“I definitely think the Porsche Design by IWC Ocean 2000 is undervalued, but don’t expect that to last forever!” 6 reasons it might be a sleeper classic
Andrew McUtchen
When the idea was first hatched that we would work with IWC on auctioning a rare-in-this-condition Porsche Design by IWC Ocean 2000 ref 3504 for charity, a name quickly emerged as someone to consult with on the process. Carson Chan is not only the Head of Mission of Greater China for the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), but he’s also an out and proud superfan of this collaboration between Porsche Design and IWC that was, as we explained in the last story, a victim of its outrageous success.
Whenever we would speak about this particular watch, well before this opportunity arose, his excitement and energy level rose alarmingly. It’s only natural that now, barely 12 hours from the end of the auction of the Porsche Design by IWC Ocean 2000 ref 3504, that we unleash the geek beast in Carson, and give you a couple more — I would say fairly salient — reasons to take it off the market for a still-reasonable price. The bidding is currently at $9000AUD ($6400USD, a pinch really). The auction ends at midday tomorrow AEST. Once again, we wish all bidders luck.
1. What makes the Porsche Design by IWC Ocean 2000 ref 3504 a collectible piece?
CC: The Ocean 2000 reflects a very special period of time in the IWC/Porsche heritage. It was also one of the few that can withstand 2000m of water pressure. So much so that even the military (yes, there are military versions of the Ocean 2000) were using them.
2. Do you believe it’s currently undervalued?
CC: I think the past decade was very much into large chunky watches. You can see the trend is now moving back to 41mm or even smaller. And these contributed to the “sleeper” status of the Ocean 2000. Yes, I definitely think the Ocean 2000 is undervalued but don’t expect that to last forever!
3. How robust could you expect a recently serviced 25-year-old piece like this to still be?
CC: Because of the design (relying on the shape of the case and the simplistic approach of not having the helium escape valve, another topic for future discussion), it is likely to have a good ability to stand up to the test. Especially if it was serviced by the factory using original seals.
4. Is it viable as a daily wearer?
CC: VERY! It’s super light! It’s got a calendar display! And the bracelet is phenomenal!
5. As a watch aficionado, what would you think of someone you came across wearing an Ocean 2000? What sort of person do you think wears this watch?
CC: Oh, if someone is wearing an Ocean 2000, I know they must be a watch lover. I think John Mayer would have one (don’t ask me how I know).
6. This watch seems stupendously, in fact charmingly, over-engineered. Do they make watches like this anymore?
CC: There are over-engineered modern watches but not many that are done tastefully and elegantly. Imagine today, any divers watch that can go to 2000m will for sure be very big and chunky!
Porsche Design by IWC Ocean 2000 ref 3504 Auction Details
The auction is now live and is open to all bidders around the world
The auction will end at midday AEST on Saturday 2nd March
There is no reserve price
Buyers will receive the watch, a certificate of authenticity, along with a contemporary IWC box (including an inner and outer box) and a travel case