Pugwash's Iwc Fliegerchronograph Review

[Pugwash]

This review is of the IWC Flieger Chronograph replica currently available. The Flieger line are pilot's watches (Fliegen is German for "To fly", so Fliegerchrono means "Chrono that flies") that IWC has had as part of its history since 1936. This particular model, the 3706, is a 39mm watch that was replaced a few years ago by the 42mm 3717 that's designed to cash in on the popular looks of the Big Pilot, IWC's flagship watch. This simpler design is cleaner than its replacement and appears to have directly inspired several subsequent designs, like Fortis's Flieger design.

The replica has got an Asian 28k 7750 movement without any dial-moving mods, so it should be a sight more reliable than those with moved dials. As long as you follow the usual procedures for using a 7750, you should be fine. All the features of the original are present on the replica: it is functionally identical. I got this one off Sash, so I was comfortable in knowing that if it had died in its first week or so (the telling period for Asian 7750s) then it would be dealt with. Check with your dealer on their policy if this worries you.

The case is brushed steel and fits in with the grey and black feel of this watch. It's classy in its subdued monochrome look. The case is a different depth to the original, but not enough for it to give it away. Also, the replica is missing the deep AR coating on the gen, but it's not milky on a side view so I suspect it's lightly treated, like most replicas.

The crown is a screw-in crown with the familiar IWC fish motif. Both the crown and the pushers are apparently slightly wrong sized, but I think you'd need a gen and a rep side by side to see it.

The strap supplied is exactly the same MooCroc as the one supplied with the IWC Portuguese Chrono. It's a 20mm strap with a brushed clasp. It does the job and I don't plan on replacing it just yet.

The faults and flaws on this watch are pretty much all on the dial. The numbers on the 12 and 9 subdials should all be horizontal, there are three dots missing in the 12 subdial and the 12 and 6 dials should be ringed in white. Apart from that pile of errors, it's damned close. I think a genuine dial would finish it off to a T.

Now, I'm going to do something I don't normally do and that's use someone else's photo without permission. I cropped this photo of the genuine article from one of the magnificent photos from the Joyful Collection website. Click on the photo to see their IWCs in their natural habitat, but be warned it's all in Japanese.

You can see the subdials very clearly on that photo and see where they differ from the replica. While there are faults, as with other replicas, I don't think they're enough to turn me off this watch. I would check, though, before you buy one that it has the correct white hands on the subdials as this is apparently a recent fix. Older models have silver hands that are incorrect.

Conclusion: Good replica (not perfect, but good enough) of a timeless classic.

In closing, I'd like to thank Sashwatch, the supplier of this magnificent timepiece, By-Tor, for not complaining when I ripped off his opening picture style and Ryaku, for pointing out the dial and case differences. Without them, this review would be a lot less interesting.

Edit: My German has been corrected by Seadweller 4000. Another one to add to the thanks.

His correction is as follows: In german "Flieger" means pilot, while "fliegen" is translated as flying. So a Fliegeruhr does not mean a watch that flies, but a pilot's watch.

[ryaku]

Unnecessary mention apart , very complete review and article, filled as usual with great pics.

Despite flaws watch's still one of my favourite and it looks gorgeous on wrist, enough dressy and not too big for an average sized wrist.

You rightly highlighted that hands color for subdials and main seconds look uncorrect in all dealers's pics, better ask em a confirmation before purchasing.

Also in you pics hands finishing are very accurate, neither Portoguese second hand finishing is so accurate.

Thanks Pug.

[By-Tor]

Outstanding review and pics (as usual). It tells everything you need to know about this rep. Very good looking watch, typical classy IWC design.

But I find those dial flaws strange. Wonder if this rather just the issue of a different model/production year... and perhaps not a flaw at all? Did you have more gen source pics to compare?

[Pugwash]

But I find those dial flaws strange. Wonder if this rather just the issue of a different model/production year... and perhaps not a flaw at all? Did you have more gen source pics to compare?

Lots. Lots and lots. I used Google images to trawl through dozens and dozens of Fliegerchronographs and every single one of them had the same dial as the one from Joyful. In fact, I found the Joyful one last as none of the other pictures were as good.

It's a shame, but it's one of those things. The fact that you asked means the chances of anyone ever questioning it are slim to none, and slim just left town.

It's classy and timeless enough not to bother me though, although I'm looking for a gen dial, as are a few others I know about.

[Slartibartfast]

Hi Pugwash

Not been a fan of IWC, finding them rather fussy. But this I really like!

I could be a convert.

Not another watch I've got to have, please..... thanks a lot buddy!

[Pugwash]

Not another watch I've got to have, please..... thanks a lot buddy!

Any time, mate.

[By-Tor]

The IWC design is "German". Very simplistic but functional design. Germans have always used the same philosophy in the cockpits of their cars. When you look at the meters you'll notice that everything is there... but there's never anything extra... and nothing that would bring the attention away from their only purpose: to tell the speed... and time on this matter. The finishing and details on genuine IWC's is probably exceptional... I can clearly see where the attraction comes from...

On the other hand... look at Italian cars... old Alfa Romeos used to have adventurous speedo/RPM-meters, but they weren't very readable or functional.

Oh yes, the black leather is very "German" too.

[Pugwash]

The IWC design is "German". Very simplistic but functional design.

German-Swiss, which is even more functional than regular German.

[Pugwash]

The finishing and details on genuine IWC's is probably exceptional... I can clearly see where the attraction comes from...

If you've ever had the pleasure of seeing a gen FA Jones, you'd know never a truer word was spoken.

[By-Tor]

Come on guys... excellent review and pictures and only 154 views!!! after over 24 hours!!!

Wonder if it has something to do with the fact that this review is "hidden" in the "photo gallery"... all members probably never see these posts (if they're not using "show new posts" option).

Or maybe it has something to do with IWC not getting much attention (except from the small core group of followers). Personally, I enjoy reading all kinds of watch reviews, even of the ones I'm not considering to buy.

It takes a lot of effort it takes to create a post like this... so show some support!!!

[jeff g]

My reply to this thread is simply:

Another great review from Pug. Nice photos as usual.

As I have stated before, PUG and BY-Tor's reviews and great photos are the best sales incentives for these great watches on any of the forums.

Great work. Thanks.

[Pugwash]

It takes a lot of effort it takes to create a post like this... so show some support!!!

Cheers.

Yeah, 154 views is low. Maybe I'll not post in the right section next time.

[ryaku]

No wonder, IWC's ain't so popular here, especially pilot models.

Pug when you're not too busy could you take a close shot of the central pinion?

I wish to see a detailed view of the main seconds hand (it's two coloured and it looks pretty good).

Thanks

[xelorrolex]

Cheers.

Yeah, 154 views is low. Maybe I'll not post in the right section next time.

Sorry to see you disappointed. Your review is awesome and i would like to encourage you strongly

I'm considering to buy this watch for a while but was unsure

Now i know i have to .... imediately

Could you tell me the "feeling" when you wear it ?

Any wrist shot ?

Warm regards

Xel

[Pugwash]

Could you tell me the "feeling" when you wear it ?

Any wrist shot ?

I find that in spite of the fact it's a 39mm watch, and therefore smaller than a Sub, my regular smallest watch, it feels good. Not too heavy, very easy to wear, with a reassuringly mild "Valjoux Samba" rotor-wobble. The fact that I wore it non-stop for the first few days and had to force myself to get the other watches back in rotation says a lot.

One of the reasons I got it was that I'd not seen a review of it and couldn't believe no-one else had considered it. Oh, and I like IWCs (apart from Ingenieurs for some reason) and I like Chronos, so it wasn't a hard choice.

Wristshot? Excuse the quality.

Pug when you're not too busy could you take a close shot of the central pinion?

I'll try my best, but it could be after xmas now ...

[ryaku]

I'll try my best, but it could be after xmas now ...

No problem, take all the time you need.

[tonton2000]

Great review (as usual).

Another one of those threads people will go back to time and time again.

[eddhead]

This review is of the IWC Flieger Chronograph replica currently available. The Flieger line are pilot's watches (Fliegen is German for "To fly", so Fliegerchrono means "Chrono that flies") that IWC has had as part of its history since 1936. This particular model, the 3706, is a 39mm watch that was replaced a few years ago by the 42mm 3717 that's designed to cash in on the popular looks of the Big Pilot, IWC's flagship watch. This simpler design is cleaner than its replacement and appears to have directly inspired several subsequent designs, like Fortis's Flieger design.

The replica has got an Asian 28k 7750 movement without any dial-moving mods, so it should be a sight more reliable than those with moved dials. As long as you follow the usual procedures for using a 7750, you should be fine. All the features of the original are present on the replica: it is functionally identical. I got this one off Sash, so I was comfortable in knowing that if it had died in its first week or so (the telling period for Asian 7750s) then it would be dealt with. Check with your dealer on their policy if this worries you.

The case is brushed steel and fits in with the grey and black feel of this watch. It's classy in its subdued monochrome look. The case is a different depth to the original, but not enough for it to give it away. Also, the replica is missing the deep AR coating on the gen, but it's not milky on a side view so I suspect it's lightly treated, like most replicas.

The crown is a screw-in crown with the familiar IWC fish motif. Both the crown and the pushers are apparently slightly wrong sized, but I think you'd need a gen and a rep side by side to see it.

The strap supplied is exactly the same MooCroc as the one supplied with the IWC Portuguese Chrono. It's a 20mm strap with a brushed clasp. It does the job and I don't plan on replacing it just yet.

The faults and flaws on this watch are pretty much all on the dial. The numbers on the 12 and 9 subdials should all be horizontal, there are three dots missing in the 12 subdial and the 12 and 6 dials should be ringed in white. Apart from that pile of errors, it's damned close. I think a genuine dial would finish it off to a T.

Now, I'm going to do something I don't normally do and that's use someone else's photo without permission. I cropped this photo of the genuine article from one of the magnificent photos from the Joyful Collection website. Click on the photo to see their IWCs in their natural habitat, but be warned it's all in Japanese.

You can see the subdials very clearly on that photo and see where they differ from the replica. While there are faults, as with other replicas, I don't think they're enough to turn me off this watch. I would check, though, before you buy one that it has the correct white hands on the subdials as this is apparently a recent fix. Older models have silver hands that are incorrect.

Conclusion: Good replica (not perfect, but good enough) of a timeless classic.

In closing, I'd like to thank Sashwatch, the supplier of this magnificent timepiece, By-Tor, for not complaining when I ripped off his opening picture style and Ryaku, for pointing out the dial and case differences. Without them, this review would be a lot less interesting.

Edit: My German has been corrected by Seadweller 4000. Another one to add to the thanks.

His correction is as follows: In german "Flieger" means pilot, while "fliegen" is translated as flying. So a Fliegeruhr does not mean a watch that flies, but a pilot's watch.

Awesome review of a great looking watch, and I am not surprised that your photos are actually better (IMHO) than those of the gen. Nice job.