IWC PORSCHE DESIGN

Maker: IWC
Model: Porsche Design Moonphase Compass
Reference: 3551
Year: 14.09.1989 sold in Switzerland by Türler Bern
Serial: xxxx
Material: PVD-coated Aluminium
Dial: Black Tritium Dial
Dimensions: 39mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet: PVD-coated Aluminium
Box & Papers: Box, booklets, warranty and tool

In the twilight of the 1980s, amidst the serene landscapes of Bern, Switzerland, a timepiece was discreetly acquired from Türler Bern on September 14, 1989. This was not merely a watch; it was a confluence of avant-garde design and horological innovation—the IWC Porsche Design Moonphase Compass, reference 3551.

Encased in a 39mm PVD-coated aluminum shell, the watch exudes a stealthy elegance. Its black tritium dial, punctuated by a vivid red seconds hand, offers a stark contrast, reminiscent of the precision instruments found in Porsche's high-performance vehicles. But beyond its aesthetic allure lies a hidden marvel: a concealed compass beneath the dial, accessible through a hinged mechanism—a nod to explorers and adventurers who navigate both urban jungles and uncharted terrains.

The Moonphase complication at 12 o'clock adds a poetic touch, tracking lunar cycles and serving as a celestial guide for its wearer. Protected by a sapphire crystal, the watch ensures durability without compromising clarity. Its matching PVD-coated aluminum bracelet seamlessly integrates with the case, epitomizing the minimalist ethos championed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche.

This collaboration between IWC and Porsche Design emerged during a pivotal era when the Swiss watch industry grappled with the quartz crisis. Their partnership not only revitalized IWC but also signaled a renaissance in mechanical watchmaking, blending form and function in unprecedented ways. 

While the IWC Porsche Design Moonphase Compass 3551 remains a rare gem, its legacy endures, inspiring contemporary watchmakers to push boundaries. For collectors and enthusiasts, it stands as a testament to an era where innovation met artistry, encapsulating a spirit of exploration and elegance.

The Morning Commute: Understated Urban Elegance

Think: a double-breasted navy wool coat, charcoal pleated trousers, crisp white Oxford shirt, and supple black leather derbies. A muted leather folio in hand, you stride with intent across grey pavements slick with morning rain.

Here, the IWC 3551 is the quiet companion. Its stealthy PVD finish pairs beautifully with the monochrome urban palette, while the moonphase adds a subtle nod to one’s inner romantic. The compass, hidden beneath the hinged dial, remains a secret shared only with those curious enough to ask. This is city dressing refined; the watch isn’t there to complete the outfit, but to deepen it.

The Midday Creative Break: Café Cool with Character

A suede bomber in rust brown, ecru t-shirt, black jeans cuffed above low-profile sneakers. Between espresso sips and sketchbook scribbles, ideas flow.

Here, the 3551 brings contrast and credibility. Its Bauhaus-adjacent design roots connect effortlessly with the aesthetic of the modern creative: minimal, functional, and not over-designed. It plays well with soft textures and relaxed fits, lending an edge of structured intelligence to a casual ensemble. As you absentmindedly rotate the hinged dial to show a friend the hidden compass, you're not showing off—you’re sharing a marvel of design.

Evening Conversations: Sartorial with a Twist

Picture this: a shawl-collared velvet blazer in forest green, black rollneck, tailored black trousers, and patent loafers. Dim light, low jazz, the clink of glasses.

This is where the Moonphase shines—literally and figuratively. Amidst the glamour of eveningwear, the watch doesn't clash or compete. Its satin-black profile melts into the wrist, while the lunar complication casts a hint of cosmic romance. The historical pedigree of Porsche Design and IWC whispers through the dial: heritage reinterpreted with modern aplomb.

Final Thought

To pair a watch like the IWC Porsche Design Ref. 3551 is not merely to accessorise—it is to curate. Each outfit is a frame; the watch, the subtle but crucial stroke that ties it together. Whether you walk city streets, sketch ideas between coffees, or toast under soft lights, let this remarkable timepiece serve not as the loudest voice, but as the most considered one. A style aligned not only with wardrobe, but with worldview.

Condition Report: IWC x Porsche Design Moonphase Compass Ref. 3551 (1989)

Few timepieces manage to encapsulate the audacious design language of the late 1980s quite like the IWC Porsche Design Moonphase Compass, Ref. 3551. This particular example, delivered on 14th September 1989 via Türler Bern, remains a fascinating artefact of horological experimentation—where Swiss precision met German industrial design under the banner of utilitarian luxury.

Overall, the watch presents in gently worn but exceptionally well-preserved condition, a testament to both the resilience of its lightweight PVD-coated aluminium construction and the care of previous custodians. It speaks not of neglect, but of reverent, sparing wear—an object appreciated as much for its avant-garde engineering as for its sculptural form.

The case, measuring a purposeful 39mm, retains its matte black PVD finish with remarkable integrity. Edges remain clean and sharp, with only minor hairlines consistent with honest wear, primarily along the outer bezel. Importantly, the signature hinged upper case—revealing a mirror on the reverse and housing a discreet compass below—functions crisply, snapping open and shut with satisfying precision.

The dial is where this piece truly sings. A deep black tritium canvas punctuated by an asymmetrical moonphase display, day-date apertures, and luminous plots that have aged to a warm, even patina. The painted white minute track and stylized typeface are emblematic of Porsche Design’s minimalist ethos, while the tritium lume—though no longer active—adds a layer of vintage charm that collectors will no doubt appreciate.

Beneath the surface, the watch is powered by a quartz IWC movement—a deliberate choice in this era for its reliability and ability to accommodate the complex, multi-function display. The movement is clean and operational, with all complications functioning as intended, including the moonphase, compass, and calendar features.

The original integrated bracelet, crafted from the same lightweight PVD-coated aluminium as the case, is in excellent condition. It remains supple, with minimal stretch and a secure clasp. The matching finish across case and bracelet maintains the aesthetic purity that defines this model.

Included in the full set are the original box, warranty card, booklets, and even the proprietary tool—an increasingly rare assemblage that underscores the completeness and collectibility of this example.

In sum, this IWC Porsche Design Moonphase Compass is not merely a functional wrist instrument—it’s a distillation of late 20th-century innovation and a celebration of the synergy between two design titans. For the collector drawn to the rare, the clever, and the uncompromisingly cool, this Ref. 3551 offers something few others can: a vision of the future, forged in the past.

We’ve tested the watch to ensure proper functioning. On average, it runs 13 seconds per day, with an amplitude of 240 degrees and a beat error of 0.0ms. These results, obtained using one of our instruments, indicate good performance, but please note that we cannot guarantee precision, accuracy, or waterproofness.

The price includes Swiss VAT of 8.1%, which can be directly deducted for export, and the shipping cost comes with full worldwide insurance. Please note that the customer will be responsible for paying any customs duties in their country.

If you desire a complete service, we can provide it at an additional cost, with a warranty of at least one year for precision and accuracy (not for waterproofness).