No Reserve
8092
IWC
Ref. 3511
Porsche Design Titanium Compass Watch
An iconic titanium wristwatch with center seconds, date, hinged case concealing a compass and an emergency beacon mirror and bracelet
Estimate
HK$30,000 - 50,000•︎
€3,300 - 5,500
$3,800 - 6,400
Lot Details
Manufacturer
IWC
Year
1992
Reference No
3511
Case No
2'517'306
Model Name
Porsche Design Titanium Compass Watch
Material
Titanium
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 37523, 30 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Titanium IWC bracelet
Clasp/Buckle
Titanium IWC deployant clasp, signed Porsche Design
Dimensions
40.5mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Accessories
Delivered with IWC certificate of authenticity confirming the delivery of the present timepiece on 22nd January 1992.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
- IWC partnered with Porsche Design and released a series of watches, perfectly merging the excellence of Swiss watchmaking with the brilliance of German automative and product design. In this watch, Porsche Design continues to carry out the design principle ‘form follows function”, in which in designing the object, the form should be closely related to the intended function and purpose.
- Stepping into the 1990s, the Compass Watch faced a revamp to the appearance. Instead of using aluminium in the reference 3510, the newly introduced reference 3511 used titanium for the caseband. IWC also changed the layout of the dial, with a simplified block text logo writing “Porsche Design by IWC” at the 8 o’clock position, instead of the full company name. The date is now in alternate colour to the dial, in white instead of black. In general, the appearance is more clean and eye-catching.
- This watch resembles a compass by its look. It is not only a piece for timekeeping, but a functional compass hidden beneath. By pressing the push-release buttons at the 6 o’clock position, a compass would be revealed. The compass relies on a magnetized needle to work, however, it would pose a risk of magnetizing the parts of the mechanical movement of the watch. To tackle the problem, IWC used an anti-magnetic double decker case, and replaced traditional rotor bearings with nine ruby balls to minimize the effect.
- The titanium case and bracelet make the watch a robust and lightweight piece with the essence of Porche Design. The bracelet, made of titanium, is integrated into the case, and with easy adjustable links. The clasp is cleverly designed so that it can be released with one hand with ease. It has a very minimalist look and fulfills its task as a multi-functional and reliable tool watch.
- Stepping into the 1990s, the Compass Watch faced a revamp to the appearance. Instead of using aluminium in the reference 3510, the newly introduced reference 3511 used titanium for the caseband. IWC also changed the layout of the dial, with a simplified block text logo writing “Porsche Design by IWC” at the 8 o’clock position, instead of the full company name. The date is now in alternate colour to the dial, in white instead of black. In general, the appearance is more clean and eye-catching.
- This watch resembles a compass by its look. It is not only a piece for timekeeping, but a functional compass hidden beneath. By pressing the push-release buttons at the 6 o’clock position, a compass would be revealed. The compass relies on a magnetized needle to work, however, it would pose a risk of magnetizing the parts of the mechanical movement of the watch. To tackle the problem, IWC used an anti-magnetic double decker case, and replaced traditional rotor bearings with nine ruby balls to minimize the effect.
- The titanium case and bracelet make the watch a robust and lightweight piece with the essence of Porche Design. The bracelet, made of titanium, is integrated into the case, and with easy adjustable links. The clasp is cleverly designed so that it can be released with one hand with ease. It has a very minimalist look and fulfills its task as a multi-functional and reliable tool watch.
Condition Report
IWC
Swiss | 1868With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing timepieces of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world's leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of haute horlogerie at their finest, combining high precision with masculine design. Vintage wristwatches such as the oversized Portugieser, Aquatimer, Ingenieur and the B-UHR pilots watch are especially desirable for collectors.