IWC Flieger Chronograph 'Ceramic' (Ref. 3705), 1994

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

IWC has a long history of producing purpose-built aviation watches, and few references capture that legacy quite like the Fliegerchronograph ref. 3705. Introduced in 1994 alongside the stainless-steel ref. 3706, the 3705 translated IWC’s highly functional pilot’s chronograph into an exceptionally lightweight zirconium-oxide ceramic case. Produced in fewer than 1,000 examples and originally offered at a significant premium over its steel counterpart, it remained largely under the radar for years before emerging as one of the most collectible neo-vintage IWC references. Although the 3705 was not IWC’s first ceramic-cased watch, the manufacture had already explored the material with the Da Vinci Chronograph Perpetual Calendar in 1986; it was its first ceramic pilot’s chronograph. Measuring a restrained 39mm, the case is remarkably resistant to scratches and complemented by exposed stainless-steel pushers, crown, and case back, components considered too small and intricate to manufacture reliably in ceramic at the time. This contrast gives the original 3705 a distinctly utilitarian character that was omitted from the later reissue. Its matte-black dial prioritizes legibility despite the three-register layout, pairing bold Arabic numerals with traditional Flieger-style hands reminiscent of the Mark XI. Tritium luminous material throughout lends the watch genuine vintage warmth, while the day-and-date display, domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and anti-magnetic construction reinforce its functional credentials. Inside is IWC’s extensively modified version of the automatic Valjoux 7750, refined with the involvement of watchmaker Richard Habring and subjected to the manufacture’s stringent regulation and reliability testing. Robust, technically accomplished, and unusually wearable, the ref. 3705 helped establish the design language that continues to define IWC’s modern Pilot’s Watch collection. Its rarity, understated proportions, and pioneering ceramic construction have made it one of the most important and compelling IWC chronographs of the 1990s. SPECS Stock # IWCFLCH3705 Brand IWC Style Flieger Chronograph Model 3705 Serial 27XXXX Size Men's Material Ceramic W/ Stainless Steel Back Dial Matte Black Millimeters 39 Strap New 2pc IWC Brown Textile Strap W/ Original IWC Tang Buckle CASE & BRACELET The impressive black ceramic case remains in virtually mint condition, exhibiting almost no evidence of prior wear, a testament to the material’s exceptional scratch resistance. The original stainless-steel screw-down crown, distinguished by IWC’s signature “fish” logo, and reverse-style chronograph pushers remain intact and exceptionally well preserved. The stainless-steel case back retains its crisp, deeply defined factory markings throughout. The watch is fitted with a recently purchased and gently worn IWC textile strap, completed by its original stainless-steel IWC tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The matte-black dial remains flawless, exhibiting no notable age or damage. Under UV light inspection, neither the dial nor the hands displays any degradation or evidence of prior repair. The original tritium lume plots have developed a rich custard-yellow patina, while the lume within the hands has aged to a slightly lighter shade, an expected variation for the era that coordinates beautifully with the dial. ACCESSORIES