DVS Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 The IWC IW3717 is one of the most popular IWC watches, both rep as genuine. The IWC pilot's watch is also one of the oldest IWC models still produced. More on the history of the pilot's watch can be found in Niko's article. It is said that the IWC Pilot Chrono is one of the best replica's available today. Since I own the genuine watch, I was curious how good it was. I saw Silverspeed was selling his watch and I knew my dad wanted an IW3717, so I bought his. THE WATCH: I have been wearing the gen for about two or three months, almost every day. I am wearing the rep for a day now and it doesn't feel strange. It has almost the same feeling on the wrist. The difference lies in the details. THE CRYSTAL: The biggest noticable difference is the AR. It is very difficult to capture it, but the AR on the gen is a lot better. The dial on the gen just pops out. The AR on the rep has a much more blue tint. THE DIAL: The most important part of a watch, is the dial. This is what you look at to read the time. In my opinion, it is also the most important part to be replicated. If you look closely, you will see that the markers on the gen dial are white and the markers on the rep are more off-white. Another difference is how the 12, 3, 6 and 9 hour markers are applied. On the gen, they are nicely curved, while on the rep the markers are more angular. The seconds hand on the gen is painted bright red. The rep has a more dark red hand. This rep has a modded datewheel, but the original rep has a really bad datewheel. Modding this is a real must! The colour of the dial itself on the gen looks darker. If you look at the pictures, you see that the gen dial looks a bit metallic. When you look close the difference in quality of the hands an how they are applied is very noticable. THE CASE: The overal look and feel of the rep case feels very similar to the gen case. There are a few minor differences though. In the first two pictures, the gen is on top. The lugs on the gen are a bit more curved. It is not something you will see or notice when wearing the rep. When you look closely you will see that the biggest difference lies in the finishing. The finishing of the gen case is far more superior. The engraving is also deeper and more crisp. THE CROWN: When you put the gen and rep next to each other, one of the first things you notice is the difference in size of the crown. I haven't measured them (I haven't got calipers here..), but I think it also lies in the finishing. The gen crown is more curved at the end, which makes it look smaller. You can also see that the gen has the thread inside the crown, while the rep has the thread on the case. Screwing the crown on the gen also feels smoother. On the rep it almost feels like you are grinding the thread. THE FOLDING CLASP: The rep IW3717 comes with a pin buckle. The pin buckle is from the same quality as the gen buckle. But I like the folding buckle, so I added a rep folding clasp to this review. Not many words needed here. The difference is obvious. Again, it is the finishing. This clasp came with an IW5002. It is an older style clasp. The gen clasp costs EUR 350,-. For that kind of money you can buy two rep Big Pilots and get two folding clasps! LUME: I don't have a lumeshot yet, but the lume on the rep is just as good/bad as on the gen. THE VERDICT: The feel on the wrist is almost like wearing the gen. I would recommend to change the datewheel. I think if you get a decent AR, this watch would even be better. I haven't discussed the strap that came with the rep. It is common knowledge that the replica straps are of horrible quality. The IWC rep strap is made out of plastic... Adding a gen strap would also help in making it a credible rep. I don't know if I can call the IW3717 an Ultimate Rep. It is not as good as the Chopard Mille Miglia or the Graham Chronofighter Tech Seal. It has some flaws and the finishing on the case, dial and hands is not even close to the quality of the gen. With some mods you can have a killer rep for sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dluddy Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 Simply brilliant - Thanks for taking the time to do this and share with the community Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 Excellent post and comparison! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryaku Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 Awesome comparation. It's one of the most convincing rep for sure.. and also a beautiful watch in my opinion, i'm sure your dad's gonna be very satisfied. Thanks for the effort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 Superb comparison. So, a decent rep just needs ETA wheels and aftermarket AR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krpster Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 Outstanding! Now that is a review. Something to aspire to....now if only I had some gens laying around Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrgod Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 Excellent comparison! The finish of the details are obvious when you have them side by side. A bit surprised of the crown case threads of the rep. I guess this applies to the Top Gun version and the Aquatimer as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capice Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 Had the pleasure of wearing D's piece a few weeks ago.............as he is working for an AD, it's like being in watchheaven. This watch really rocks.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazarini Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 Bravo an excelent comparison of a great classic! Regards Laz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asf Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 I was totally surprised at the difference in the screw crown case. It was a great comparison! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadtorrent Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 Fantastic comparison. Thanks for putting this together...awesome...and thanks for supporting the forum with both a membership upgrade and fantastic content. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 Great review thanks. We need more like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DVS Posted July 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 Fantastic comparison. Thanks for putting this together...awesome...and thanks for supporting the forum with both a membership upgrade and fantastic content. Thanks That was the least I could do since you guys gave us (geeks) a place to stay when our home crashed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chubbchubb Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 Fantastic Review. Your side-by-side comparison is the definite reference. Great pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 One for the archives. Again, a very informative and generous gesture. I love this watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbiz Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 Nice I love that watch... Great review!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FxrAndy Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 great work thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzipy Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 Thanks for the awesome review. Although not perfect, but still a very good rep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverspeed Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 Awesome review and brilliant pics....If your dad ever decides to sell it let me know... Reading your outstanding review makes me regret selling it..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saviboy Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 awesome! thanks very much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayward Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 Excellent review...thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
optimis9 Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 Just want to say thanks for this great review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK471 Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 This was an amazingly helpful review. I've always wondered about this rep. One passed through my hands briefly with a chief crystal, swiss 7750 and lume, and it was a fantastic watch. Owners of the rep should be proud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colorao Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 Thanks by your time. One the best comparison that I seen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kronofan Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 Fantastic review!Thanks for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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