Porsche Design's iconic chronograph greets watch lovers with its new version that pays homage to nostalgic military-themed watches.
Porsche Design, which has a special place among design-focused brands today, crowns its legacy in wristwatches with a new limited production model. Inspired by the legendary chronograph model dated 1972, which is the first product of the design studio, the new version makes not only the loyal fans of the brand happy, but also the military-themed vintage chronograph enthusiasts.
Before moving on to the model, let's talk a little about the military connection of the Chronograph 1, as the details there form the basis of the Utility version. Porsche Design Chronograph 1, which established a direct connection with the world of motorsports for the first time thanks to its design and anti-reflective black coating, which is a first in the industry, quickly attracted the attention of the military forces with its performance. Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise in the 1986 blockbuster movie Top Gun, also had a Porsche Design chronograph on his wrist. Producing models for the West German Bundeswehr or the US Air Force's flying fleet, the brand featured a red circular 3H symbol (representing the use of the hydrogen isotope tritium) in these military-themed watches. The models, in which the phrase Military replaced the manufacturer Orfina and PD logos of that period, are among the most sought-after examples of vintage Porsche Design models today.
After this information, let's start with the dial. The matte black dial of the Chronograph 1 Utility pays homage to vintage military models. In place of the 3H logo, a TiC phrase (for titanium carbide) written in the same font stands out. The word Utility replaces the expression Military. The U.S. Air Force's tiger head logo is being replaced by a screaming marmot (called "Mankei" in Pinzgau, Austria, as well as Ferdi Porsche's newly opened destination for car enthusiasts on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road near Studio F. A. Porsche). The sporty dial is complemented by dark red accents as well as highly legible hands and markers.
The new model comes with a case designed with a diameter of 40.8mm and a height of 14.15mm. The case, which reinforces its tactical appearance with its micro-sandblasted surface, is made of titanium-carbide alloy, which stands out with its durability and lightness. The case, which features a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the front, is resistant to 100 meters of water pressure.
At the heart of the new model is the WERK 01.240 movement signed by Porsche Design. The COSC-certified automatic movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers up to 38 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The model, limited to only 250 pieces, comes with a gray leather strap and a white textile strap. The list price for the model, which is available for pre-order and is planned to reach sales points on January 15, 2024, is EUR 11,950.
