With a release that is sure to please avid IWC fans who have attempted to obtain the 1994 cult-classic original 3705 Fliegerchronograph Kermik, IWC has issued a new chronograph that pays homage to this original timepiece. The 3705 is nearly impossible to find due to its recent resurgence in popularity among collectors. IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705” is a new version of this now rising star in the vintage market. The original 3705 pilot’s watch case was made from black zirconium oxide ceramic — with IWC being one of the first watchmakers to use this scratch-resistant case material. The ‘Tribute to 3705’ has a case, chronograph pushers, and pin buckle that are made of Ceratanium®. This new material is as light and break-resistant as titanium, but at the same time as hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic.
Like the original, the newest edition of the 3705 has a 30-minute counter at 12:00, a 12-hour counter at 9:00, and a running seconds counter at 6:00. It also features a classic date display. While the original watch was powered by a Valjoux 7750 movement, today’s 41mm watch houses the IWC caliber 69380 with a column-wheel chronograph that is made in-house at the brand’s Schaffhausen manufacture. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705” will stay true to the original release quantity and offer no more than 1,000 timepieces in the collection, adding to the watch’s exclusivity.
For more information about IWC, check out the IMBOLDN Brand Guide: IWC Schaffhausen.
