For sale is this attractive and easily recognizable iwc Porsche Design Chronograph ref. 3701.

In 1978, iwc and Porsche Design entered into a 20-year agreement to jointly manufacture watches. This reference is the second product that saw the light of day in the 80s after the famous compass watch.

iwc would craft the watches with an air of ingenuity and innovation, Porsche Design did what it does best: a modern and stylish design in reference to the Bauhaus philosophy that says form follows function.

A key feature is that both the chronograph pushers and the bracelet are integrated into the case, giving the watch a particularly elegant, almost organic aesthetic that is very unusual for an '80s chronograph.

This is a good opportunity to take a look at a prolific and original Quartz Crisis era series that managed to appeal to a younger, up-and-coming clientele.

Please read the condition report carefully and view the high resolution images to assess the overall condition of the watch.

Model / Reference: iwc Porsche Design Chronograph ref. 3701.

Dial+Hands: The watch comes with a perfectly preserved original matte black dial with no visible stains or discolouration.

Caliber 790's clean and sober dial features subdials at 12, 6 and 9 o'clock and is accompanied by a day and date window at 3 o'clock. The text of the daily announcement is written in German.

The dial and hands are an excellent example of the harmony of color contrasts that allow the time to be read at a glance.

The printing on the dial is still intact and very legible, along with outer 1/5 second divisions and raised luminescent markers in five second increments. The phosphor squares have aged nicely and have acquired a pale yellow patina while the tritium appears to be fully intact.

The white baton hands with luminous inserts and the red and orange central chronograph hand are correct and in new condition. They have developed a matching patina to the hour markers which completes the vintage character of this beautiful timepiece.

Glass: The scratch-resistant sapphire glass has an anti-reflective coating.

Movement: This watch is powered by the reliable 25-jewel caliber a/790, an automatic cam-operated movement based on the Valjoux 7750 ebauche and finished with a nickel plating by iwc.

The movement features a hacking function, a quick-set day and date function, a running seconds at 9 o'clock, a minute counter at 12 o'clock, and a 12-hour chronograph counter at 6 o'clock.

It has been fully serviced by my watchmaker here in Switzerland and is in perfect condition: it winds, it winds, it winds automatically, it resets quickly and the chronograph starts, stops and resets perfectly.

Case: The ufo-shaped case measures 41 mm without the crown. Aside from its eye-catching design, the matte black anodized aluminum case is surprisingly light and comfortable to wear while maintaining an imposing presence on the wrist. The fixed bezel is beveled and shows a white 350 to 60 tachymeter scale in very good condition.

This tool watch has seen some action and is in fair vintage condition with light wear consistent with age and use. It shows some minor blemishes throughout, manifested by the pvd plating loss especially on the inner edge of the bezel.

Case Back: The six notch stainless steel screwed down case back is in very good condition and appears to be untouched, retaining its original satin finish.

Crown + pushers: The pvd coated crown is correct despite the watch not being signed. The textured chronograph pushers are recessed into the case and work as intended. They show some expected pvd loss according to the age and usage of the watch.

Strap: The watch comes fitted with an integrated full-length black Delrin strap. This is an industrial strength synthetic polymer in decent condition, with minor surface scratches all the way to the clasp.

The signed iwc folding clasp closes securely and has some heavy scratches.

Accessories: None

Whoever understands this watch also understands a chapter in the art of watchmaking in which technology has forced great companies to experiment, innovate and find new partners. iwc survived and thrived.

The 3071 was the second chronograph model developed in collaboration with Porsche. Above all, this watch is a real conversation piece. From the sporty black dial to the jet black matte black aluminum case to the black Delrin strap, it offers a striking look and a lightweight feel. This model carries the DNA of its predecessor, the rare and highly sought-after Ocean 2000. A visionary design that saw the light of day in the 1980s and is still cherished as an aesthetic treasure today.

Guarantee: We guarantee the authenticity of the watch. We also offer a 12-month guarantee for the correct functioning of this vintage watch.All guarantees are subject to terms and conditions.

The price is 2900 CHF Plus Shipping (Swiss Franc) or best reasonable offer plus shipping at actual cost. Low ball offers will be politely ignored.
Watch and I are in Switzerland.
Feel free to ask questions, I will be glad to answer.

Please feel free to ask questions, we will be glad to answer.