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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Compass-integrated wristwatch

IWC Porsche Design Compass Watch

Partially verified

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.

Front view of the IWC Porsche Design Compass watch, showing the dial, integrated bracelet, and the distinct orange seconds hand.
Front view of the IWC Porsche Design Compass watch, showing the dial, integrated bracelet, and the distinct orange seconds hand. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Compass-integrated wristwatch
Maker / attribution
IWC (International Watch Company)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c. 1978
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این ساعت از آلومینیوم آنودایز شده با قطر ۳۹ میلی‌متر ساخته شده است”
  • “ویژگی منحصربه‌فرد این مدل، ساختار بدنه دولایه آن است که به کاربر اجازه می‌دهد با چرخاندن بخش بالایی که شامل صفحه ساعت است، به یک قطب‌نمای دقیق که در لایه زیرین تعبیه شده دسترسی پیدا کند.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور و مکانیزم‌های داخلی این ساعت توسط کمپانی معتبر IWC تامین شده که تضمین‌کننده دقت و کیفیت بالای آن است.”
  • “بند این ساعت نیز به صورت یکپارچه با بدنه طراحی شده و از همان متریال آلومینیوم آنودایز بهره می‌برد که هماهنگی بصری کاملی ایجاد کرده است.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “طراحی این ساعت با الهام از نیازهای کاوشگران و دریانوردان انجام شده است.”
  • “این ساعت که توسط فردیناند «بوتزی» پورشه، طراح افسانه‌ای خودروی پورشه ۹۱۱ طراحی شده”
  • “این اطلاعات و سابقه به منبع نسبت داده می‌شوند و تأیید مستقل اصالت یا کارکرد توسط زمانیتو نیستند.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific IWC movement reference used within this model?
  • Are there variations in the anodized finish or compass mechanism across different production batches?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for IWC Porsche Design Compass Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerIWC (International Watch Company)“برند: IWC (International Watch Company)”
DesignerFerdinand “Butzi” Porsche“طراح: Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche”
Case diameter39 mm“قطر قاب: 39 میلی‌متر”
Case materialAnodized aluminum“جنس بدنه: آلومینیوم آنودایز شده”
Mechanism originIWC“سازنده موتور: IWC”
Datec. 1978“Period: c. 1978”

Visible details

  • 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.

Research qualifications

  • The source notes that provenance and historical information are attributed to external sources and are not independently verified by the site.
  • The source states that its information is not an authentication of the item or its function.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی IWC Porsche Design Compass

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b9287eb5b6

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.