Steve E
850
3705 Returns From Looong Service
I am thrilled to have back my 3705 Fliegerchronograph, a watch I truly love. It was an interesting service experience
The watch went for complete service early last July via an AD and was to take 10 - 12 weeks, later updated to mid-September return. At the end of September I inquired about progress and was advised completion of the service was delayed as a part was needed from Switzerland. I waited, and then checked again in mid-November and was told a parts delay was continuing to affect completion. It was puzzling to me it could take so long to get a part for such a common movement... then, as I was about to inquire again, last week the watch returned from service.
As to the 3+ month service delay, the IWC service papers included a notation "replacement of the middle case" following the typical complete service details. Replacing the case for this watch struck me as a pretty major service intervention, and I asked the AD could they get any any more information. Alas, the only explanation forthcoming is the replacement was due to a water resistance issue.
Glad to have this one back on my wrist.
3705 Returns From Looong Service
I am thrilled to have back my 3705 Fliegerchronograph, a watch I truly love. It was an interesting service experience The watch went for complete service early last July via an AD and was to take 10 - 12 weeks, later updated to mid-September return. At th...
If the case is ceramic…
I read that as there was a structural defect in the case or “black attaché case damaged upon inspection…so sorry Mr. Bond”…
Yes.
It would seem it had to be structural if they were unable to seal the case. But I *think* you raise a question whether the case could have been damaged in service. As a watch person I'd love to have been able to talk to the watchmaker/tech who was involve...
Reason for service?
Wasn't this watch released in the last couple years? Did your watch have a mechanical problem?
Good observation.
The dial and hands were updated back in 2014 during a previous service at IWC. Also updated the crystal to A/R - the original plain crystal had a teeny chip. I considered changing the authenticity from original carefully. In the end I concluded returning ...
No, they won't return any parts...
Especially if they are tritium coated. Most manufacturers will tell you that hands get destroyed when removed and will need replacing. That said, a watchmaker I used was always able to reuse the original hands, so if you have a vintage piece, you might co...
Glad they worked that out, and without any unreasonable charges. BUT...
your story makes me wary of ever sending in my 3705 for service. I don't like the idea of them replacing a component as significant as the case without talking to me first!
This was my 6th IWC service experience.
Overall I've found communication to be a weak point with IWC service more than once. I figure I am at least 2 or 3 steps removed from the person actually doing the work and that complicates it. On the other hand, it's good they were able to make this repa...
I love the 3705.
and settled for the modern interpretation because the originals in original condition are so hard to find in complete sets at a price I wanted to pay. ...