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IWC Porsche Design ‘Ocean 2000’, Titanium Case, ref. 3504.1, circa 1990s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

IWC Porsche Design ‘Ocean 2000’, Titanium Case, ref. 3504.1, circa 1990s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
IWC (maker)
Date
c. 1990s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
titanium
Dimensions
Case 42 mm
Stock no.
vws4212
Credit line
Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws4212)
Catalogue title (original)
IWC Porsche Design ‘Ocean 2000’ - Titanium Case - Model Reference 3504.1 - c.1990s (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws4212), this is a wristwatch by IWC, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1990s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: titanium. Recorded dimensions: Case 42 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

A sleek 1990s IWC Porsche Design in full titanium with signature minimalist aesthetic - Model 3504.1 -Ocean 2000 IWC’s collaboration with Porsche Design began in the 1970s, bringing together Swiss watchmaking and automotive-inspired design. Founded by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche , Porsche Design introduced a minimalist, functional aesthetic that aligned perfectly with IWC’s technical expertise. Together, they created groundbreaking pieces, including the first all-black PVD-coated watch in 1972. The partnership produced highly innovative, utilitarian timepieces that remain influential and collectible in modern watch design today. What's on Offer A proper slice of late 20th century design thinking, this IWC Porsche Design Reference 3504.1 captures everything that made this ‘Ocean 2000’ collaboration so compelling. The full titanium construction—case and bracelet—gives it that unmistakable stealthy presence on the wrist: lightweight, functional and quietly confident. The original black dial with Tritium markings is clean and highly legible, framed by a smooth, understated bezel that keeps the overall look sharp and balanced. The Tritium lume has aged beautifully, taking on a soft, buttery tone that adds warmth to the otherwise monochrome aesthetic. A very subtle date aperture is neatly integrated into the dial, offering practicality without interrupting the minimalist design. The titanium bracelet is signed ‘Ocean’, linking it to IWC’s Porsche Design Ocean line—known for its focus on durability and sport functionality, and also used by military personnel as dive watches—adding an extra layer of interest. Inside, the IWC Calibre 37521 automatic movement, adjusted to five positions, delivers reliable and precise performance with a 42-hour power reserve. At 42mm, it wears with modern presence, yet remains incredibly comfortable thanks to the lightweight titanium. In excellent overall condition, with only light signs of wear consistent with age. A refined, design-led IWC that remains as relevant today as it was in the 1990s. You can see why the ‘Ocean 2000’ models were also issued and used by certain military units around the globe!

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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