A Second Porsche Design Titan Joins The Family

Greetings my friends. I added a second IWC Porsche Design Titan chronograph to
the collection (you know I'm nuts for these watches, right?). I suppose
technically it is my sixth, if you count the four I bought/sold in the past.
In an unusual twist, the new addition arrived by post within an hour of the
arrival of my other Titan, which was returned from service. Both were sent
from the same city via different delivery service providers! So I had both on
the winder last night, and both are keeping time within two seconds of
synchronizing with the time signal 21 hours ago. Impressive!

I believe this new addition started life as a reference 3700. If I am not
mistaken, the dial is the second year variant (1982), when the name Porsche
Design was moved from the bracelet link to the dial. (Does anyone have the
image of the dial variations for the Titan? It was posted on the forum years
ago, but has since become unavailable). Paperwork from IWC shows the watch was
"converted" to a 3702, but the bracelet is the 3704-style with the links
connected by a pin driven through the side and through the sleeve of the
connecting link. It's the best bracelet for wearing, as the prior designs were
prone to premature wear. The movement is the caliber 790 with the nickel-
plated plates, so it precedes the later 3702 gilded movements. However, the
serial number of the movement is higher than it should be if it were from
1982. Maybe I have my dial variations mixed up. The case dates to 1989,
though the conversion was done in 2001. The inside of the case is stamped 3702
from the factory, then another stamp was added: .42 (as in 3702.42). Not sure
how to interpret that added extension number.

The bracelet was a bit snug, though I was certain it would fit by the link
count in the photos. Guess my judgment was off due to seasonal wrist expansion
(warm days arrived in Northern California U.S.A.). Fortunately I had a spare
link from my Titan Compass 3511. The link was a perfect match, and the
bracelet is now a perfect fit. I'm running the chronograph now to be sure the
totalizers work (so far so good), and to see if it impacts the time keeping
accuracy much.

Congrats Brian!! Wear it in good health

Congrats on your 3702.42 Bryan.

And you have the "skills" to find special items out of usual items :-)

The changed reference number is rare to find. Usually the bracelets and cases
were just changed and the former case backs were mounted to the new cases
without any effort for new engravings.

That poits to a small time slot, where those effort has been done ?!

I have only a black Ocean with an "dot" engraving, but only <.1>
A very special topic and I would not expect further information about it.

Enjoy your special 3702.42

Regards

Heiko

Congratulations on the addition of another beautiful pd!

"A very special topic and I would not expect further information about it."

Heiko, I had to laugh at loud. You know me pretty well for the few times I
have posted! Naturally I want to know all about IWC's operation as it relates
to my 3702.42 stamp! But I know better than to expect an answer. So many
variances with these Porsche Design watches! Probably indicative of the
learning process that IWC was going through with all the new technology they
were introducing. The only clue I can offer comes from the original invoice,
dated 19.12.2001, from IWC Frankfurt. From my "Google Translator," all I can
determine is that the work was done at an IWC service center, and that it was
considered a "conversion." Perhaps your understanding of the German language
will reveal something else. If so, feel free to share it. The other document I
have is the invoice. Not much there but the pricing.

Hi Bryan,

I am new to the group and just purchased my first IWC Porsche Design watch. I
have been trying to find out more about it and also where/how I might find
additional links as it's a little smaller then the seller suggested. I
absolutley love the design and want to wear this regularly. I think from
reading your post and others that it could be the 3702?

Have attached a few images, in great condition.

Love to hear your thoughts on it as clearly you have a wonderful knowledge.

Thanks,

James

Hi James. Your watch has a quartz movement. I am not familiar with that
reference, but I'm sure others must be. It is definitely not a 3702 (or 3700
or 3704, all of which had mechanical movements).

a big congrats! What a stunning watch

Yes, it's the 3743, just found this out and looking to source some links!!!

Thanks for your response.