Digging through the depths of IWCโs 152-year history would reveal a number of obscure timepieces โ limited releases that have become faded cult classics, set against a range of modern icons like the Big Pilot and the Portugieser Chronograph. One such forgotten classic is the 1994 Ceramic Fliegerchronograph (Ref. 3705), a fan favourite and one of the most sought-after models from IWCโs more recent history. It is also the very model that happens to be the subject of the brandโs latest release, the Pilotโs Watch Chronograph Edition โTribute to 3705โ.
The new tribute edition faithfully replicates the originalโs dial design, but switches its unique black zirconium oxide ceramic for a case made of house-produced Ceratanium โ a material specially developed by IWC to be both as light and rigid as titanium, and as hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic.
With only 1,000 pieces made, the IWC โTribute To 3705โ chronograph arrives in a 41mm case and is powered the in-house 69380 calibre โ a sophisticated update over the originalโs Valjoux based 7750 movement. Designed to be robust and precise, the column-wheel designed calibre with a bi-directional pawl winding system offers a power reserve of 46 hours.
The dial is of particular interest here โ an exact replica of the original โ boasting sub-dials at 9 and 12 with stop times of up to 12 hours, while an additional subdial at 6 oโclock accounts for small seconds. A day and date display sit at 3 oโclock, maintaining IWCโs classic pilot aesthetic.
While the original Ref. 3705 was pioneering in the use of black ceramic IWC is hoping this tribute edition will be just as seminal, replacing the once-innovative ceramic with the newly engineered Ceratanium, used for not just the case, but the chronograph pushers and pin buckle as well.
With a black calfskin strap and rhodium hands, IWC has gone to great lengths to ensure the original โBlack Fliegerโ โ its eventual nickname โ is given a proper tribute entirely worthy of a watch that was once auctioned for a staggering US$53,750 (~AU$69,239).
The IWC โTribute To 3705โ retails for $18,500 but youโll have to join the waitlist and cross your fingers to score one.
