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IWC 3717 from Hontwatch
- Thread starter kid_charlemagne
- Start date
great looking watch indeed... and thanks for the information on the straps from the watch boys! :cute:
i'm not familiar with IWC models - so forgive the noob question: i really like the 3717 as shown in this thread, but i need a smaller watch
does anyone offer this model in a size closer to 40mm?
does anyone offer this model in a size closer to 40mm?
Not to discourage you in any way, but finding a pilot style chronograph with that size case is not easy. I say that because I have looked. If you can do without the complications, try the smaller 38MM Spitfire MarkXVI, for example. Classic pilot style, no chronos.
There is also a 38mm version of the Breitling Heritage. Don't know if it's repped or not, but it shore is purty.
http://yfrog.com/embreitsoheritage38j
P.S.: would someone mind telling me how to post this pic directly on the thread?
Well, duh, it's a Breitling (aviation-oriented company), but actually it's more of a diver style. Excuuuse me! They show it with a p-51 Mustang in their ads - doesn't that make it a pilot??
To ACEGT1 - Yes, but – Top Gun is 46mm vs. 42mm for 3717, no? (BTW, Metatool - I don't consider 42mm to be very large anymore, unless you have pencil wrists...)
http://yfrog.com/embreitsoheritage38j
P.S.: would someone mind telling me how to post this pic directly on the thread?
Well, duh, it's a Breitling (aviation-oriented company), but actually it's more of a diver style. Excuuuse me! They show it with a p-51 Mustang in their ads - doesn't that make it a pilot??
To ACEGT1 - Yes, but – Top Gun is 46mm vs. 42mm for 3717, no? (BTW, Metatool - I don't consider 42mm to be very large anymore, unless you have pencil wrists...)
Look into the IWC Mark XVI. Unfortunately it doesn't have chrono, but it's 3mm smaller at 39mm and has the same overall "design" of the 3717 without the subdials at 6, 9, 12. It might look boring at first, but man the Mark XVI has grown into a classic! :notworthy:
thks (esco as well!)
couldn't find a good rep of the Mark XVI - who has them?
also, has the 3706 been repped? it seems to be close to a 39mm version of the 3717. even better, the 3705 is a black ceramic version that could be awesome (other than the hands that are not as nice as the 3717, and at 15mm very chubby) - but once again, couldn't find a rep.
I thought I'd add to this thread as I've made a couple of simple modifications to my watch:
a) Double AR coated sapphire crystal from Takashi
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/first-item-offer-double-ar-44639
b) Aligator watchstrap from The_Watchboys
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FOR-IWC-Allig...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518e6cadcd
I had initially tried several independent (non-IWC approved) watchsmiths in my local area, to see if anybody would be able to fit a crystal. None of them were prepared to work on my A7750, mainly for fear of making a mistake and causing permanent damage to the watch. I felt there was definite resentment for working on reps, especially as it is so damn good looking and fooled all of them ;-)
So I thought sod them, I can do this, and set about getting myself some watchtools and a crystal press from eBay. Thanks to both Exeekias and Takashi for their excellent advice on crystal fitting. Here's a pictorial run-down...
1) Hont's 3717 double AR - WAY too blue/violet and sharp for me. Time for a change.
2) Caseback easily removed with a lump of blu-tac and a bit of traction. Pull out the crown to its outer position, depress the button next to it, and gently pull out. This process is easily reversed at the end.
3) Unscrew the two screws marked. These are attached to thin metal brackets that wedge the movement into the casing. Magnetic screwdrivers were definitely helpful at this point - potentially very fiddly!
4) Movement removed with some gentle leverage - note the two small metal pillars that connect the chrono buttons to the engagement mechanism in the movement. Easy to put back in at the end.
5) Crystal press - mine was supplied with a variety of nylon fittings, and with a bit of gentle pressure it was easy to remove the old crystal, and insert the new one.
6) Comparison of the two crystals - Takas is obviously the one of the left.
7) Another comparison of the crystals - that bright blue/violet "I'M A REP" tint has gone.
8) The watchface now appears clearer and more black, and as Exeekias noted, the numerals lose their creamy colour and become bright white.
9) Black aligator strap from The_Watchboys - a big improvement on the cheap strap it is supplied with. Looks and feels great.
Having had my 3717 for a few weeks now (which I believe must be a V3), I can confirm the lume is C-R-A-P! This doesn't bother me at all, but for the perfectionists, I can imagine they might want to sort this out. The watch keeps excellent time, and when worn reasonably regularly (eg. for a few hours every other day) it doesn't require winding.
The rattling issue mentioned by some others was only a very minor problem with my 3717, and was easily fixed by tightening the rotor screw. Deconstructing the watch also gave me the opportunity to remove a couple of tiny metal filings that were stuck on the dial, very satisfying to get rid of these!
Although I said this last time, I think I'm genuinely done with modding my watch. It is fantastic, and again I hope this mini-tutorial is useful looking to fit their own crystal.
Cheers,
Kid
a) Double AR coated sapphire crystal from Takashi
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/first-item-offer-double-ar-44639
b) Aligator watchstrap from The_Watchboys
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FOR-IWC-Allig...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518e6cadcd
I had initially tried several independent (non-IWC approved) watchsmiths in my local area, to see if anybody would be able to fit a crystal. None of them were prepared to work on my A7750, mainly for fear of making a mistake and causing permanent damage to the watch. I felt there was definite resentment for working on reps, especially as it is so damn good looking and fooled all of them ;-)
So I thought sod them, I can do this, and set about getting myself some watchtools and a crystal press from eBay. Thanks to both Exeekias and Takashi for their excellent advice on crystal fitting. Here's a pictorial run-down...
1) Hont's 3717 double AR - WAY too blue/violet and sharp for me. Time for a change.
2) Caseback easily removed with a lump of blu-tac and a bit of traction. Pull out the crown to its outer position, depress the button next to it, and gently pull out. This process is easily reversed at the end.
3) Unscrew the two screws marked. These are attached to thin metal brackets that wedge the movement into the casing. Magnetic screwdrivers were definitely helpful at this point - potentially very fiddly!
4) Movement removed with some gentle leverage - note the two small metal pillars that connect the chrono buttons to the engagement mechanism in the movement. Easy to put back in at the end.
5) Crystal press - mine was supplied with a variety of nylon fittings, and with a bit of gentle pressure it was easy to remove the old crystal, and insert the new one.
6) Comparison of the two crystals - Takas is obviously the one of the left.
7) Another comparison of the crystals - that bright blue/violet "I'M A REP" tint has gone.
8) The watchface now appears clearer and more black, and as Exeekias noted, the numerals lose their creamy colour and become bright white.
9) Black aligator strap from The_Watchboys - a big improvement on the cheap strap it is supplied with. Looks and feels great.
Having had my 3717 for a few weeks now (which I believe must be a V3), I can confirm the lume is C-R-A-P! This doesn't bother me at all, but for the perfectionists, I can imagine they might want to sort this out. The watch keeps excellent time, and when worn reasonably regularly (eg. for a few hours every other day) it doesn't require winding.
The rattling issue mentioned by some others was only a very minor problem with my 3717, and was easily fixed by tightening the rotor screw. Deconstructing the watch also gave me the opportunity to remove a couple of tiny metal filings that were stuck on the dial, very satisfying to get rid of these!
Although I said this last time, I think I'm genuinely done with modding my watch. It is fantastic, and again I hope this mini-tutorial is useful looking to fit their own crystal.
Cheers,
Kid
hey great job on the crystal swap and thanks for posting pics and walkthrough on how you did it. super effort mate!
No worries - it's gone from the original post (but now stuck in yours..!)
Alv as well as the 21/18mm width, I got it regular length (115/75) which is fine for my wrists (7.5")
Alv as well as the 21/18mm width, I got it regular length (115/75) which is fine for my wrists (7.5")
Was there a gasket below the crystal? Did the crystal just slide in flush? Is there any possibility of pushing it lower? Did it require much force to push the crystal in?
I purchased a crystal from taka and am trying to decide whether I want to try this myself or look for a watchsmith to do it.
I purchased a crystal from taka and am trying to decide whether I want to try this myself or look for a watchsmith to do it.
I also love this watch and think it will be my next purchase. However i kind have some questions, so i would appreciate any help you guys can give on that.
1. How can one distinguish a v2 vs v3 3717 and what are the main differences.
2. How does the taka crystal stands up with the rep crystal with chief or k2222 double AR? Does the double AR solve the yellowish look of the rep crystals? or is better to go directly to the taka one?
My impression is that taka is whiter but has more reflections that a double AR form these trusted members, however still pretty good...
Can anyone comment on this?
1. How can one distinguish a v2 vs v3 3717 and what are the main differences.
2. How does the taka crystal stands up with the rep crystal with chief or k2222 double AR? Does the double AR solve the yellowish look of the rep crystals? or is better to go directly to the taka one?
My impression is that taka is whiter but has more reflections that a double AR form these trusted members, however still pretty good...
Can anyone comment on this?
1. V2 has some lume on the numbers instead of just the 3, 6, 9, 12 markers as per gen. V3 has the correct lume.
2. taka crystal AR is probably not quite as good as chieftang but is supposed to be closer to gen and does correct the yellow issue.
The 3706 has been rep'ed. Great pugwash review on RWG:
http://www.rwgforum.com/topic/17583-pugwashs-iwc-fliegerchronograph-review/