Description: IWC Schaffhausen 3508 Ingenieur 34mm Automatic Movement500.000 A/mRare Timepiece + Interesting History This all steel version with rhodium plated grey dial and 18K gold bezel is one of the prettiest versions of the 34mm Ingenieur series and the 3508. Only about 150 watches were delivered like this.The total production of the 3508 is about 955 pieces. It is estimated that only 150 were made in this variation with the gold bezel and crown paired with the integrated steel bracelet. From Hairspring: "The 3508 is an undeservedly overlooked small-run 34mm Ingenieur that could withstand a ridiculous 500K A/m. To put that in perspective, the average junkyard electromagnet, the thing that sucks up metal i-beams and cars like paperweights, is 1T or 795K A/m. This case will very likely be pulled off of your wrist by magnetic attraction long before its field effects the timekeeping inside. This, thanks to both a soft iron Faraday cage and, more impressively, hairspring made from pure niobium-zirconium. That alloy proved so expensive to make that IWC lost money on every 3508 sold. Rolex only figured out the niobium balance a decade later and called it Parachrom. The best bit, though, is that they engraved the accomplishment on the case flank for all to see. Proudly. Not hidden.Interestingly, the extreme resistance was developed not for the market, but for the German Military’s Bundeswehr. German divers needed totally a-magnetic watches for mine disposal, to not interfere with electric fields whatsoever. This Ingenieur is actually more related to the 3H Ocean 2000 than any Genta peer. The 500K ref. 3508 was the consumer-marketed version of that tech, just 50 a-mag calibre Bunds exist from that initial development. This checks every single box for collectability: Genta, interest, story, world-first, attractive design. But the market has yet to appreciate it as such. The size is divisive, to put it bluntly. Perhaps then, it’s best that it comes in an equally iconoclast two-tone case. I love two tone where it’s just the bezel and not the bracelet; this thing really has no chill. Total production of the 3508 is estimated to be under 1500 pieces, some say under 1000, of which fewer than 200 are in this gold & steel affair." Your purchase will include a Certificate of Authenticity from Irvine Gold Mine, a standard watch box, and a limited 2-year warranty. The watch will be professionally cleaned and checked prior to shipment. Question? Please send a message and we will respond shortly!
Price: 11500 USD
Location: Irvine, California
End Time: 2024-11-08T00:19:43.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: IWC
Type: Wristwatch
Department: Unisex Adults
Bezel Color: Gold
Movement: Mechanical (Automatic)
Model: IWC Ingenieur
Indices: Baton Indexes
With Original Box/Packaging: No
Features: 12-Hour Dial, Date Indicator, Sapphire Crystal, Screwdown Crown
Case Size: 34 mm
With Papers: No
Display: Analog
