IWC PILOT’S WATCH CHRONOGRAPH EDITION "TRIBUTE TO 3705”
Faithfully replicating a model confined to history, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705” adds a contemporary twist to a modern classic.
Perhaps the world wasn’t quite ready for the original IWC Fliegerchronograph Keramik back in 1994. Fondly known as the “Black Flieger” it was discontinued after a few years, and just 1000 pieces were made. Its desirability and auction room success has not gone unnoticed by IWC who have reviewed the historical model, switched its black zirconium oxide ceramic cloak for one made from their proprietary Ceratanium material and added the moniker “tribute” to its title.
If you enjoy the neat plainness of IWC Pilot’s watches then the crisp monotone arrangement of the 3705 will be an eye-pleasing prospect indeed. With no-nonsense styling throughout, the readability of the counters at 9 and 12 o’clock, the small seconds at 6 o’clock and the day and date at the 3 is enhanced to the max. And, as a daily wear piece, the Ceratanium construction of the 41mm case means it will wear light on the first and offer durability to boot.
Unlike the original, there’s no Valjoux 7750 for this one. IWC’s Calibre family has grown in leaps and bounds since the 90s and this one is powered by the IWC Calibre 69380. While this revision has in turn shuffled the dial arrangement somewhat from the original, mechanically-speaking, the 69380 offers the column wheel arrangement preferred by many chrono’ enthusiasts and it also endows it with their silky smooth bi-directional pawl winding system.
Every bit as elusive and exclusive as the original, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705” will be a 1000 piece edition, sold exclusively by IWC’s own outlets.
IWC Fliegerchronograph Keramik IW3705-03 from 1994
Fact File IWC: PILOT’S WATCH CHRONOGRAPH EDITION “TRIBUTE TO 3705”
REFERENCE: IW387905
MANUFACTURER: IWC
CASE: Ceratanium Black matte
SIZE: ø 41mm
THICKNESS: 15.3 mm
DIAL: Matte Black with grained finish
MOVEMENT: IWC Calibre 69380 Automatic with pawl winding system
FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with column-wheel and 30-minute and 12-hour counter; day and date indication
POWER RESERVE: 46 hours
BRACELET/STRAP: Black calfskin
BUCKLE: Ceratanium pin buckle
WATERPROOF RATING: 60 m
PRICE: 12,800 Euros
