IWC pilot chrono 3717 - Buy now or wait for 2012's

[Maitre Absolut]

I'm in the market for a pilot chrono to celebrate the birth of my son and eventually pass it on to him.

My issue is that i've read that the 2012 pilots will be all new and feature an in-house movement.

My guess is that it will significantly reduce the value of the pre '12s. However if i wait, then it will no longer be a "birth year" watch.

Oh and the mid year price increase is not helping me either. If there were deals to be had on the current 3717, it would facilitate my decision.

What to do?

[drgleeds37]

From my experience a new watch coming out with an in-house movement will not detract from the value of the previous generation. The reason for this is because if they do come out with a new model using an in-house movement it will likely cost significantly more and may even raise the value of the current model slightly.

-Daniel

[wrxsti]

i have the pilot chrono, wait for the in house movement. I love the in house movement in my big pilot and portuguese auto.

[kilyung]

I would to see what SIHH brings. IWC updated all the other lines so I would expect to see some changes to the Pilot series.

[Sarajevo]

I have a Pilot Chrono and it is a wonderful watch, very robust and reliable. I have not had a moment's trouble with it and the alligator strap is still in great condition after two years of being worn every other day.

If you plan to give it to your son, resale values should not really be a major concern ether way. As pointed out above, it is hard to know what effect the new in-house movement will have on existing models.

IWC seem to be trying to move upmarket and I know that discounts are harder to get at the ADs where I live. However, there are very few in my area so it might be easier in more liquid markets.

If you want a watch that will last two lifetimes, look great and do the job it is meant to do, the current 3717 is ideal.

[dddrees]

Welcome to TRF.

I really like mine, however if you are uncertain there is nothing wrong with waiting and seeing what changes actually are going to be made. Nothing wrong with comparing to ensure you get the one you really want.

[kilyung]

I'm sure you've factored in any possible price increases between now and SIHH/Basel?

[Actsulb]

I am not very familiar with IWC Pilot Chorno 3717, which company currently makes the movement? I was thinking of picking one up, I was under the impression (from AD) that the movements were made in-house?

[kilyung]

The 3717 uses a 7750 ETA ebauche as a base with IWC spec'ed modifications. It's a very robust and reliable movement. With Swatch's decision not to sell ETA movements outside, most companies are rapidly expanding in-house development. Panerai as an example is going from the 6497 ETA movement to in-house.

[DCgator]

The current model 3717 looks pretty good to me, but it's up to you whether you'd be willing to wait for the newer model to come out.

[daveathall]

I am of the opinion that the current 3717 is one of the finest looking watches ever produced, the touch of red on the second hand was genius.

That photo of Dan's watch show the clarity and balance of the dial perfectly, even down to the font of "schaffhausen" being the exact length of the date window, everything is just right.

[Cabaiguan]

The VJ 7750 in the current 3717 is bulletproof, plus pretty much any watchmaker can work on it. If you like it, get it. In-house movements are often overrated.

[rosspanics]

I hadn't heard the in house rumor yet. I really like the 3717, but have never pulled the trigger. An in house movement just might put it over the top for me!

[htc8p]

i would wait maybe something really catches my wallet.

i hope for fast change strap
textured dial not just painted
better wr
better finishing with see through case back

i still love the pilot style

[warren G.]

It really depends if you want to wait. Personally I would just wait.