Pilot's 3717

Hello, all - I own a 3717, and love it, have had it since 2008. A highlight of my experience thus far was visiting the IWC headquarters in Schaffhausen, which I did in 2013.

I have a few questions that I am certain some of you can answer for me, and I thank you in advance:

1. I am looking for a replacement strap, but cannot afford the metal IWC version. I purchased a replacement steel one in Japan, but it does not fit flush against the case. Any recommendations out there for leather/metal/other types of straps?

2. What is the mm size of the 3717 (and which size strap fits it)?

3. The steel case has some scratches on the front ... what are my options for minimizing/removing them?

Best,

James

Hi James,
1. There really is no alternative to the steel bracelet for the 3717. The fit and finish is just superb! I intend to get one day, but keep getting derailed by a must have watch pick-up. Factor in the replacement cost of the croco strap every 4 years or so and the bracelet starts making sense.

1. The lug size is 21mm. For a replacement leather or croco strap.

2. Depends on how bad the scratches are, and can you live with them? The best way (but pricy) is to have a spa treatment at Schaffhausen. (I would rather spend the money on a bracelet). If you are brave, you could have the case buffed/polished by a watchmaker, but the results could be uneven. I like a watch that is worn and shows the patina of age.

Hope this helps....

Greetings James and welcome to the forum. Of all the "classic" IWC Pilot Chrono's, IMHO the 3717 has the best dial balance and legibility. You made a great choice picking out that model.

The 3717 is in my collection and a couple of IWC leather straps that I think look teriffic with it are:

• Soft strap - Black nylon ( Kevlar look ) a.k.a "Top Gun"

• St. Exupery Brown Calfskin w/contrast stitching ( ref. 21700 I believe )

In addition, many after market strap makers can duplicate just about any look you can imagine not to mention other brands also sell straps that pair up nicely with the 3717. An example is a honey-tan croc w/ beige contrast stitching and as a bonus, it's rubber lined extending the life and is comfortable even in humid conditions. The manufacturer's name starts with a "Z" so I'll let you take it from there.

As confirmed by Mark, strap is a 21 mm. BTW, IWC straps are available in 3 lengths... XS, Standard, XL.

Let us know how things turn out with some wristshots. We enjoy seeing end results.

Best,

Andy

Hello Guys,

Can I just check whether the steel bracelet for new Pilot 3777 is the same with the previous model i.e. Ref 3717?

Thank you.

No it's not.
3777 bracelet has micro-adjustment feature.
Also 3777 is 43mm Dia and 3717 is 42mm Dia. Lug sizes may be the same but to my knowledge, the end pieces of the bracelet will not match the radius of the case between the lugs, preventing the bracelets from being interchangeable.

Thanks for your help Mark.

What about steel straps for 3711 / 3713, can they be used for my 3717?

Cheers.

Jerry

Why not just get a 3717 bracelet. It's the one designed for the watch?

I would go for the original bracelet for the 3717. It may sound a bit strange, but to me, if you can afford the 3717, you can also afford its bracelet. You will not regret it, the money, at least to me, is easily forgotten once spent so well.

Kind regards,
Paul

I also would go for the original bracelet - anything else would reduce the shining of your original 3717 ;-)
I think you could regret the purchase of an Imitation.
I´m also waiting for the original bracelet for my 371709 - it isn´t that expensive but not very easy to get. I prefer the old one because of the pyramid-structure of the single parts.
best,
-christian

www.thewatchboys.com/iwc-style-black-rubber-texture-kevlar-look-with-white-stitch-p-215.html

Hi all,

Anyone can point me to where I can buy online an original bracelet for 3717?
Much appreciate.

Hi Chris
Your best bet is to get a 3717 bracelet from an IWC Authorized Dealer.
There is no source for these to be obtained online and why expose yourself to the risks of online buying for a bracelet?

Hi Mark,
Was recommended Ace Jewelers but they do not have stock for this bracelet. Thought there are other AD whom are similarly reliable online.

Good advice for the peace of mind though, will drop in the IWC boutique one of these weekends.

Cheers!

Hi Chris
I would call ahead. It may not be in stock but they could definitely order it for you. It's pricy but so well made! Wait till you see the endpieces, just beautiful!

I am considering buying a pilot chrono 3717. Does the black kevlar band that comes on the top gun fit the 3717? I see that they are about 1mm difference but also looks like some people have made it work.

Thanks

Hello, gentlemen. Hope all are well ... it's been a while since I've been on the forum. I purchased a NATO-style band this past year, red and black. Have been happy with it on my 3717, but am now looking for something else. Perhaps the Kevlar-style with the white stitching. That said, I have another question: My 3717 was purchased new in 2008, and Ive not had it serviced yet. There is a Richemont facility in Dallas that I'll be sending it to. (I spoke to a Patek technician a few months ago, and he told me that the movement in the 3717 was a great one — can one of you tell me what the movement number is? — but that it was so rugged that it will keep on working an grind itself down after a while. Have any of you had experience with the Dallas facility? What should I know going into the servicing? Any suggestions/tips/warnings? Thanks in advance, James

3717 is a great watch indeed and the movement inside is Valjoux 7750 or also known as ETA 7750.
It is a robust and reliable movement. After 8 years, I am sure it will benefit from a service.

All IWC service facilities have the technical abilities to service and return watches to specification. When turning a watch in, it will be diagnosed and you will be notified of any faults and be given a repair estimate. You will then be asked to authorize the go-ahead.

Mine says hello
[](s1335.photobucket.com/user/regnimelf3717/media/IWC/2089E674-2992-4B7B-9C40-789D4E0537CD_zpshziix8we.jpg.html)

Hi Andy, thanks so much for your advice below. I recently purchased a 3717 and am keen to replace the original black leather strap with something more durable and appropriate for the hot and humid climate in which I reside. Therefore, could you please share the name of the strap manufacturer (which starts with a "Z"), so make my life easier please? :)

Regards,
Bryan

Bryan, I believe the brand/manufacturer that starts with a "Z" that Andy is referring to is a watch company, not a strap company.