IWC Fliegeruhr Chronograph

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SKU AS01371
SKU AS01371

Why We Love it

In the world of horology there are certain indelible associations. Like the Omega Speedmaster and NASA, or the Heuer Autavia and Formula 1. Since its inception, IWC has had deep ties to the world of aviation. They make pilot's watches for pilots with pilots' needs in mind. Although the brand has built a following through its dive and dress watches, it's with the pilot's watches that IWC truly excels. 

IWC produced its first specially-made pilot's watch in 1936. This was their first watch designed with an antimagnetic escapement. The Big Pilot's watch was introduced in 1940, during the height of World War II, establishing the brand's most enduring model of aviator's watch.

At first glance the Fliegeruhr Chronograph, reference 3777, can't be mistaken for anything but a pilot's watch. There's the size, first of all. The case is a sturdy 43mm (larger than its predecessor the ref. 3717 by one millimeter), with brushed finish and sharp, polished edges. To make the watch antimagnetic, IWC employed an iron casing, a measure necessary to take with sensitive instruments that will be exposed to magnetic fields inside an aircraft. A concern for practicality extends to the Fliegeruhr's crystal as well; the applied anti-reflective coating greatly reduces glare in high-light conditions.

As with all pilot's watches, the printed dial with its large numerals allows for ease of legibility in a dark cockpit. There's the requisite arrowhead indicator at 12 o'clock, naturally. But IWC added an open date window at 3 o'clock, a polarizing design feature that came to mark this particular reference.  While it isn't unique among pilot's watches (Bremont employed something similar in their U-22), it's a first for IWC, and opinion about it was fairly divisive--even derisive--when the watch was first introduced.  Despite the controversy of the Fliegeruhr's design, we think it falls well within the standards for a pilot's watch, and we happily count it as part of IWCs growing pantheon of contemporary classics.

This particular Fliegeruhr is in excellent, like-new condition and comes with its original box and papers. To quote the operating instructions, when you buy this watch you enter "a small circle of individuals who... demand slightly more of a watch than absolute precision."

We can't sum it up better than that. 

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

IWC Fliegeruhr Chronograph

IWC Fliegeruhr Chronograph

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IWC Fliegeruhr Chronograph