
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Porsche Design by IWC Ocean 2000 ref. 3524, 1980s
- Maker / attribution
- IWC (maker)
- Date
- 1980s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 42 mm
- Stock no.
- W-2502
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2502)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Porsche Design by IWC Ocean 2000 ref. 3524 Box and Papers (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-2502), this is a wristwatch by IWC, made in Switzerland, dated 1980s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. 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 — Bulang & Sons
In 1981, Günter Blümlein took the helm as IWC’s CEO, fostering an expanded collaboration with Porsche Design. The groundbreaking Porsche Design "Ocean 2000" (Reference 3500) debuted in 1983 with water-resistance of 200 atmospheres, equivalent to 2000 meters or around 6500 feet. This one is a later reference 3524 , differentiated by a different text lay out on the dial .The titanium-cased Ocean 2000, catering to a younger and active clientele, not only appealed aesthetically but also delivered an exceptional level of water-resistance, setting a remarkable standard in engineering achievements. The 42mm titanium case is in great condition , there is small engraving on the caseback , bearing the name of what we presume is the name of the first owner. The push-to-operate rotating bezel is in excellent condition as the snake-like titanium bracelet is ! The black dial is flawless and the hour plots have taken on an incredible pumpkin hue that is complemented by the orange tipped second hand. The set comprises outer (cardboard) box, leather inner box, original IWC velcro strap, some extra links, screwdriver and tool to change bracelet, as well as the IWC/Porsche Design guarantee card, stating sale in 1990. The automatic movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. We LOVE this watch ,form follows function and it looks is as was designed to be featured in sci- fi movie! Let’s talk and do a deal! Specifications: - Reference 3524 - 42mm titanium case - Serial 234xxxx dates to the 1980s - Black dial signed IWC and Porsche Design - Calibre automatic 3752-1 movement - Original titanium integrated bracelet - Additional velcro strap and tools - Boxes and papers - Fully serviced by our watchmaker - One-year mechanical warrantee - Includes a handmade leather watch pouch
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
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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