WatchProSite|Market|Digest
WatchProSite|Market|Digest

IWC

7 Comments view entire thread 
Comments:

IWC 3706 Flieger Chronograph

 
 By: flamenco : June 30th, 2013-06:15

DESCRIPTION


  • Model: IWC Fliegerchronograph; stainless-steel case and bracelet.

  • Movement: Valjoux 7750, IWC-modified;

  • Case: SS, 39 mm diameter ; 15.5 mm thick.


The IWC 3706 Flieger Chronograph is by no means a new watch. If memory serves me right, the watch was first released circa 2006/2007. And has since been replaced by the immensely successful ref. 3717. In fact, the ref. 3717 is most recently itself replaced by the ref. 3777. 

To my eyes, the 3706 remains the classic beauty and still remains a very attractive sports watch. The matte finished stainless steel case, the deep matte black dial makes for a very desirable timepiece.








The bracelet on this watch is quite simply superb.  And I must say this is quite simply the most comfortable and ergonomic bracelet I have had the pleasure of owning ! At wide (2 cm), and strong (slightly over 2 mm thick), and also finished in matte fashion, just like the case.








Make no mistake about it, this is a thick case, much owing to the ETA 7750 derived movement within. 








Perfectly sized at 39mm, this must be the last of the great Flieger that comes under 40mm. 






A watch that has undoubtedly withstood the passing decade well. And one that will continue to bring me great pleasure in ownership !


Thank you again for hearing me rant ! 


Already a classic watch ...

 
 By: nilomis : June 30th, 2013-07:52
I had one, leather strap, and I don't remember why I let it go.

I believe that it was during my ETA less period.

I'm always hunting one but its hard to show up in good conditions.

Enjoy yours, as you stated, the last sub 40mm great flieger.

Cheers,

Nilo

Indeed

 
 By: flamenco : June 30th, 2013-16:47
It is not very often these days to see one in good condition in the secondary market.

Although I am very much in anticipation of the 40mm Aeronef ! Something I wish to see in the flesh, sooner rather than later! 

An era of IWC's history I like very much.

 
 By: SteveW : June 30th, 2013-11:51
In the 1990s and early 2000s they had few in-house movements, but great designs.  I've had this Doppelchrono for 12 years according to my records, though it was first produced around 1993.  Based on the VJ 7750 with a split second module designed largely by Richard Habring.  

Like the 3706 it's a bit thick - a bit egg shaped from the side - but on that big bracelet it's very comfortable to wear.

IWC Doppelchrono Fliegeruhr Ref 3711:
















This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2013-06-30 13:15:16

They dun make them like they used to !

 
 By: flamenco : June 30th, 2013-16:52
Ah Steve! A piece that I am actively hunting, to complete the set.

What u have is the very desirable earlier model with the T Dial!

Yes, it does bulge from the case back as u said, therefore the bracelet for me is a must, since both are heavy watches, and makes it feel more secure on the wrist. 

Thanks for your wonderful photos.

I concur...but I humbly opine that they are "better" then before!!!

 
 By: Hororgasm : July 1st, 2013-03:54

i think IWC cases have actually improved over the last 10 years!! we have a IWC GTG 2morrow, I will see if I can demonstrate my point of view.

My favourite IWC of all time is still the 5251, I have also made sweeping statements that "they dont make them as they used to", subtly implying their past watches are better. but the reality is, for the vast majority of IWC watches over the last 10 years plus, movement aside, the case and dials have actually improved.

nevertheless, what you have is going to be another classic. congrats on ownership of a great piece.

best, Horo

Agree that it is a wonderful and very wearable watch, but...

 
 By: nikolaj : July 2nd, 2013-13:05

I politely disagree that it was released in 2006/7. I think it was a full decade earlier. At least I bought mine in '98 smile

I first bought it on the strap but upgraded to the bracelet after a couple of years and must say that I like the way it looks on a strap but the comfort of the bracelet is simply unsurpassed! I let the watch go some time back but as I recall the "feel" of the chrono functions were not top of class with a noticable difference in force required to start and stop the chrono. This is probably explained by the non-column wheel mechanism. I guess that this is somewhat typical of this watch, which is IMO more interesting because of its outer features than its movement. I completely agree with you that the case and bracelet are extremely well made and that the matte dial is very attractive! Overall a fantastic daily wearer.

A sunny pic from under the Indian sun of my now gone 3706:

 

Enjoy yours!
 
Nikolaj


Your are right !

 
 By: flamenco : July 2nd, 2013-22:55

It was first released in "T Dial" and subsequently in "L Dial".

My only regret is that mine is an L, not T Dial. Yours makes me drool ...

Thanks for weiging in, Nikolaj. Splendid backdrop of your wrist shot !