Which IWC pilot watch to buy?
I always wanted an IWC pilot watch.
Funny enough, I am not a big fan of IWC, or pilot watch in general. But IWC pilot has a special place in my heart. Growing up, there were only a handful of watches that I considered iconic. Casio Gshock, Submariner, Day-Just/Day-Date, Patek Perpetual Calendar, and this, the IWC Pilot.
IWC Pilot is at the crossroad of Military-esque and Toolish style. I know I know, there were other pilot watches that are historically significant, Breguet Type 20 for instance, but the IWC Pilots’ design language truly speaks to me.
I know I have to have this, it’s just a matter of time, and a matter of choice since there are so many IWC pilot models and variations.
The first choice that I have to make is: which generation? Looking at its catalog chronologically it became clear to me that I am more drawn to the Pre-Richemont era. After the acquisition, the size starts growing bigger and the style leans towards luxury. Don’t get me wrong, you still get all the Military and Tool watch traits from it, but it’s a bit too refined for my taste.
After that, which model? Essentially, I am left with 3713, 3706, 3705, the Mark XI, and the Mark XII. And here comes the method of elimination. The price of 3705 has skyrocketed, therefore it’s off the table.
The 3713 is too big and too thick for my 6 inches wrist, even though the split-second is probably my favorite complication, but I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it as much as one should if it doesn’t fit. If 3713 is housed in a 39mm case, I’d be all over it. It’s still on the very top of my WTB list and I hope that day will come when my wrist grows to 7 inches.
So now looking at 3706, Mark XI, and Mark XII, it’s getting harder. Mark XI is on top of the food chain when it comes to pilot watch games given its history with Britsh RAF and the legendary Cal.89, but a good example is really really difficult to come by.
Mark XII on the other hand is much more affordable and easier to find a nice copy.
The Chronometer grade JLC 889/2 is very well crafted, matte-finished with polished working parts, all edges were angled, nickel-plated, with a height of 3.25 mm, 36 jewels, running at 28,800 beats per hour. No-fuss no frills just like its dial. Although it may not be the most robust and most reliable movement to put into a military watch, it’s slim enough and very well proportioned to the 36mm case.
However, I already have a 36mm on a strap, my Heuer CS3111. Another watch on a strap in the same size seems a bit repetitive at this point. Even if I want another 36mm in my collection, I’d prefer XI over XII.
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Naturally, there is only one left, the 3706. 3706 needs no introduction, it’s not a rare watch, it’s not expensive, it’s a classic. First Flieger chronograph with an automatic movement based on Valjoux/ETA 7750, 39mm case in steel, 14.6mm thick, produced from 1994–2005. I feel like you will never go wrong with it, it’s a safe choice, but it’ll be a choice that I get to enjoy every day when I feel like putting straps on my wrist. During my research, there were at least 4 dial variations, 5 date disc variations, and 3 caliber variations. I don’t have a particular preference for date disc, although anything other than English would cause a little learning curve but hey, I am an open-minded person that doesn’t mind learning something new. However, I do have a strong preference for the dial and caliber. There are two tritium dials and two luminova dials with Sans Serif and Serif “SWISS MADE” font.
My vote goes to Tritium with Sans Serif “SWISS MADE” since I prefer the tropical notes on a neo-vintage piece like this, and I think the san serif “SWISS MADE” creates less distraction; the font is also more aligned with the “AUTOMATIC” as descriptive text instead of the branding like the “IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN” in serif.
As for the movement, there were three variations, 7902, 7912, 7922, during 11 production years. Although they are all based on the Valjoux / ETA 7750, the third version, 7922, differs from the previous two drastically.
The exact time when IWC introduced 7922 is unknown, but a quick way to tell: if your Flieger has the newest IWC caliber in it by looking at the serial number. If the first three digits of the serial number start with 267 or later, then it has the newest caliber. As you can see in the pictures the finishing is on a different level comparing to the raw 7750. Heated blue screws, gold plated, more polished, along with other major changes done by IWC that are mentioned in the quote.
There is no doubt that 7922 is superior to the previous two. Combine with all the filters, an IWC 3706, with tritium san serif dial, running with a Cal.7022 would be the one I am getting. This pretty much narrows production give or take 1998 -1999. Good luck finding one in a full set!
So there you have it, my first IWC pilot and why I choose this one over the others.
