Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 RS: Anything but the third wheel
Since 2017, future car owners of selected Porsche models have had the option of having their own Porsche Design chronographs, made to match their sports car. The latest version: the 911 GT3 RS Chronograph.
Porsche Design is launching the new 911 GT3 RS Chronograph exclusively for buyers of its high-performance sports car. The watchmakers at the Porsche Design Timepieces Manufacture in Solothurn, Switzerland, painstakingly handcraft each piece in its entirety – including the assembly of the COSC-certified movement.
Porsche Design develops all the necessary parts at its in-house design department. The company does this in cooperation with leading Swiss component manufacturers, which work closely with Porsche Design throughout the manufacturing processes. In doing so, Porsche Design mirrors the processes of Porsche AG’s sports car development.
The Porsche 911 (992) GT3 RS and GT3 RS Weissach Package
Driven by the quest for top performance, Porsche introduced the new Weissach Package 911 GT3 RS and GT3 RS. This optional lightweight package makes the vehicle 30 kilos lighter thanks to numerous carbon components.
The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds. Furthermore, it reaches a top speed of 296 km/h in seventh gear. This is partly thanks to the improved aerodynamics. The new 911 GT3 RS generates 409 kilograms of total downforce at 200 km/h, thanks to continuously adjustable wing elements at the front and the two-part rear wing. This means that the 911 GT3 RS generates twice as much downforce as its predecessor (Type 991 II).
Powering the high-performance sports car is a four-litre high-revving, naturally aspirated engine that delivers an output of 386 kW (525 hp) on the race track. Porsche derive the single-throttle intake system and the rigid valve train from motorsport. The Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) with seven gears has a shortened overall transmission ratio compared to the 911 GT3.
The basis for the significant increase in performance is the central-radiator concept. This was first used in the Le Mans class winner 911 RSR and subsequently in the 911 GT3 R as well.
A titanium case
The screw-down case has a diameter of 42 mm and a height of 15.33 mm. It consists of light, resistant titanium or – depending on your preference – black titanium. The case matches to the motorised models with a variety of sporty design features and technical details. The chronograph push-pieces with the laser engravings “Start/Stop” and “Next Lap” take inspiration from motor racing.
The glass-bead blasted case of the Chronograph 911 GT3 RS is water-resistant to 5 bar. It can thus withstand any weather conditions on or off the race track. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with seven anti-reflective coatings on both sides ensures particularly good readability. This is particularly advantageous in racing.
Unlike the rear of the GT3 RS, only a few will catch a view of this watch’s caseback. Yet it is well worth seeing. Owners can customise the titanium caseback with a text of up to twelve characters – for example, vehicle identification number. The use of a sapphire crystal caseback provides a clear view of the rotor and the filigree movement.
The dial
The pulsometer scale on the bezel made of titanium – or, alternatively, titanium with a black titanium carbide coating – shows how strongly the wearer’s heart beats for motorsport during a pit stop. To do this, you feel the pulse and start the measurement on the chronograph. After 30 pulse beats, the stopped second hand shows the number of pulse beats per minute on the pulsometer scale. On request, the bezel is also available with a tachymeter or minute display.
The hand-painted dial in black carbon with Porsche vehicle paint offers a sporty contrast to the white hour and minute indices made of ceramic and Super LumiNova luminous material. The seconds disc at 9 o’clock in matt black showcases the lettering “911 GT3 RS”. The 30-minute counter is at the 12 o’clock position, the 12-hour counter at the 6 o’clock position.
Calibre with flyback function
The COSC-certified Porsche Design WERK 01.200, beats at a frequency of 4Hz. It also has a flyback function that combines starting, stopping and zeroing in a single operation. The 911 GT3 RS chronograph has a power reserve of 48 hours.
In addition, the lift rotor reflects the wheel rim design of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. A stylish finishing touch can be found in the new, black rotor cap in the shape of the centre lock with “RS” logo in brilliant silver.
The strap
The leather strap is made of the same materials found in the vehicle, bringing selected interior elements to the wrist. Elaborate perforation and the Race-Tex material in the selected accent colour GT Silver or Indian Red, as well as decorative stitching made of vehicle yarn in the accent colour, reflect the style of the 911 GT3 RS. On request, the chronograph can also be fitted with high-quality metal bracelets, which – just like the clasp – are made of titanium.
Chronograph 911 GT3 RS: Price and availability
The Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 RS is available from 9,750 euros and is exclusively available for owners of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and 911 GT3 RS with the Weissach option.
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