36 IWC Fine and Sporty, Porsche Design Automatic Wristwatch, in Titanium DLC, With Moon Phase, Concealed Compass, Reference 3551, Full-set

Estimate: €5,000 –⁠ 10,000

Model: Porsche Design
Reference: 3551
Case Material: Titanium DLC
Bracelet Material: Titanium DLC
Year: 1990's
Movement: Automatic
Case N°: 2372051
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Accessories: Box and Papers

Searching for new ways to survive as sales plummeted, IWC tried becoming a pocket watch specialist. It also promoted jewelry watches and introduced a new SL sports line. But nothing succeeded like its alliance with Ferdinand A. Porsche and Porsche Design. The first product of that alliance was the revolutionary IWC-Porsche Design compass watch. It evoked adventure, was eminently practical and had a cutting-edge design that appealed to a new generation. The original IWC compass watch paved the way for an entire generation of watches from the ingenious IWC-Porsche Design collaboration. Reference 3510 was followed in 1991 by a second compass watch, reference 3511, which had a titanium case that then was considered an exotic watchmaking material. That model in turn was followed in 1985 with reference 3551, a compass watch with a moon phase indication like the present lot. Preserved in great overall conditions it comes with its original box, booklets and warranty.