IWC vs Zenith Pilot Chronograph

[alvinpaul]

Hi, I am planning to buy a watch and am looking into these two watches. I would like to get your inputs for me to choose the right one for me. I would like to use it formally and casually:

IWC Pilot Chronograph



Zenith Pilot Chronograph

[alvinpaul]

IWC vs Zenith Pilot Chronograph

Hi, I am planning to buy a watch and am looking into these two watches. I would like to get your inputs for me to choose the right one for me. I would like to use it formally and casually:


IWC Pilot Chronograph




Zenith Pilot Chronograph

[roguehog]

Both are almost identical and visually pleasing eye candies IMHO.

How much is the zenith? And what is the price difference between the two after discount? The iwc 3717 should be listed at $7600 before discount?

A few questions to ask yourself.

1) would you prefer an in-house movement? If so, the zenith fits the bill. Or do you prefer mind a workhorse valjoux calibre? If so, the 3717 is the one. Sme things to note, the el primero movement is a high beat calibre (36,000 vhp

[roguehog]

Both are almost identical and visually pleasing eye candies IMHO.

How much is the zenith? And what is the price difference between the two after discount? The iwc 3717 should be listed at $7600 before discount?

A few questions to ask yourself.

1) would you prefer an in-house movement? If so, the zenith fits the bill. Or do you prefer mind a workhorse valjoux calibre? If so, the 3717 is the one. Sme things to note, the el primero movement is a high beat calibre (36,000) as opposed to the 3717 's valjoux (28,000h). IMHO, the wear rate could be high for the el primero due to the high beat. Case in point, my wife's zenith chrono had to be brought back for repair after less than 5. Years. Whereas my old tag 200 chrono running on valjoux is still doing fine after 12 years and had not even require any servicing since I bought it.

2) the 3717 should be cheaper cos of the movement it employs. The zenith should be higher.

3) between richemonte's (iwc's agent) and lvmh's (zenith's agent) service, I still prefer richemonte's. Although e waiting time and their overall service level could be further improved, I would still rate richemonte's over lvmh's. There is an old posqt on this forum about the appalling service of lvmh. And speaking from personal experience, I also think it is rather disappointing.

4) the new iwc pilot range has been announced. Have you checked out the website? Not sure if the 3717 will be discontinued but there will be a new pilot chrono featuring a double chrono (46mm). There'll also be a new spitfire with an in-house movement featuring a flyback complication (retail : sgd15,000).

5) the zenith should come with a deployment buckle, if I'm correct while the 3717 comes with a standard tang buckle and you'd need to fork out another sgd600-650 for a deployment buckle.

Have fun deciding.

[pegasi]

My take, just from aesthetics and resale point of view.

- The IWC pilot chrono is more casual than formal, while the Zenith is more formal than casul - think which one suit your lifestyle more.
- The IWC pilot chrono is far more popular than the Zenith (first time I see this particular model) - might be a concern if you are not sure you gonna keep it long term

Movement/horology wise the Zenith wins hands down between those two like the previous bro has mentioned, but I doubt that is your main consideration.

[Oceanklassik]

In terms of aesthetics, I'll choose the IWC.

[roguehog]

Actually I find the zenith dressier but the 3717, if left to be viewed on it's own, is very versatile and can be both casual and dressy. That said, by dressy I am referring to shirt and tie.

[flagship]

if u go with a top gun kelvar strap on the 3717..speechless..or it just me.

[bluefire]

I have a 3717 and I found the watch face to have dials similiar to those on the aircraft instrument panel, eg. altitude meter.
Honestly I don't see a pilot in the zenith or maybe to me it looks just like a normal chronograph like a speedmaster.
That is just me and bias because I own one.

Check out the official IWC website. The new range of pilot watches are out and their marketing video for this range is very impressive.

[shuseido]

I will go with Mr. Pegasi and Mr. Ocean... IWC got my vote!...

[roguehog]

I agree with bluefin on his comments. I might be biased cos I have a 3717 for some years now. Haha.

[PeeCeeBee]

I'll take Zenith for below reasons:-

1) bi-compax dial for less clustering ...more balance look
2) flat chrono pusher and bigger crown
3) smooth el-primero movement
4) Luminous markers instead of numbering on dial
5) brown croco against the black dial contrast

The price should be close after factoring discount from AD.

[1983leofender]

In terms of aesthetic, I still prefer the IWC. The watch simply looks nice and it is very versatile too. With the topgun kelvar strap, it looks really sporty. With the normal black croc, it looks formal. Fantastic looking watch. Im also a big fan of Zenith mainly for their famous el primero movement. I dont think there's any issue with the movement because I have a few Zenith watches and one of them is more than 5 yrs old but still running perfectly.

[alvinpaul]

Thanks a lot for all your replies =) I think I would be buying the 3717. I heard the new Pilot Chrono would be arriving in April but from the design point of view, I like the old one more, it looks more classic.

Old IWC Pilot Chronograph



New IWC Pilot Chronograph

[alvinpaul]

Thanks for all your replies Really appreciate it.

I'm planning to keep the watch for the long term. From your replies, I think I know what to get. I will be getting the 3717.

The new Pilot Chronograph I heard will be released in April, but I still prefer the old one as it looks more classic =)

New Pilot Chronograph