• The first significant moonphase wristwatch from IWC likely emerged by coincidence in the early 1980s. In 1982, IWC produced 150 examples of a new model, reference 3710, which featured moonphase, calendar, and chronograph functions. This was apparently IWC’s first wristwatch to include a moonphase complication, and it unintentionally marked the beginning of a new direction for the brand.

• The IWC Porsche Design Titanium Chronograph 03 was introduced in the early 1990s, during the continued collaboration between IWC and Porsche Design. It features a clean, minimalist dial layout with a triple-register chronograph, moonphase display, and date window. The watch is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 630 mecaquartz movement, an innovative hybrid that combines the precision of quartz with the tactile functionality of a mechanical chronograph.

• This model is distinguished by its full titanium construction, a cutting-edge material at the time. The 36mm case is remarkably slim at just 8.3mm, with integrated pushers and a seamless bracelet design that reflects Porsche Design’s commitment to minimalist and functional aesthetics. The blue dial, accented by subtle subdials and a moonphase aperture, reinforces the watch’s understated yet technically sophisticated character.

• Four references were produced under this model, all sharing the same dial layout. Each features a moonphase display signed “Porsche Design” in capitalised sans-serif, a 12-hour register at three o’clock, a 60-second register at six o’clock, a 30-minute register at nine o’clock, a date window between four and five o’clock, and the inscription “by IWC.” The references differ in dial colour and bracelet configuration:

• Reference 3742: paired with a second-generation bracelet and features a blue dial
• Reference 3743: paired with a third-generation bracelet and features a black dial
• Reference 3745: paired with a third-generation bracelet and features a blue dial
• Reference 3748: identical to reference 3745 but fitted with a leather strap and offered an 18K yellow gold case option

• The present 1991 example is an early reference 3742, featuring a second-generation bracelet and a blue dial. It is well preserved, with the dial retaining its original colour. Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause the dial to fade, resulting in a naturally developed and attractive patina.

• Notably, the movement was developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre, one of the most respected names in Swiss watchmaking. The calibre 630 was among the earliest mecaquartz movements ever created, offering the reliability of quartz with the feel and functionality of a mechanical chronograph. This collaboration between IWC, Porsche Design, and Jaeger-LeCoultre makes reference 3742 a historically important and increasingly collectible timepiece.