Review the IWC Pilot Chronograph "Tribute 3705" Replica With Low Price

Review the IWC Pilot Chronograph "Tribute 3705" Replica With Low Price

IWC launched the special edition IWC pilot chronograph "Tribute 3705" replica in early March of this year. The material of this watch is Ceratanium® titanium porcelain. The name is also easy to understand. It is made of titanium alloy. As a foundation, it is the latest innovation of IWC engineers.

The Background

In 1994, "IWC Fliegerchronograph Keramik", also known as Pilot Chronograph 3705 was gradually faded before it became one of the brand's most valuable young people. The black ceramic 3705 enjoyed little success during its four-year career (1994-1998), with only about a thousand pieces produced. The main reason that could explain this was its price, about 50% higher than the stainless steel version.

Contrary to some icons such as the Big Pilot or the Portugieser Chronograph replica, not only did this Black Flieger 3705 not sell well during its career, but it also fell into oblivion for about 20 years. But with a growing interest in so-called youngtimer models, this rare Ceramic Fliegerchronograph 3705 replica would soon catch the attention of a growing number of watch enthusiasts and its value rose drastically to become one of the brand’s most collectable modern watches. For instance, one piece from the personal collection of former IWC director Günter Blümlein was auctioned recently for over USD 50,000. And a regular model, without a specific pedigree, will now cost you over USD 25,000. This model, an early testimony to the extensive materials expertise that IWC has acquired since the 1980s, is now the subject of a modern re-edition, with the Tribute to 3705 you’re about to see.

The Case

The IWC pilot ‘Tribute to 3705’ replica is a different watch than the 3705, and if you buy one expecting it to wear and look the same, you’re in for disappointment, friend. This is a very modern IWC Pilot’s watch replica, done in the style of the 3705, and building on the ceramic case of the watch with a new material called Ceratanium. Thankfully, IWC Pilot’s watches are in a pretty good place right now, and with or without the 3705 connection, this is a pretty good watch.

The Tribute gets a 41mm case made of Ceratanium, combining the material properties of titanium and ceramic. Think lightweight, strong, and scratch resistant. The material was first used on the Top Gun Double Chronograph introduced at SIHH in 2019 (or on Mega Man’s armor, if fictional materials count), and is unique for a few reasons. While IWC calls in matte black in complexion, you could almost call it pewter or dark grey in direct light. This does not read as a blacked-out watch in the flesh, as the surface reflects a fair amount of light, even if it is matte in texture. 

That lightness isn’t just a visual thing, this is a relative featherweight on the wrist. Seeing images of the watch, and looking at the dimensions on paper, I was prepared to be dealing with a real beast on the wrist, but it’s surprisingly, almost shockingly easy to wear. Even accounting for the 41mm diameter, the 15.3mm thickness, and ~50mm lug to lug measurement, this is an effortless watch on wrist so long as you don’t have a tight cuff it needs to tuck under. 

The Dial

The dial of the IWC Pilot Tribute replica certainly feels more appropriately proportioned than its inspiration. The sub-dials fill out the dial and the negative space is held in check, it’s all perfectly …fine. It works, but I’d go so far as to say it’s lost a big part of the identity and charm of the original in the process. It’s objectively better, but at the same time, almost generic in comparison. A favorite feature of older Pilot’s watches replica is carried over here, and that’s the squared off hour hand and pencil minute hand. This execution feels like a breath of fresh air next to the broadsword hands of the regular production models. They are instantly recognizable, and as I mentioned to IWC CEO, Chris Grainger when he appeared on our podcast, I’d love to see them make their way into more references.

The Tribute replica keeps the same complications as the 3705, including the day and date at 3 o’clock. While the sub-dials are in the same positions, you’ll notice the running seconds hand has moved from the 9 o’clock position to the 6 o’clock position. 

The Movement

Inside the case, no major surprises, as the Tribute to 3705 replica comes with the brand’s “new standard” manufacture chronograph movement, the calibre 69380. This integrated automatic engine has been developed to replace the old and out-sourced Valjoux architecture and comes with multiple evolutions such as a pawl winding system and a column wheel. This movement runs at 4Hz and stores 46 hours of power reserve. 

The Strap

This limited edition is worn on a black pilot calfskin strap with a Ceratanium pin buckle. Relatively thick but surprisingly supple, it makes the watch comfortable on the wrist.

Information

The IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition "Tribute to 3705" replica: case, Ceratanium, titanium alloy with ceramized outer surface, 41mm x 15.3mm, water resistance 6 bar/60 meters. Convex sapphire crystal with double antireflective coating. Hands, rhodium-plated with Super-LumiNova. Movement, IWC caliber 69380, column-wheel automatic chronograph with IWC double-pawl winding system, running at 28,800 vph in 33 jewels, power reserve 46 hours. Limited edition of 1000 pieces worldwide; price, $11,900.

If you are interested in IWC watch replica, you can pay more attention to our store, we are the largest and most reliable replica of luxury watches store, copy watches such as Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Panerai, Cartier, Hublot, A. Lange & Söhne, Tag Heuer and more.