Exactly 75 years ago, the first Porsche sports car was registered in 1948. Ferry Porsche wanted a light, efficient sports car. Since one of that kind did not exist according to his ideas, he simply built one himself. Thus, the Porsche 356 “No. 1” Roadster was presented to the world on June 8, 1948. Shortly after, the first Porsche 911 also saw the light of day. Porsche Design honors this anniversary with the Chronograph 1 – 75 Years Porsche Edition, strictly limited to 475 pieces.
The original Chronograph 1 from 1972 was not only the first watch from Porsche Design, but also the first all-black watch. Like the Porsche 911, it was designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche and, like the sports car, embodies the perfect balance between design and engineering. Instead of stainless steel, as was the case with the original from 1972, the case of the new Chronograph 1 – 75 Years of Porsche Design is made of lightweight, resistant and hypoallergenic titanium. The glass-bead blasted sapphire crystal caseback allows a view of the winding rotor in the shape of the 911 fox rim with a coloured Porsche Crest. The caseback is also engraved with “75 years of Porsche” and the individual limitation number.
The matte black dial is inspired by the dashboard in the Porsche 911 cockpit. White indixes with hour markers and the modern Porsche Design logo, including the lettering, contrast with the black of the dial. In addition, the second hand for the chronograph function stands out through its red colouring. At 3 o’clock there is a day/date display and the bezel is decorated with a tachymeter scale. The sapphire crystal with hard coating is seven-fold anti-reflective on both sides.
The new Chronograph 1 – 75 Years Porsche Edition runs on the WERK 01.140 automatic calibre with the Day-Date function. It was developed at the brand’s manufacture in Solothurn, but uses the platform of supplier Concepto. The movement offers a power reserve of 48 hours. The chronograph includes a cam switch with an oscillating pinion clutch. Elsewhere, the quick-switch date display adds to convenience. In addition, the watch carries the chronometer certificate of the COSC, which guarantees appropriate accuracy.
The new Chronograph 1 – 75 Years Porsche Edition is worn on a specially developed textile-leather strap with light blue decorative stitching and a central red stripe, the color of Porsche’s 75th anniversary logo. Optionally, the chronograph is available with a black leather strap and matching black stitching. Both straps can be quickly and independently interchanged using the quick-change system. The limited edition will be available for 9,975 euros in the Porsche Design online store, Porsche Design stores, and selected watch retailers from June 8.
