THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: IWC
MODEL: IW3711
YEAR: 1995
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 42MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
It is no secret that we love IWCs here at Fathom. Whilst modern IWCs have taken on an intriguing direction with their (mostly) oversized design and luxury branding, one doesn't need to go that far back in the IWC catalogue to find some real gems that combine innovation, simplicity, quality, and class.
The watch we have for sale here is a perfect example of what IWC used to be; originally introduced in 1992, the IW3711 Doppelchronograph was the world's first modular split-second chronograph. The cal. 79030 movement was developed by the legendary Richard Habring based on the robust Valjoux 7750, thus simplifying one of the most complex mechanisms in watchmaking that was previously only available in haute horology.
What is even more impressive, perhaps, is that Habring managed to present the movement via an iconic IWC pilot design that is as sleek and classy as its younger sibling, the IW3706 Fliegerchronograph. The IW3711 features a simple black dial with printed numerals, date and day windows at 3 o'clock, and a 42mm case with mostly a brushed satin finish and thin polished bevels. The tritium lume on the markers and hands has gained a lovely creamy patina, adding that extra bit of warmth and romance to one of IWC's most important watches in the last few decades.
The movement is as you would expect an IWC built movement to run, perfectly. +2 s/d, 295 amps with 0.0 beat error. The watch comes on an original IWC leather strap with deployment clasp and will fit up to a 20cm wrist.
Neo-vintage IWCs represent some of the best value propositions in watch collecting today, and this is truly a tough one for us to let go.