The New IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph “Tribute to 3705”
The IWC yesterday released a new pilot’s watch chronograph a “Tribute to 3705” as a limited edition of just 1,000 pieces that should already be sold out by now.
But let’s start with the original 3705, it was launched in 1994 and had some different characteristics of this new contemporary recreation, starting with the internal movement, Valjoux 7750, remember that at that time it was very common for most Swiss brands to use ETA / Valjoux movements in their chronographs (and not only) and we are talking about big brands, which used them because they are very reliable and accurate, but the original 3705 also came with a 39mm ceramic case and a 14.6mm thickness, stainless steel crown and chronograph buttons, on the black dial, three counters, a 12-hour counter at 6, a small seconds at 9 and a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and a day-date window at 3 o’clock.
But let’s now jump to the new pilot’s watch chronograph ref. 387905 and taking the previous paragraph as a starting point, let us go to the news, a 41 mm Ceratanium case (a composition made of ceramic and titanium) that extends through the screw crown and pressure buttons, 15.3 mm thick (it is very robust), a black dial with three counters (now larger in size compared to the original 3705), a small second at 6 (in the original it was positioned at 9 o’clock in exchange with the 12 hour counter), a 12 hour counter at 9 and a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, and a day-date window at 3 o’clock. Another of the differences that we can observe is in the font of the Arabic numbers that it changed. Inside, the old Valjoux movement is passed and now operates an In-house automatic movement Caliber 69380 with column wheel that offers up to 46 hours of power reserve.
The watch will be available exclusively at the IWC online store and, as we mentioned, are limited to 1,000 pieces, each watch has an individual number engraved on the case back.
General Specifications:
Brand: IWC
Model: Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705”
Reference: IW387905
Dial: Black
Lume: Yes
Case Material: Ceratanium
Case Dimensions: 41 mm diameter, 15.3 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Ceratanium
Water Resistance: 60 Meters
Strap: Black calfskin strap
Caliber: 69380
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, day date, chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 33
Power Reserve: 46 hours
Components: 231
Price: € 13,100
Limited Edition: Yes, 1,000 pieces