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