HIDDEN FEATURES OF IWC COMPASS WATCH BY PORSCHE DESIGN

We all know that below the watch module hides a mechanical compass

The little slots on the LHS are to sight your destination, while utilising the
mirror to take the compass bearing.

This little wonder has other features:

Each link is 5mm, allowing you take measurements on a map

By pulling on this pin, the bracelet is quickly opened to lay flat on a map

The compass module also pops out of the case for ease of use.

Instead of using ball bearings on the rotor, there are 9 ruby balls to not
affect the magnetism of the compass needle! Seen here below the slot in the
gold plated bearing cover

There were many techical problems to overcome during the development of this
watch. mostly related to metal parts affecting the hairspring and compass
needle. some innovations are:

Aluminum case, plastic/carbon composite material for the bracelet, the
abovementioned ruby ball bearings. Also, the magnetic density of the compass
needle was critical. Too much and it would affect the functioning of the
watch, Too little and the compass would not work.

I hope you have found some of this information useful and let's remember this
mechanical masterpiece from the 1980s

(I gained some of this information from a talk given by Kurt Klaus during a
collector's dinner after SIHH 2016.)

Very interesting features. I didn't know these even existed until recently.
Sort of a dress / stealth tool watch that could come in handy for traveling.

Thanks for sharing.

The technically innovative compass watches are always an interesting topic. I
have all variants, except the golden model. This short article is still on the
server, unfortunately only in German.

Regards

Heiko

This will probably be the last compass watch. A limited PD by Eterna Heritage
with PVD coated titanium, based on the model of the PD by IWC from the 1970s.

great post Mark(!)

made me pick up my own compass ones again (..)

and do some atrology too

You should buy the THE PORTUGIESER SIDÉRALE SCAFUSIA for that matter and do a
topic on that watchs features as well.

yours sincerely

Great info. Thanks for sharing Mark

Wow Heiko!!

The Porsche Design Eterna Heritage is spectacular :o)

Thanks Mark.

The rare ref. 3511 is my favorite of the compass watches.

Here are two cases for a ref. 3551. One of the cases is made of untreated
aluminum with an olive-coated upper part.

And bracelets in aluminum and delrin.

Perfect for convert a badly preserved compass watch?!

greetings

Heiko

Some recent pictures

Probus Scafusia!!!

There is a very interesting article about the 3510, 3551and 3511 and also the
newer Porsche Design model at Hodinkee today. It also covers special models as
Khanjar, Mecca or the 3510 in yellow gold.

This article inspired me to wear my 3510 with the first dial and the aluminium
bracelet. I hope that I can avoid the first scratch.

Iconic timep