The largest independent, non-commercial, consumer-oriented resource on the Internet for owners, collectors and enthusiasts of fine wristwatches. Online since 1998.
Informational Websites ChronoMaddox -- the legacy of Chuck Maddox OnTheDash -- vintage Heuer website Zowie -- Omega information
Discussion Forums ChronoMaddox Forum Heuer Forum Omega Forum
Counterfeit Watchers ChronoTools Forum ChronoTrader Forum
Vintage Heuer Discussion Forum
The place for discussing 1930-1985 Heuer wristwatches, chronographs and dash-mounted timepieces. Online since May 2003.
OnTheDash Home What's New! Price Guide Chronographs Dash Mounted Collection
Re: Looking for a new watch to cherish....

: I have been collecting IWC for a long time and I hear you on the
: 3713. It is a so-called Doppel Chronograph, offering Split
: Seconds / Rattapante movement, hence the third chrono button. A
: nice size 42mm and it's pretty thick too - I think 12-14mm. The
: model is discontinued and offers a lovely Trithium dial as well.
: These dials used the radioactive material Trithium for
: readability (glowing) in the dark. But as it was radioactive it
: was deemed dangerous for the factory workers applying this to
: the dials. They were since replaced with Luminova which
: activates with light/sun. The awesome thing about Trithium is
: that it changes over time - ages beautifully to a creamy color,
: and therefore these are sought after by collectors and
: enthusiasts. The 3713 does come with T-dials, but I would
: recommend to look for the even rarer reference 3711, which
: features a domed plexi-crystal. Both 3713 and 3711 can still be
: found within your budget. I would also recommend to get it on
: the original bead bracelet. One of the most comfortable and
: impressive bracelets around. Reminds me a little of the GF
: BoR's.
: Good luck!
: Dan

Thank you, Dan! So much good information here. I think the IWC is a stunning watch. And, it reminds me of my favorite vintage Heuer models. I wonder, and maybe this is a silly questions, does one have to worry at all about the radioactivity of the Trithium?

Thanks again for your valuable input.
Patty

Current Position
Chronocentric and zOwie site design and contents (c) Copyright 1998-2005, Derek Ziglar; Copyright 2005-2008, Jeffrey M. Stein. All rights reserved. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the terms of use. CONTACT | TERMS OF USE | TRANSLATE