SPECIAL ELECTION - Your vote is requested

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

Andy,
When I said confusion, it was rather a concern if I made the right decision or not. Actually 3777 is a great looking watch too.

I prefer the 3717, in fact I've just ordered one.

Hi Andy,

I have only seen photos but I think you made the right choice.

I do like the triple date on the new model. Yet whilst I understand the need for it to go there, I don't like the IWC logo text on the sub-dial. My vote also went for the 3717.

Here is my 3717 saying hello to yours :-) Soon you may also have some nice wear marks to truly make it your own ;-)

congratulations on your decision! please post pictures soon as it sits proudly on your wrist. enjoy! vinhthang

i am going through the same decision as well -- 3717 vs 3777. I too have slim wrists (6 3/4 inches) so I am leaning toward the 3717.

not sure the 3717 is even available. anyone have any insight on that before i torture myself ...

Glaschutte,

As you can see from the original post back in late January, I wanted to make sure I came to a decision quickly so that the opportunity to acquire a 3717 would be an option. Things worked out for me as my AD had one left and wasn't sure if IWC had any remaining stock. He explained that since IWC was hopeful the new lineup would be available earlier this year, it was doughtful that they would be spending time building a retiring model.

So, word now has it that in a matter of weeks, Boutiques/AD's should be seeing a number of new pilot models arriving. We are already seeing a sprinkling of new product showing up for purchase and some teriffic wristshots from Forumers of the new "ceramics".

My suggestion would be to contact AD's/Boutiques ASAP. Should you find a in- stock 3717 and that's what you've decided ( take it from me...you won't be sorry ! ) BUY IT. DO NOT HESITATE. BUY IT and then ENJOY IT !!!. I can't tell you how much I enjoy mine. Everytime I stare at the dial, I can't help but smile. As the McDonald's slogin says....I'm Loven' It !!

Let us know your outcome,

Andy

I have seen plenty available still in the AD's in Switzerland over the weekend.

few questions:

1. anyone know the approx difference in retail prices b/w the two?
2. does the 3717 come with an alligator strap? i've seen online dealers advertise it both ways.
3. andy stevens: did you order a "short strap"? I got a short strap on my glaschutte because the regular strap when fitted to my wrist looked "off". Like a wearing a belt on the tightest hole.

Greetings Glaschutte,

1. Do to this Forum being non-commercial, pricing cannot be discussed unless it pertains to "Vintage" models. I am comfortable saying that the new 3777 will be bumped up.

2. Yes, the 3717 is available on alligator strap or bracelet. The bracelet is more, but if you like both, my suggestion is to purchase the bracelet model and negociate with your AD/Boutique about an extra strap. Doing it in this order will save you money overall.

3.I did exchange a standard Alligator strap at time of purchase for a short ( or as IWC refers to it "XS". It translates to 20mm or about 3/4" shorter than the standard length.

Decisions ,Decesions...isn't it fun? Forum members enjoy hearing how things turn out. Let us know....

Best,

Andy

anyone know of any dealers in the new york metro area that carry the iwc 3717. i would like to see it in person before i order it from my AD.

My AD might be able to get one into the store, but at that point I am committed to purchasing it.

hi guys. i have located the 3717. i am planning on changing the strap to a dark brown leather deployment clasp. I am trying to achieve a sporty look since I already own a semi dressy Glaschutte. I like the strap on the IWC Big Pilot. (IWC 5004-02). See picture below. The only issue is the brown strap width is 1mm larger than the strap width of the stock IWC 3717. The sales person told me they can "make it fit". What are the downsides of forcing a larger strap into this watch?

The salesperson also said it would void the warranty. Is that true? Will it damage the watch in anyway?

Are there any other IWC straps that are similar but fit my watch properly?

Your text to link here...

Andy--

I would go with the new one--merely based on its looks. It's a stunner.

Good luck with your decision!

Donald

The IWC pilotchrono 377701 is a fine watch,I've had mine for two months now. I like the 43mm case size,which I don't think is too large with a chrono format.
I would recommend the steel bracelet over the leather.Two reasons:If one wants to upgrade to steel over leather the quite a substantial increase in price.
It's always possible to buy a good quality aftermarket leather strap,sorry IWC
Members,but you can't substitute a genuine steel bracelet. And he bracelet will last for the life of the watch.Wait for the 3777.Regards. Kenneth.

Hey Donald,

Appreciate the response. However, my decision a little further back in the post was for the 3717. Since the time of this posting, My AD advised me the new 3777 was delivered. I went right down to see it.

Agreed...it truly is a beautiful piece, but my decision for the 3717 came down to size and "pilot traditional" looks. IMHO on the 3777, the layout of the dial crowded with so much data and the day/triple date configuration just didn't do it for me.

The 3717 is down right sporty and I love it. Soon, the new Spitfire Chrono will be added to the collection and that will be my "dressy" pilot.

Enjoy the long holiday weekend,

Andy

@ Glaschutte....IMO wouldn't try to cramm a 22mm on a 21mm lugg. For a dynamite strap pairing with the 3717, try a St. Exupery dark brown buffalo ref. 21700. AWESOME !!! Search the archives for pic's.

andy thanks for tip. i will look for that strap.

I really like the strap you paired your watch with. I would like to get one with rivets if possible. heading down to my AD today.

I bought the 3717 with the brown leather strap from the Big pilot. I got the XS (short strap) and paired it with a deployment buckle. I am very happy with the watch.

Picture..

I do have a couple of concerns I will voice with my AD but figured you guys might have some knowledge to share:

1. The short strap fits me well on the 2nd to tightest hole on the strap. I am fine with that... (that's how my glaschutte fits me). However the deployment buckle pushes against my wrist making it uncomfortable. The AD's solution was to go one hole looser which solves the problem but is a little loose for my tastes. Does IWC make a XS deployment buckle to couple with the XS strap? Is there a more elegant solution?

2. The disengagement button is very difficult to press to get the watch off. Perhaps that will break in over time...

Thanks guys

Greetings Glaschutte,

Question....

Did you get a XS "Deployant Strap" which is different length than a XS strap for a Pin buckle?

If so, and this is your first Deployant, if you are trying to "center" the buckle on your wrist rather than center the folding clasp, the overall fit will feel uncomfortable. Not sure if this info applies to your situation.

If I understand , you went with the BP strap (22mm) on a 3717 (21mm) lugg. From the picture, it appears "pinched" on the left side. I also believe that the Deployant buckle on the 22mm strap might be larger than Deployant buckles for a 21mm.

Finally, when releasing the buckle, are you pulling straight up and not on a angle? This might be making it a challenge to get it off.

Hope this helps in some way...

Regards,

Andy

Hi Andy,
thanks for the quick response...

Can you please explain the difference between an XS "Deployant Strap" and an XS strap for a Pin buckle?

In terms of fit, i just want it to fit comfortably without feeling the metal clasp of the deployment buckle press against my wrist. The only way to solve that is to wear the watch one notch loose.

I did get the 22mm BP Strap and had the AD fit it into a 21mm lugg. Yes the deployment buckle is larger on the 22mm - hence why its pushing into my wrist. I was hoping they made a smaller deployment buckle for the 22mm strap. I'll inquire with my AD.

I did have the AD order a St. Exupery dark brown buffalo ref. 21700 in size XS as per your recommendation. Hopefully the deployment buckle is a better fit on my wrist. Is the St. Exupery dark brown buffalo similar in color to the Big pilot strap I initially ordered?

I will get this right at some point...

thanks again andy!

Glaschutte:

From my limited experience with deployant's(only have one, rest are Pin/Tang buckles) you will see that the length of strap at the 6:00 end is shorter than a Pin buckle strap. This is to compensate for the folding clasp in the overall length and fit. I believe also the strap length on the deployant's 12:00 position is also sized differently than a Pin. (Others, please chime in if I am not explaining correctly or additional explanation is needed)

I thought I remembered that the deployant's buckle was larger on the 22mm than the one on a 21mm. I think that was the "break point" for changing buckle size. The smaller buckle may not fit on a 22mm strap. I think the buckle for the 21mm strap is 18mm and the buckle for the 22mm strap measures 20mm. Again, your AD can verify.

IMO, deployant's feel and fit differently on smaller wrists. It was a concern of mine when I recently acquired my Port Chrono which now comes standard with a deployant. If I felt that the fit just wasn't comfortable enough, my AD was willing to swap it for a Pin buckle/strap. After wearing a bit, I adjusted to it with no problem. The key was centering the fit based on the folding clasp and not trying to center the deployant buckle. It is suppose to be a bit off center. Yes, that means it will be located a little more toward the edge of the wristbone. However, once the strap breaks in and softens, it conforms much better to the wrist and improves the overall fit.

The St. Exupery I ordered was a Pin buckle strap Ref. 21700. I'm not sure if you are ordering a deployant buckle/strap? If it is available in deployant, please check with your AD and verify for the correct Ref.#. Can't speak to the brown color comparison of the St.Ex vs. BP (don't have one) but can tell you it is a beautiful dark brown and gets even richer looking with wear. IMHO, it is a great pairing with the Pilot Chrono. I'm very very pleased !!

Hope all works out well....

Andy

Andy,

I personally feel that the Ref. 3717 would hold its resale value in the future because of it's timeless design. The Ref.3777 is a huge design departure where the dial looks cluttered and the calendar is too confusing to read.

Sometimes the new models are better than the one that is being replaced, but this time my heart is telling me to go for the 3717 if I was given the opportunity to own one.

Good luck.

Sincerely,
Simon

Greetings Simon,

Could not agree more. From my very first encounter with the 3717 ( pictures and in the metal ) I knew I needed to own this watch. To me, it was the most versatile and classic Pilot I'd ever seen. And what value for so much watch.

As it turned out Simon, there was no second guessing what my heart was feeling. I am so glad I acquired one days after the 3777 was shown for the first time. It's my keeper for life !

Thanks for sharing your thoughts,

Andy

You're most welcome Andy and it's been a pleasure to help out a fellow member.

Wear it in good health, my friend.

Regards,
Simon