IWC Flieger Chronograph (Ref. 3706), 1990s — view 1 of 6 — View 1 of 6 · Image: Craft & Tailored · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

IWC Flieger Chronograph (Ref. 3706), 1990s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.

Maker / attribution: IWC (maker)
Date: 1990s
Historical period: Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Dimensions: Case 39 mm
Dealer: Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles
Stock no.: IWCFLCH3706
Credit line: Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (IWCFLCH3706)
Catalogue title (original): 1990s IWC Flieger Chronograph (Ref. 3706) With Box and Papers (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number IWCFLCH3706), this is a wristwatch by IWC, made in Switzerland, dated 1990s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 39 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

IWC has a long history of pilot’s watches, it’s arguably what they’re best known for. The IWC “Fliegerchronograph” or Pilot’s Chronograph. The Fliegerchronograph was first introduced by IWC in 1994 and some say this reference from IWC reignited the pilot’s watch craze in the mid-1990s. The 39mm case houses the robust and accurate Valjoux 7750 movement. It features a day and date complication, traditional Flieger hands reminiscent of those on the Mk XI, domed sapphire crystal, and anti-magnetic properties. The earlier models also have tritium hands and markers which adds to the vintage feel. Even with the modest 39mm size and 3 register dial, it is still very legible. Stock # IWCFLCH3706 Brand IWC Style Chronograph Model 3706 Serial 266XXXX Size Men's Material SS Dial Black Millimeters 39mm Bracelet IWC Stainless Steel Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The unpolished case remains in excellent condition, showing original factory finishing and chamfers. The "fish" logo crown and pushers remain original to the watch. The original IWC stainless steel bracelet is a pure work of art and shows little stretch and wear. DIAL & HANDS The matte black dial with day-date complication is flawless, showing no signs of wear or blemishes. The lume on the dial and hands have taken on a lovely creamy patina and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. ACCESSORIES

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Chronographs and split-seconds watches

A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.

Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.

What to look for

Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).

Dating clues

Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
Automatic chronographs: from 1969.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Mechanisms mentioned

Chronograph — Complication

Record completeness

Maker or attributionRecorded
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsNot in source
DimensionsRecorded
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Craft & Tailored — dealer photographs; permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"IWC Flieger Chronograph (Ref. 3706), 1990s." Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles, IWCFLCH3706. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/iwc-flieger-chronograph-ref-3706-1990s-fd84a4.