IWC Porsche Design Compass Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1978
The IWC Porsche Design Compass watch is a wristwatch developed through a collaboration between IWC and Porsche Design. It was designed by Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche.
The watch features a two-layer case construction, allowing the upper section containing the watch dial to be rotated to reveal a compass integrated into the lower layer. The case is 39 mm in diameter and manufactured from anodized aluminum, a material also used for the integrated bracelet. The dial maintains a minimalist aesthetic, and the internal mechanisms are supplied by IWC.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- c. 1978
- Type
- Compass-integrated wristwatch
- Maker
- IWC (International Watch Company)
- Designer
- Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche
- Case diameter
- 39 mm
- Case material
- Anodized aluminum
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Mechanism origin
- IWC
- Maker / attribution
- IWC (International Watch Company)
Design
- Visible features
- • The dial features the IWC signature, 'PORSCHE DESIGN' text, and a double-logo symbol at the six o'clock position. • The watch includes a date aperture located at the three o'clock position on the dial. • The hands include a distinct orange-colored center seconds hand. • The bracelet consists of linked segments finished in a black, matte anodized coating.
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch utilizes a 39 mm diameter case constructed from anodized aluminum, which is noted for its lightweight properties and resistance to environmental factors. The dial follows a minimalist design language, incorporating a date aperture at the three o'clock position and an orange center seconds hand. The structural feature of this watch is its two-layer design. The top layer, which contains the watch face, can be rotated relative to the bottom layer. This mechanical configuration allows the user to access an internal compass housed within the lower section of the case, reflecting a combination of timekeeping and navigational functionality.
- Mechanism and Bracelet
- The internal movement and mechanical components are produced by IWC. This integration serves to provide the accuracy and technical performance associated with the manufacturer's horological standards. The bracelet is integrated directly into the case design and is composed of the same anodized aluminum material as the watch head, ensuring a cohesive visual appearance and fit on the wrist. The design of the integrated bracelet is intended to support the overall comfort of the watch while maintaining the structural continuity of the piece.
- Provenance and Classification
- The watch is attributed to the designer Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche and is historically associated with the 1978 period. It is identified as a specific example of a tool watch, aimed at explorers and sailors. As noted by the cataloguing record, these details are attributed to the external source analogshift.com. The information provided reflects the status of the item at the time of the source's compilation and does not constitute a current assessment of authenticity or functional condition by the reference site.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The source notes that provenance and historical information are attributed to external sources and are not independently verified by the site.
- Research required: The source states that its information is not an authentication of the item or its function.