It's no secret that my favorite watch of all time is the IWC Porsche Design
Titan chronograph. I have researched and studied everything I can find about
it (not much!). It was on a search for Titan examples that I stumbled onto an
"old friend."
Porsche Design watches by IWC have been favorites of mine since the late
1980's, when they were still sold new. My first was the Titan in 1989,
followed by a Compass in black, then an Ocean 2000 (civilian grey titanium,
nothing rare) sometime in the early 1990's. Like most watches I owned at the
time, they were sold to finance some shiny new distraction.
(I have many regrets about watches I foolishly passed on to other homes).
A few days ago while I searched for new examples of Titan models offered for
sale (for research purposes), I stumbled on an Ocean 2000. I found the
dealer's website and searched "IWC Porsche." The Ocean 2000 reference 3502 was
there. So was a titanium Compass reference 3511, a Titan chronograph reference
3702, and a black Delrin bracelet Compass with Moonphase reference 3551.
As a flood of pleasant memories overtook me, I assessed my hobby finances. I
felt I could afford the Moonphase Compass, but would have to choose between
the Ocean 2000 or the titanium Compass.
What to do?
I secured the Ocean 2000. Then I asked about the Moonphase Compass, but it was
sold (as was the Titan I had no intention of buying). But the titanium Compass
was available.
With nothing to lose, I explained my financial shortcoming and presented a low
offer. As expected,the offer was promptly declined. I was happy to have the
Ocean 2000. Before we began to make arrangements, the man with whom I was
speaking pardoned himself and asked if he could call me back in five minutes.
I engaged my chronograph (a Sinn EZM 10 as my Titan is at the spa). Four
minutes later the gentleman called back and said it was my lucky day. They
would accept my offer because it was the end of the month (a business
accounting thing I presume). And the watches had just arrived at their shop
that day (what business doesn't love to move inventory quickly?).
So here are my two latest additions to the IWC family. Specifically, the IWC
Porsche Design titanium family!
