A watch can be ahead of its time if it has an innovation that pushed the envelope. One of the most interesting examples of this is the IWC/Porsche Design Ocean 2000. Introduced in the 1980s, this watch became a poster boy for a new era in collaboration, design, and technology. The watch was the first quartz watch, and paved the way for the development of solar-powered watches.
Another watch that was ahead of its time was the Porsche Design compass watch. Released in 1978, this double-decker watch was built in such a way that the compass could be easily opened from both sides. Made of aluminium, both the watch case and its bracelet were also extremely resistant to impact. The compass needle was protected from impact on both sides, and parts of the automatic movement were made from antimagnetic material. The watch has since been a landmark in watchmaking, generating six new patents.
The Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar was a statement of intent for high-end watchmaking. A new perpetual calendar movement, controlled by the crown, was a bold innovation for a luxury watch. The watch’s stepped bezel and delicate lugs made it an elegant statement. It also brought significant technical challenges. IWC had an entirely new idea and created a watch that was ahead of its time.
