IWC Yachtclub 3905 - Opinions/photos pls!

Hello esteemed members of the IWC forum. I am looking to add a 2nd IWC to my modest collection and have narrowed it down to either the IWC Portuguesier 5007 or the IWC Yachtclub 3905. Both in Steel.

I was particularly drawn by the 390503 ardois yachtclub, where previously I did not consider the YC but now with the smaller diameter it fits very well at least to my eyes and the lume and rubber strap makes it much more versatile than the 5007 which is ofcourse a timeless classic.

If anyone owns the 43.5mm 3905 YC please share your thoughts on wearing this time piece, do you notice the weight? is it too big? Is it too "sporty"? Thank you!!

I own both watches and I would not want to miss any of them. I was really happy when IWC launched the 3905, because they transformed the design of the 3902 into a size that I could wear. The reduction from 45.4 mm to 43.5 mm might not sound that much, but in the flesh it makes all the difference if you have a small wrist (like I do).
The 3905 has not so much to do with the vintage Yacht Club watches, because the never were a part of the Portuguese line, they never were Chronographs, the never had a rubber strap, etc. But nevertheless the 3905 is a really great piece. It wears very comfortable. You always feel that this is no lightweight watch and it is far from being an ultra slim construction, but in itself it feels just right. The combination of a very high quality rubber strap with a folding clasp is a good feature.
If you want to combine the watch with a fine suit it might be a bit too far on the sporty side, mostly because of the rubber strap. But besides this, it is a very nice companion with nearly any type of fashion.
So I really can recommend this watch to you without any caveat. The ardoise sunburst dial looks astonishing and the ca. 89361 is very nice to look at either. It is one of my most precise watches, running at +3 seconds per day.
I am completely happy with it.

Hi, although I don't own the 3905 it is high(est) on my list of watches I'm considering at the moment. I did try it on a few times and its stunning! As Jochen already said: the newer size is a MUCH better fit for small(er) wrists which I also happen to have.

Here is a picture I took at the boutique in Schaffhausen last year:

You can actually also get the special strap with croco-leather inlay (so the base is still rubber but it looks like full croco from the 'outside'), a REALLY great addition to this watch which will make it much more dressier!

Regards,

Bob

Thank you Jochen and Bob, your opinions fills me with confidence in acquiring this piece. I was never attracted to the YC series as it seemed to lack a sort of "identity", however the ardois one really looks good. And the balance of the watch on the wrist is superb, aided by the solid rubber strap. I also have small wrists so this was a very welcome change.