The titanium, made by IWC Porsche Design Ocean 500 was the smaller version of the Ocean 2000, and this one has the 18k yellow gold bezel too. Model reference IW3503.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
IWC and Porsche Design first started working together in 1978, and then stopped in 1998 when Porsche went to Eterna. During this time they produced the first Titanium watches, some able to go to 2000m dive depths, and even one for the bomb disposal unit! The reference 3503 stopped in 1994, and of the three different dial variants this is the last time to be used, so we think this watch was produced circa 1992.
CONDITION
Designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the same guy who designed the 911 sportscar, the Ocean 2000 was the first 2000 m water resistant watch when launched in back in 1982. In lightweight and corrosion resistant titanium, it broke boundries. The Ocean 500 is a bit of a spin off – many people who liked the design of the Ocean 2000 might have been put off by the 40mm case size, which wasn’t popular at the time with everybody. Still water resistant to 500 meters, helped by the screw down crown, it is still impressive engineering. Most of the models had a titanium bezel, but this version has a fully working 18k gold rotating bezel. The movement used is an automatic IWC calibre 37522, which is based on the thin ETA 2892. Being modified by IWC though it is now adjusted in five positions, and it hacks for precise time setting. The bracelet has been shortened in the past and our sister website, SpareLinks.com, may have extra links if required. The watch is signed on the dial, case, movement and clasp..
This watch will be supplied with our branded and reusable zipped travel case and cleaning cloth, and our Certificate of Authenticity.
This watch has been checked against the Watch Register and has not been reported as lost, stolen or implicated in fraud, and a copy of that certificate will also be included.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 34.2 mm
Width without crown 33.8 mm
Lug to lug length 39.8 mm
Case Thickness 9.1 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 180 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches (pinching!)
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
