, but after reading you justification to chose 3717 vs 3777, I beleive you (we) made the right choice. Enjoy it, its a great model and a great watch too.....

Great watch it certainly is! I'm really enjoying this classic Pilot.

Interested in what your confusion was when you looked at the 3777. Was it the dial layout or something else?

Andy