Help with a watch decision: Ref 5007-01 vs. Ref 3903-01

Back in the market for a new Portugieser.  I had one years ago that was stolen (it was a 3714).

Very torn between the 5007 (Automatic) and 3903 (Chronograph Classic), both in rose gold.  I traveled to a nearby city to try them on and after 4 visits I am still uncertain.  It is a big purchase for me, no doubt.   Below are the pros and cons as I see it (which is probably a bit un-informed):

Pros for the 5007 (Portugieser Automatic):
Love the history. 
Love the sapphire-glass back and the beautiful movement.
Love the power reserve.
Love the face of the watch more than the 3903 -- I love to look at it! 
Love the deployment buckle which comes standard (I have lost watches without them...)

Cons of the 5007:
A bit too thick and a bit top heavy in feeling.  Not sure if I will get over this.  
Might be difficult with cuff and suit.
Might be a bit too pretentious in a business setting (I know Stainless would be less but I want a gold watch.  It feels more like a "chunk of gold" to an uninformed eye (like my wife's ...)
Less usable when wearing very casual clothes.

Pros of the 3903 (Portugieser Chronograph Classic):
It's been redesigned and feels now more like a Portugieser!
It fits better on the wrist.  It's subtle but it seems to lay better.  It is thinner (by 0.5mm) and a slightly smaller diameter (by 0.3mm), but it feels like a smaller watch.  
It's more sporty.  You can dress it up and down easier.  The chronograph functions make it feel more like sports watch and a bit less pretentious, in my humble opinion.
Might use the Chrono function, but rarely.  But I like the buttons more than the face of the watch.  

Cons of the 3903:
Do not like the face of the watch as much as the 5007.
Comes with a Tang Buckle and will have to get a deployment buckle for it.  Not a cheap proposition.
The sapphire-glass back is not nearly as impressive as the 5007.
Does not have the history of the 5007 and feels like less of a collector's item in the long run. 

Thanks for your thoughts.  Not an easy decision so thought I would get opinions --

Lance 

Well, I guess my answer is somewhat biased because I own the Automatic version (the 5001). It's true that the Chronograph has a sportier look and might be the better choice for dressing down. For me this was not a criterion because I wear my 5001 only for special occasions (birthdays, weddings, formal business events, ...). 
My first argument was that for a classic watch such as the Portugieser I prefer a clean dial and do not want the busy dial of a chronograph (I also own the Portugieser Handwound 8 days with an even cleaner dial). I have other watches from the sportier collections (e.g. Aquatimer, Porsche Design) where I personally think a chronograph is a perfect fit. 

The 5007/5001 is an absolute classic.  Like the 3714, there is a reason IWC has chosen not to change the external appearance of the watch over the years. They just got it right.  I still prefer the appearance of the 3714 to the 3903.  To me, there's something missing in the 3903 and I can't put my finger on it, the bezel shape? the chronograph pushers?   I think the 5007 will remain an IWC classic for years, just as it is, even though it is a tad thick for the current trend in favor of watches that fit better under a cuff.   

Thanks for the feedback.  I agree on all acounts and it is much appreciated.  I just need to decide if I am looking for a watch that I can dress down a bit more than the 5007.  Other than that, its the one.   The 3903 does appear more casual and I can see myself wearing it with jeans.  Maybe I am lookiing at two watches -- the 5007 and then a cheaper watch for everyday --  

Perish the thought, my wife would say.

Greetings Lance,

It is apparent that you have put much thought into this large purchase item.  Good for you !   All part of the excitement of aquiring s new IWC.

Some thoughts to consider as you make a final decision :

A  deployant clasp vs. tang buckle is a negotiable item if you are purchasing new through a AD or Boutique. In the case of  precious metal like gold, price difference between the two can be achieved if addressed prior to " pulling the trigger ". Don't forget to swap strap for correct deployant sized strap.

While I love both models, IMO the 3903 will offer you more versatility. You are definetly correct in the fact that the 3903 has a better overall fit and feels smaller even though it is only fractionally reduced in diameter and height. The case/dial design and bezel contribute to this perception. 

This is a "classic"  Chrono interpretation. It has a great vintage look that will be in style long into the future. 

As the owner of the the previous model 3904, I can tell you that I wear it for all occasions with no problem and it has an even more sporty dial than the revised 3903. In fact, and this is just my opinion, I like the 3904 "gold/ ardoise" variation better than the silver dial offerings in both references .  Looks dynamite with dressy or casual attire.

The display back on both models are impressive but again, IMO , I favor the 3903-4 models because I like a bit wider edge/ring with the detail info around the sapphire glass window. Very classy !

Whichever direction you finally go, feel confident that you have narrowed it down to two great pieces and either one will bring you much joy for many years. 

Let us us know how it ends up. 

Andy

Dear Lance

Based on your pro and cons and Andy Stevens input, I am destined to encourage you also to select the Ref 3903. 
Looking forward to learn which one you go for. 

As an additional concept. Did you consider the new Ref 3716 model launched in the 150 Jubilee Collection. 

Welcome to the forum Lance and good luck with your decision, either way it is a win! However, your cons of the 3903 tell me clearly - go for the 5007!

I recently had to grapple with this debate recently...the 5007 came out on top.  But that is by no means any bad reflection on the 3903, which is a great timepiece in itself.   

For me personally, the pros you listed far outweighed any of the cons.  Originally, my biggest complaint was the case height as well, particularly for a small wrist that I have.  I quickly got over that; it's not nearly as big as how one might see it on his or her own wrist.  

I agree with what most have already said. The 3903 does indeed offer more versatility.  It's definitely easier to dress down.  With the 5007, I reserve it for only rare occassions; that being said, I've only worn it a few times (but then again I already have a daily wear watch).  

Lance,

Thought you might want to see a photo of the 3904 Gold/Ardoise variation as another option to consider. As mentioned, I have the 3904 Silver dial and it works well for both dressy and casual attire. Very comfortable fit ! The stepped up bezel and arched glass really add to the " Classic " design.

Best,

Andy

Lance,

Thought you might want to see a photo of the 3904 Gold/Ardoise variation as another option to consider. As mentioned, I have the 3904 Silver dial and it works well for both dressy and casual attire. Very comfortable fit ! The stepped up bezel and arched glass really add to the " Classic " design.

Best,

Andy