IWC has a long history of pilot’s watches — it’s arguably what they’re best known for. In this Face Off, we aren’t going to compare an IWC Flieger with one from another manufacture, but compare several outstanding pilot’s watches from Schaffhausen’s history. There seems to be an endless sea of pilot’s watches to wade through, just within the IWC stable. This makes it nice for watch enthusiasts, providing us with countless quality pieces to chose from while enabling plenty of variety and options. It can, however, make it difficult to select just three to compare. We chose three with the goal of having enough tangible things to compare while still ensuring each one would be unique and stand on its own. The IWC Fliegers we’re going to focus on for this Face Off are the steadfast Mark XI, their not-quite-vintage Fliegerchronograph ref 3706, and their current Doppelchronograph ref 3778.
Mk XI, courtesy WatchTalk Forum member frodostar
Mark XI
First we’ll take a look at the Mark XI. This was the first real pilot’s watch from IWC that started a trend, an influence which can still be seen today. The 36mm case houses the venerable Caliber 89 movement that we’ve talked in depth about previously. The broad arrow dial is classic, rapidly legible, and minimalist. It’s quite different when compared to the pilot’s watches of today. A time only watch that is a full 10mm smaller than the Doppelchronograph below, it’s not going to knock your socks off with a laundry list of complications and you probably wont be able to recognize it from across the room. It is a true tool watch. It is a Flieger that set stage for all those after it, yet after all these years it’s still in a class of its own. Many consider it the quintessential military watch, and with its decades-long run, you shouldn’t have any issue finding a quality example.
ref 3706, courtesy Timezone member loveomega
Fliegerchronograph ref 3706
The Fliegerchronograph 3706 was released in 1994 and reignited the pilot’s watch craze. The 39mm case houses the robust and accurate Valjoux 7750 movement. It features a day and date complication, traditional Flieger hands reminiscent of those on the Mk XI, domed sapphire crystal, and anti-magnetic properties. The earlier models also have tritium hands and markers which adds to the vintage feel. Even with the modest 39mm size and 3 register dial, it is still very legible. Modern IWC Fliegers seem to keep tipping the scales further and further. The current iteration of this piece, the 3777, is 43mm which is on the smaller end of IWC’s pilot watch lineup. This represents the last run of the more understated sizes. It has everything you need in a pilot’s chronograph and nothing you don’t.
Double Chronograph ref. 3778, courtesy IWC
Doppelchronograph ref 3778
The Doppelchronograph ref 3778 is a completely modern version of an IWC Flieger that still retains the traditional look. It features IWC’s amazing split-seconds double chronograph module, originally created by Richard Habring. The polished stainless steel case and three register dial with Arabic numerals is classic with modern updates and reserved red accents. The hands are IWC’s newer sword style hands which I’m personally a fan of. The “altimeter” style date feature has been hit or miss with fans of the brand — I can at least appreciate making something different out of such a basic complication. IWC’s caliber 79230 Doppelchronograph movement is a fantastic piece of engineering. The operation of the pushers is seamless and when moving in sync, you can’t tell there are two hands on top of each other. Even at retail prices, it is a great value considering all the features and complications it offers. The modern 3778 is tough, looks great, and is one of the best pieces in IWC’s current lineup.
Each one of these is an amazing watch from IWC and is the high point of the pilot’s watch for their respective era. Although comparable in that all are Fliegers, they each offer something unique and different from each other. The Mark XI is more understated and unquestionably vintage; it is spartan and tough. The significance of the Mark XI is undeniable and you know you’re wearing a piece of history on your wrist. The 3706 isn’t quite vintage, but close. It is more modern while still looking classic in both features, proportions, and size. The 3778 is an amazing watch with an expertly done double chronograph movement. It’s a bit larger at 46mm but still wears well due to its low height (in consideration of what’s inside). It also has the most advanced parts and technology in it. I’ll conclude by saying you absolutely can’t go wrong with any one of these. As is typical with IWC, each of these represents quality, functionality, and style. If forced to chose one I would go for the 3706. The 39mm size is just right and will fit any wrist, being able to be dressed up or down. It fits in with the vintage crowd and still hold its own with the newer pilot’s watches. Ultimately you have to pick what speaks to you. Maybe you’re a strictly vintage person. Maybe you want a Doppel and can pull off 46mm. Maybe you should just get them all.
Featured image from IWC.
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