IWC Porsche Design Mechaquartz Chronograph Moonphase: A Collector's 2003 Journey

cazalea · 2020-05-04T14:35:35Z

Explore cazalea's 2003 acquisition of an IWC Porsche Design Mechaquartz Chronograph Moonphase, featuring its unique dual serial numbers due to a titanium case recall, and a memorable Concorde flight.

cazalea

WPS member · IWC forum

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Cazalea's acquisition of a unique IWC Porsche Design Mechaquartz Chronograph Moonphase in 2003 offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of vintage watch collecting and the serendipitous adventures it can inspire. His journey, marked by an unexpected Concorde flight and a deep dive into the watch's technical intricacies, highlights how personal narratives intertwine with horological pursuits. This article explores the distinctive features of this IWC reference and the broader context of its design and movement variations.

I saw this watch online for sale, in May or June 2003. I (in San Diego) struck a provisional deal with the seller (in London) IF we could work out the delivery of funds and watch.

It was in like-new condition.

Mainly because there had been a problem with titanium cases, and IWC recalled all the watches and put them into new cases.

So it has 2 serial numbers.

He was selling because he had a 7 3/4" wrist more suited to Royal Oak Offshore watches.

A day or two after the deal, as I was pondering my summer plans, British Airways announced that Concorde would be permanently grounded in June 2003.

Not without me flying first, I swore, and booked a flight immediately.

No matter that I didn't have any plans to be in England until August, but I was working for myself, I had clients there, and I could cook up some business later.

Nice meal, short flight. Plastic cutlery due to 9/11. But real glasses.

I was wearing an Aquatimer 2000 at the time

I met the seller in a hotel in Weybridge (the town where I used to live in the 90's) and we made the swap.

NOTE - If you haven't seen one of these before, the movement is known to have multiple variations including the JLC 630 family and the Frederic Piguet varriant. The watch is a combination of mechanical chronometer movement and quartz timekeeping movement.

Many more technical details are outlined here and in some other articles I've written

First Wrist Scan

With my IWC Perpetual a few months later

A very nice blue with gold trimmings

Shortly thereafter I got this one, also titanium but black, moon, calendar.

On the water it shows similarity to the IWC PD Ocean watches

A-OK in the flower shop too

Alas my friend Martin got crazy about watches and Porsches at the same time. We did a memorable journey to bring his new Porsche home

and he bought 4-5-6 I don't know how many watches PD watches. He talked me out of this one, but I have visiting rights. In fact it was here last week for a battery change and cleaning. I should have taken pictures ...

Cazalea

PS - I never had to service mine, but here's a Breitling rattrapante version of the same movement (plus the split module minus the moon) Notice the fabulous finish on a quartz base.

See through back VERY RARE on quartz watches because usally there's nothing interesting to see (exc FP J)

Key Points from the Discussion

The original author shares a personal anecdote about his lifelong desire to fly supersonic, stemming from his step-dad's involvement with the US SST program, which ultimately led him to book a Concorde flight to finalize the watch deal.
The IWC Porsche Design Mechaquartz Chronograph Moonphase is noted for its enduring aesthetic appeal, which, much like the Concorde, remains visually striking years after its production.
The thread emphasizes how the personal stories behind watch acquisitions, especially when combined with iconic elements like the Concorde and Porsche, significantly enhance the collecting experience.
The author's additional photos showcase the watch's versatility and aesthetic alongside other IWC pieces and in various settings, including a memorable road trip with a Porsche.

The Discussion

TeutonicCarFan

May 4, 2020

would have loved to jet on the Concorde.

Cpt Scarlet

May 4, 2020

I love the stories of watch collecting, throw in the most beautiful supersonic aeroplane ever made plus a Porsche and you’ve got my full attention.

cazalea

May 4, 2020

When I was in high school my step-dad was working on the US challenger known as the SST SuperSonic Transport. We even moved to Seattle for this plane, which NEVER GOT OFF THE GROUND in a pathetic effort Boeing finally gave up and cancelled the whole thing. But of course I got a burning desire to go supersonic I think the flight cost $4500 round trip one way Concorde the other way 747 First Class. About twice what the watch cost. But I have the memories and all the souvenirs too Lots of videos, e

InDebtButOnTime

May 4, 2020

I've driven by that motel in Walker a zillion times on Tahoe runs and wanted to stay there... but, the non paved (potentially dusty, OMG!) gravel parking has stopped me every time. Of coarse the last time was in my Macan GTS (haha!). Some psychotherapy might be in order! After all a vehicle can be washed! Great post!

cazalea

May 4, 2020

Yes, the small da Vinci has the same movement but usually in a gold case or stainless.

jmpTT

May 4, 2020

I always wanted to fly on the Concorde, but I was just a student when they were grounded. No regret in missing out though. Unrealized dreams keep the magic of dreaming alive. Porsche Design IWCs have a great aesthetic and they are still easy on the eyes after all these years. Much like the Concorde.

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IWC Porsche Design Mechaquartz Chronograph Moonphase: A Collector's 2003 Journey

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