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IWC Flieger Chronograph (Ref. 3706), 1990s — view 1 of 6
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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
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 39 mm
Stock no.
IWCFLCH3706-5
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (IWCFLCH3706-5)
Catalogue title (original)
1990s IWC Flieger Chronograph (Ref. 3706) W/ Full Set (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number IWCFLCH3706-5), 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 creating purpose-built timepieces, but more specifically, pilot’s watches. It’s arguably what IWC is best known for. This ref. 3706 IWC “Fliegerchronograph”, or Pilot’s Chronograph, was first introduced by IWC in 1994, and some say this is the reference from IWC that 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, a domed anti-reflective 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. SPECS Stock # IWCFLCH3706-5 Brand IWC Style Flieger Chronograph Model 3706 Serial 26XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Millimeters 39 Bracelet IWC Stainless Steel Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The robust, utilitarian case displays honest wear from use throughout, and retains very thick, symmetrical lugs that show nominal evidence of prior polishing. The "fish logo" screw-down crown and reverse-style pushers remain original to the watch. The case back retains all of the factory markings in crisp and deep condition, with light wear present. The original IWC stainless steel bracelet is a pure work of art and retains 20 links that display almost no stretch and will fit up to a 6.75-inch wrist. The watch comes with four additional bracelet links as well. DIAL & HANDS The matte black is flawless, with no age or damage present. The lume plots on the dial have achieved a charming creamy patina and exhibit no degradation. The original hands have been professionally restored with era-correct tritium to match the dial. 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 timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: 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.

Read next:Flyback chronographChronograph

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