Should I get an IW3706 or Mark XV - in both cases with the classic cut-off hour hands?

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the forum and joined as I have caught the IWC pilot bug!!

I want to purchase either a Mark XV or Flieger Chronograph IW3706.

The watch is going to be my "beater watch".

Usage is to have a piece that is not too flashy, can be worn with a suit (work
wise) as well casually for every day use and vacations - will hoewevr not be
wearing this for the pool or dipping in the ocean.

I would appreciate all opinions, pros and cons.

Thanks

Faisel

My Mark XV is my 95% wear daily watch... choosing between that and the 3706
for daily wear would come down to thickness I reckon, 9mm for the Mark, and
closer to 15mm for the 3706

Both beautiful watches and such a tough choice!

For me, it would be 3706! It just beats out MarkXV for being a touch more
special! The Mark watches live on in current production, but modern 3777s are
a completely different watch from 3706.

I'm a chronograph fanatic, so my opinion is biased toward the 3706. Is the
chronograph a complication you might use?

According to current IWC service prices, it will cost less to service the
current chronograph than the current Mark watch, which surprises me (only $100
difference). The movement in the 3706 (Valjoux/ETA 7750) has proven to be a
very durable, reliable and accurate movement over the last 45 years since its
introduction. Although I prefer to send my IWC to IWC or Superior Watch
Service (in the U.S.A.) for service, any competent watchmaker should be able
to service the 7750, and parts are widely available if needed.

Ultimately it's your choice to make, but since you asked...

Hi Remi and Thanks for input on dimension as this is not something I had
considered.

Best

Faisel

Hi Mark,

I agree it is a real tough choice so appreciate the input and great INSTA page
;-)

Can you elaborate a little more on why you feel the 3706 is more special and
different?

Feel free to add the "softer facts" as I se you are quite the watch and IWC
connoisseur

Appreciate all input.

Faisel

Hi Bryan,

Great input.

I am not particularly looking for a chronograph eventhough I must admit i dont
have one at the moment in my collection and I do not have a use for it.

However I am looking for an iconic pilot watch and wanted to ad an IWC and
thought to make it in one go. If it comes with a chronograph / well why not
;-)

I have tried to research the topic and found that the Mark XV is consideren
an icon in the pilot watches world and wanted to see how the 3706 stacks up to
that as I do not find much info on the latter.

Again I see similarities in both wathces and just love the way the hour hands
looks
comparative to current Pilot watch model that only have the pointed word
hands.

Any input on wether you find one of them being more dressy vs sportye then the
other?

Thanks a lot for your input.

Best

Faisel

Hi Faisal and Thank You very much for your kind comments.

I think 3706 is special because it's the original Pilot Chronograph, along
with Ref 3741! It's the original and the caseback says "DER FLIEGECHRONOGRAPH"

From Ref 3717 it's simply "FLIEGERUHR" and the design changed significantly.

3706 was the watch that made me fall in love with IWC and the beginning of the
ÜHRENVIRUS, although my first Pilot is 3717 and that is not leaving my
collection.

Hi Mark,

Interesting input on the "Die Fliegerchronograph" aspect.

Can you offer opinion on the Mark XV such is one of the watches more versatile
comparative to the other?

I know this is your subjective opinion but much appreciated.

Thanks

Faisel