IWC Schaffhausen

Hi everyone,

This is my first post and hopefully you can help me out with my dilemma. I also realise that there is a very similar post before this one, however I'm sure you guys won't mind showing off the shots again.

I'm venturing into my first real timepiece purchase and I have landed in the IWC world of watches and the two that I'm stuck on is the Pilot's Watch Chrono Ref IW371701 Leather and the Aquatimer Chrono Blue/Orange Ref IW376703.

My path originally started with Omega's Seamaster Planet Ocean 45.5 and I still think that is a fine watch but the more I looked at it I found the PO a bit too robust and dare to say a bit cheap looking. This is a personal thing, I'm a graphic designer/typographer and its the little details that kind of matter too me. The PO has a beautiful face and maybe one day I might go back. Anyway, for the last 7 months, while I have been looking at various watch brands, in the back of my mind I remembered the pilot's watches and this is before I new anything about watches or IWC for that matter (still learning). Some of the Vintage Bell & Ross were also of some interest but not worth their price IMO. The thing with IWC watches, to me, is that they seem to burst with quality and this is from every angle. From the way the case is cut, the face, the bracelet and the movement its self, I realise some are modified ETA movements. This was the reason for moving on from Omega.

So onto the question which of the two should I go for. One is classic and elegant and the other modern and sporty. They both have the same movement 79320 so its really down to aesthetics. What I love about the Pilot is its practical no nonsense look, yet it still has a tonne of class about it. It is both simple and intricate at the same time. The Aquatimer is more in your face and jumps out at you, its courages and bold. On a funny practical side I don't dive or fly planes.

I'm going on a holiday to New York in September form Sydney Australia and will be making a purchase if available.

So guys please post some shots, go crazy, it would be great to see some shots with watches on.

Sorry for the length of this post.

Thx Vicioussid

Without music, life would be a mistake. Friedrich Nietzsche

Last edited: 17 August, 2010 - 15:23

Vicioussid Wrote:What I love about the Pilot is its practical no nonsense look, yet it still has a tonne of class about it. It is both simple and intricate at the same time. The Aquatimer is more in your face and jumps out at you, its courages and bold.

Your quote, which I like, says it all, and it is really up to you, about who you are. If it were me, without hesitation I would go for the Pilot's Chrono: no nonsence classical look, typically IWC looking restrained the first second, and then grabbing your eye, making it difficult to look away. On the practical side, you can about always wear it, even with a suit. I am sure you will never regret it. Most Aquatimers are very colourful, and if you like that above all, then take one. It might tire you after a while, you would like to buy another watch too: there is nothing wrong in that. So, good luck!

Kind regards,
Paul

What you do may not be so important, but it is very important that you do it well. (my variation of a saying by Gandhi)

Last edited: 23 October, 2011 - 13:31

I had the same dilemma too, and have posted a really similar question 'subject Pilots or Divers'.

I became pretty obsessed with IWC and in particular the Pilots after first watching Vanilla Sky, the films
not that great however I noticed everything in the film was about his 'perfect' life the vintage Ferrari, great
apartment and after the close up of the IWC Pilot XV I was hooked. The design of the Pilots has hardly changed over the years and I really get the feeling it is a design classic and one that I could wear every day to work, however there was always a side of me that loved like most guys the more sporty look of the divers.

I bought an AT 2000 last week it's my first IWC purchase and I'm over the moon with it. It's not one that I will wear everyday in the office but I just love the aesthetic, and the engineering involved in producing such a beautiful watch.

I haven't posted any pictures but will do soon however a few people posted lots on my post titled Pilots or Divers.

Good luck, both watches are amazing - hope this helps.

A

Last edited: 1 September, 2011 - 10:04

Hi Guys,

Thx Paul,
Yes I agree with your comment, you forget yourself when looking at these watches and in some way you end up buying the watch that you identify with and have projected your personality onto and I guess I'm more reserved like the Pilot watch rather than the more out going Aquatimer.

..and yes there is nothing wrong with buying another in a few months/years is there.

Thx Andy,
Yeh I have been looking at your post, great pics. I'll have to re watch the movie and look out for it. I heard recently Mr Big from Sex and the city wearing one too. I wonder if there is a list out there of IWC watches in movies.

On another note how is the IWC performance overtime. When first looking at watches I got onto the Omega forum and a lot of breakdowns with the Planet Oceans.

Would you guys know of a great AD in New York to buy from, I have emailed a couple but no reply yet.

Thx Vicioussid

Without music, life would be a mistake. Friedrich Nietzsche

Last edited: 24 August, 2010 - 09:03

That's a pretty tough question to answer, given that people here don't know you or your personal tastes.

Having said that, I'm certainly not against saying what I would do if faced with the same question. My choice for sure would be the 3717 pilot chrono, which I would buy on the bracelet and then add a strap for flexibility.

The watch is classic in its understated way, much more so than the bolder Aquatimer, especially given the color choice you came to. I like the color scheme, but it is a bit tougher for everyday than the elegance of the 3717. The pilot chrono can go easily with any dress, from jeans to suit (especially if on strap).

I imagine I might tire of the blue and orange Aquatimer in 50 years or so. The 3717 pilot chrono would have a bit more staying power.

Whichever your choice, enjoy the watch and please post pictures when you get it!

Dick L.

whichwatch at roadrunner dot com

Hi Witchwatch,

Thank you for the pics, awesome!, they again prove the versatility of the pilot watch. The black face allows for a variety of different coloured straps and material, like leather or nylon/nato strap. I also agree with you in regards to perhaps the Pilot to go the distance in terms of likability over time.

Thx Vicioussid

Without music, life would be a mistake. Friedrich Nietzsche

Hi Guys,

An update.

As I mentioned I was going to make the purchase in New York, traveling from Sydney Australia, in September, however I couldn't wait any longer and a Sydney AD gave me a great deal with Duty Free option and I couldn't resist.

So without further ado I am a very proud and excited owner of a IWC Classic Pilot Chronograph Ref: IW371701 (leather strap). WOW! Can't stop looking at it.

Pics coming this weekend. I can update my Profile Page. Ha ha.

Thx for all the replies.

Vicioussid.

Without music, life would be a mistake. Friedrich Nietzsche

Last edited: 30 August, 2010 - 15:14

Hi Tomas,

welcome to the forum and congratulations on your great watch. Sometimes when we make a decision it has to be quickly fulfilled as you have just proven. I've got the same watch wearing it on bracelet. It's a wonderful piece and you won't regret it. It's a timeless beauty and is perfectly balanced.

By the way: This week I've been to Schaffhausen and as I walked round a corner at the border of the river Rhine, I met three other guys in a circle of 50 m wearing that watch.

Enjoy it and keep posting,
Tilo

Tilo

Last edited: 20 November, 2012 - 10:38

Congratulations, that's a great choice! Enjoy your new watch and wear it in good health.

Kind regards,

Clemens

Last edited: 30 May, 2012 - 20:59