IWC Ref. 3520 Porsche Design Titanium Review

KMII · 2016-10-31T02:07:32Z

KMII reviews his vintage IWC Ref. 3520 Porsche Design in titanium. Discover its ETA 2892-A2 movement, comfort, and bracelet originality.

KMII

WPS member · IWC forum

41 replies6722 views3 photos

KMII shares his unexpected acquisition of an IWC Ref. 3520 from the Porsche Design era, marking his first foray into vintage IWC. His post offers a detailed look at this titanium timepiece, prompting the community to discuss its unique design, comfort, and the intriguing question of its bracelet's originality.

After questioning the male centric IWC advertising (post here: http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf.forumpost/fi-17/pi-7871513/ti-1075573/s-0/t--iwc-advertising-your-opinion/) I surprisingly turned into an IWC owner recently. I was neither looking for the watch, nor did I really have it on the radar... In the end I got it as a present from a relative who knows I am into collecting watches

And I am of course very grateful as a result.

So what do we have here? The watch is an IWC Ref. 3520, from the Porsche Design era, in titanium, with a titanium bracelet (on which more later). At a slender 36mm x 8mm (and in titanium) you hardly feel it on the wrist - which is quite refreshing in some ways

The bezel is relatively thick, so it appears / wears a tad smaller than the size would suggest.

The watch has an IWC 37524 movement I believe, in other words an ETA 2892-A2. 28,800 vph, 21 jewels, 42h power reserve.

The specimen I got has certainly not lived its life as a safe queen but is in reasonable pre-loved shape for its age

The lume is acquiring a very warm patina, which is an added bonus.

Not quite sure about the bracelet - did not manage to find another picture with this one, so it could well be an aftermakret specimen. Also in titanium so the whole composition weights next to nothing but no IWC stamping on it. If anyone knows more...

The crown is of the screw down variety, so some basic water resistance is a given, too. Operates very smoothly and is not at all finicky for either setting or winding, in spite of its small size.

I seem to have acquired a liking for it quickly, though. I am partial to titanium as a material and I may well get another titanium watch from the decade at some point, seeing how I grew up in it

And it has a certain design aesthetic, which speaks to me - so who knows, it may well get company at some point. But there is another watch first in line, all other plans later

Thanks for viewing

Key Points from the Discussion

The design of these Porsche Design era IWC watches, particularly the chronographs, is praised for being sleek and incredibly comfortable to wear.
The light weight of titanium significantly contributes to the high comfort level of the IWC Ref. 3520.
A question was raised regarding the originality of the titanium bracelet on KMII's watch, as it lacked IWC stamping and differed from typical catalog images.
Another collector shared his own IWC Porsche Design watch, which he had sent for internal maintenance, expressing congratulations on KMII's acquisition.
In catalog images from 1993-1996, the IWC Ref. 3520 is typically shown with a rubber (Kautschuk) bracelet, suggesting KMII's titanium bracelet might be an aftermarket addition.
Inquiry was made about the hands' condition, specifically whether they were replaced or refurbished, given that their aging differed from the dial's tritium patina.

The Discussion

KMII

Oct 31, 2016

I was actually looking for another watch from the era and found the perfect specimen (also for a Friday ). Sadly I was first of all not quick enough and secondly, need to hoard all my watch money now for a different purchase.

blomman Mr Blue

Oct 31, 2016

That is a really cool watch! Best Blomman

KMII

Oct 31, 2016

Different decades, different looks Will definitely bring it with for when we meet

KMII

Oct 31, 2016

I have no idea how many were produced or for how long. I am sure that one of the resident IWC experts can help out with additional information

nilomis

Oct 31, 2016

Grab mine and send it to my watchmaker for an internal maintenance. Congratulations for your cool IWC. Cheers, Nilo

geross

Oct 31, 2016

Could be the watch of a playboy. Ladies man. My opinion. Perhaps you can call it the party iwc. Cheers. Wear in good health.

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IWC Ref. 3520 Porsche Design Titanium Review

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