I was contemplating between this 2 and here are my comments.
1. 3777 - is reliable Valjoux, anti-magnetic (as how a pilot watch should), looks almost expensive but good value for money.
Personal comments - Perhaps the most popular IWC pilot watch out there as the price is reasonable and not to mention a lot of copy-cats of this model as well. A safe choice.
Technical/reliability - It's a Valjoux. can't go wrong. Check on us again in the next 10 yrs and tell us how it outlasts the other watches in your collection.
2. 3878 (spitfire)- flyback chronograph by IWC. In-house movement, longer PR (60+hrs), however, no anti-magnetic soft iron cage. Nice engraving at the back and a beautiful ardiose dial.
Personal comments - If you're not into having anti-magnetic properties here, it is an attractive pilot watch. The dial is less cluttering and the applied numerals adds more depth to it. The ardoise dial is to die for also. Previously dials of this sort is only for white gold casing. Best looking Pilot watch in the 2012 release in my opinion.
Technical/reliability - Column wheel fly-back chronograph. Sounds good on paper, eh? However, the reset function has an issue where sometimes (very rarely) it resets between 55 to 05 seconds. It's the nature of the construct of the calibre and a quick start and reset again will bring it back to zero. I have tested this in other models using the same calibre. Not exactly a fault or deal breaker (IMO) but some may find it annoying.
looks good even with my lousy photography skillsIf you're looking for a tool watch as a daily beater, get the 3777. It'll probably carry all the scratches and war scars and you'd won't mind a bit. It's something you can run it to the ground with. My brother has this and he's loving it.
If you're more of an enthusiast looking to build a collection of nice watches and getting something exotic, 3878 is the obvious choice, just by wrist presence itself. AD does give good discount on this one. I almost got it but was distracted by something else...
In any case, can't go wrong with either one.
ps- if you're interested, check out the IWC forum. the IW3878 has been chose to to be the 3rd ed IWC Forum's Watch and it has magnetic properties, minus the ardoise dial, triple date and the engraving. Also it has the fake patina colours on the index and hands. Not to my taste but a choice nonetheless. You can order this via Richemont IWC boutique.
