Which 3706 is best?

Hi there,
I'm new to the forum and I'm keen on purchasing my 1st IWC. I love the design of the 3706 but I know there were a number of variations produced (e.g. 3706-01, 3706-02 etc). Is there a particular variation that was the best of this model?
Thanks

Hi MRGUY,
That's very much a matter of taste. Whether you prefer the Spifire or the Classic look, a black or silver dial and whether you prefer a steel or leather strap.

If you are looking for a mechanically interesting watch I would recommend the Rattrapante (3711 / 3713) which is a bigger investment but I believe one worthwhile.

Unfortunately the 3711/3713 is a little over my budget. Looks like I'll be sticking with the 3706! What I'm really curious about is if the movement was improved during the course of the watches production or were the subtle changes made just aesthetic?

Just been doing a little more research on the internet so reliability of this information may be questionable!? Apparently the 3706 was produced from 94-05. The "old style" bracelet seems to be more desirable? Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the new and old? Also post 1999 tritium seems to have been replaced with SLN. Love to know if the movement was improved as well during this time?

Plenty to read on the internet:

Calibers 7902, 7912 and then 7922, all ETA-Valjoux 7750-s with some improvements and weekday in 4 languages. Later only in English.
Regarding dials and hands first Tritium, then SLN. First only classic dial, then Spitfire option with dials in silver and black.
Crown first with fish-symbol then the IWC - Probus Scafusia.
Glass first without, then with both side AR treatment.
Mk.I. and Mk.II. bracelets differ only in styling - most prefer Mk.I. - including me. Later some time clasp was a bit strengthened as it opened sometimes unwanted. Leather strap variations of course. Prefer folding clasp for the croco straps, while the more stylish pin buckle for the less expensive calfskin leather.
I have one from 1998 without AR treatment, with fish-crown, cal. 7922 and Mk.I.
bracelet. Only Tritium dial and hands were updated for SLN-ones, I have changed calender discs to black ones to gain a more harmonic dial though. Love this combo.
Hope this helps.

Excellent! Thank you Roberto.

Hi Roberto,
Would love to see a picture of yours with the black calendar disc... Are there any on the forum yet?

Hopefully during the week-end I'll have time to post a picture. Beg for your understanding.

Well, what about a 3705 ?

Ceramic case and rare.

Regards

HEBE

Hi Hebe,
Never seen this ceramic case version before. Nice.

Of course! No need to apologize.

Welcom MRGUY, this link will provide details on the 3706, and then you can also access other Pilots from the catelogue, which if I remember rightly is compiled by one of our Forum members - www.fliegeruhr.ch/3706.htm

Being ill at the moment makes me postpone posting the promised photo, as the watch has still to be taken out from my safe.
I'll be back.
Robert

Excuse me for the bad quality shot.
Robert

PS: Just found an older photo.

Hi Roberto,
as you are an expert, could you tell me when the weekday was changed from 4 languages to english only? I wasn't able to find the answern despite all the research I have done.
I am looking for a 3706 with german weekdays but also with SLN, which seems difficult to find (if SLN then english, if german then T).
Thanks and best regards.
steamy

[QUOTE="steamy"]Hi Roberto,
as you are an expert, could you tell me when the weekday was changed from 4 languages to english only? I wasn't able to find the answern despite all the research I have done.
I am looking for a 3706 with german weekdays but also with SLN, which seems difficult to find (if SLN then english, if german then T).
Thanks and best regards.
steamy

Thx but unfortunately I'm not an expert. So I cannot tell you about the shift to one-language option list :) but it is not so important: any watchmaker down at the corner can replace the weekday disc for two cents, while dial@hands replacement costs a fortune and takes some time. So choose the watch with the dial you wish and add the weekday accordingly. Just my two cents of course.

Thank you Roberto, I'll try to find the watchmaker at the corner able to replace the day-disc ;-)
Best regards
steamy

:) Good luck, mate!