IWC

jfsuperior
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Info about PD/IWC bracelet variations

(PD Ocean watches shown are for illustration only of three types of bracelets with links as at bottom of photo. )

The basic difference between the PD Ocean 2000 ref. 3500, 3504, and 3524 is the geometric linkage system on the bracelets.

The PD bracelet has been 'modified' twice by IWC since the first manufacture. Although all three bracelets are of the same exact design, the connections of the links, noticeably visible from the underside, are different.

Ref. 3500 -- OLD STYLE BRACELET (FIRST EXECUTION)

Each link has ONE pushpin in the center which when depressed with a tiny screwdriver will allow the link to detach.

Ref. 3504 -- NEW STYLE BRACELET (SECOND EXECUTION)

Each link has TWO pushpins in the center which when depressed with a special U-shaped tool supplied allows the link to detach.

Ref. 3524 -- NEWEST STYLE BRACELET (THIRD EXECUTION)

Each link has a solid pin driven through the link from SIDE to SIDE to make the bracelet more durable than the previous two styles. The pins can be driven out with a fine pusher or with a special tool provided with the supply of watch or bracelet.

Now, some explanation as to why these revisions were made over the years. Although 'titanium' is quite a strong metal and resistant to corosion it was discovered after years of use on the first version bracelets that the link connections would stretch and wear from constant friction. So the engineers at IWC went back to the drawing board and came up with the second version where each link was now connected and supported by TWO pushpins eliminating the heavier stress on the one pushpin type bracelet of the previous first execution.

Another problem came about with the wear of the double pushpins which were eaten away with the friction of the links turning against each other. An attempt was made to correct this specific problem by replacing the steel pushpins with silver (or silver coated?) pushpins which was softer thus not grinding away the links but rather the pins which could be replaced whenever necessary at far less cost.

However, with IWC ever concerned about the quality of their products they, once again, invested in tooling and R&D going back to the drawing board to come up with a long lasting solution. The challenge was formidable since the original design from the Porsche Design studios in Austria for the many different PD model bracelets could not be changed in style and/or looks.

IWC cleverly redesigned only the connecting system of the bracelet links by drilling holes in the titanium links from side to side across (no small feat to accomplish with titanium) and the results proved to be far superior than imagined.

Ironically the problems described above were not experienced by every customer who owned any of the PD timepieces with such bracelets. I still see a large number of watches for routine service with the original bracelets in perfect condition. I believe that problems came about with either certain customers who come often in contact with rough elements or environments in which the grime seeps inside the links creating the problems described.

With IWC's own current collection (after parting with PD) the company has introduced another type of easy to disconnect bracelet linkage system with a push dimple in the center of each link. These bracelets, too, hold up very well and are user friendly.

Hope this info helps.

Regards,
Jack Freedman
This message has been edited by jfsuperior on 2008-05-02 05:16:47