Porsche Design by IWC Ocean 2000 Bund in Titanium ref. 3501

The IWC Ocean 2000 Bund — short for Bundeswehr, or the “German Federal Armed Forces” — stands out as one of the most intriguing military watches ever made. While the initial design came from Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (yes, the designer of the Porsche 911), the diving technology itself was refined and tested in collaboration with the Bundeswehr.

 

Although IWC had offered the Aquatimer, another dive watch, since 1967, the partnership with Porsche Design produced something entirely new: the Ocean 2000. The result was a milestone in both design and technical innovation.

 

At its debut, the Ocean 2000 was a marvel of modern engineering — sleek yet robust, built to endure the most demanding conditions. Issued to West Germany’s elite Kampfschwimmer (Combat Swimmers), it was worn by some of the nation’s most skilled and highly trained special forces operators.

 

The example at hand is a rare reference 3501, featuring a 42 mm titanium case in excellent condition, with the signature crown positioned at 4 o’clock. It comes fitted with IWC’s semi-integrated titanium bracelet, long enough to accommodate wrists up to 22 cm or to be worn over a dive suit. The black dial is signed “Porsche Design” as well as “International Watch Co.” in elegant script, while the original red seconds hand has aged beautifully to a warm orange hue. The case back bears Bundeswehr inventory markings: “6645-12-197-80xx.”

 

We believe the rotating bezel was replaced during a service; the original versions were made of titanium with a black finish.

 

These reference 3501 models are powered by an antimagnetic movement derived from the Ingenieur’s 500,000 A/m–resistant, heavily modified ETA 2892 — known by IWC as the caliber 3752-1 — and this example has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

 

We think these watches are exceptionally cool — a perfect blend of military utility, design heritage, and pure IWC ingenuity.

 

If you’re after a watch that blends design pedigree, military toughness, and pure cool factor — this Ocean 2000 Bund is it.

 

Specifications:

 

• IWC Reference 3501 Ocean 2000 dive watch “BUND”

• 42mm titanium case

• Serial 235xxxx Dates to the end of the 1970’s

• Black dial signed IWC and Porsche Design

• Turnable bezel

• Bundeswehr inventory no on case back 6645-12-1978xxx

• Calibre 3752-1 Automatic movement

• Original IWC titanium semi - integrated bracelet

• Fully serviced by our watchmaker

• One-year mechanical warrantee

• Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping