The new Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 911 Dakar and 911 Dakar Rally Design Edition in Titanium Carbide
Something is brewing on the horizon in the sandy desert of Dakar – is it a mirage? No, it’s the unmistakable curves of a Porsche, still clear through the sandstorm. But this is not just any Porsche speeding through the metres-high dunes. In the scorching heat, you can recognise the new Porsche 911 Dakar. The new Porsche 911 Dakar is a homage to the original model and revives some Porsche history. To introduce this car in their own way, Porsche Design is presenting the Chronograph 1 – 911 Dakar and the 911 Dakar Rally Design Edition, two timepieces that can withstand any sandstorm thanks to a watchmaking premiere and thus doing justice to their motorised counterparts.
The new Porsche 911 Dakar
The Dakar Rally, one of the last great adventures, is considered the most important long-distance and desert rally in the world. It was held once a year from 1978 to 2007, mostly on the African continent. A marathon race under the toughest conditions that demands absolute perseverance from the Porsche 911 Dakar and its driver. Who weakens first, man or machine? Porsche entered the race for the first time in 1984 with the modified 953. Thanks to a new idea, the first 911 with all-wheel drive, Porsche made it to the top at that time.
This exclusive model, limited to 2,500 units, shows once again that there seem to be no limits to the concept of the Porsche 911. The optional Rally Design Package is reminiscent of the iconic 1984 winning car, and with ground clearance 50 mm higher than a 911 Carrera with sports suspension, it’s clear to everyone that Porsche makes no compromises in this special model. In addition, the standard lift system can raise the front and rear by a further 30 millimetres to overcome any hurdle. As a result, ground clearance and ramp angle reach the level of classic SUVs – and that in a 911. The chassis can be lifted up to a speed of 170 km/h, which makes even the most ambitious off-road driving possible. If this speed is exceeded, the chassis automatically lowers itself back to normal level.
The Chronograph 1 – 911 Dakar and the 911 Dakar Rally Design Edition successfully capture the striking design highlights of the 911 Dakar. Equal to the innovative ideas that Porsche produces for its cars, the two timepieces feature a scratch-resistant case made of titanium carbide, developed by Porsche Design.
The exterior of the watch
The two novelties are the world’s first chronographs with a case made of titanium carbide. After 5 years of development work, Porsche Design has now succeeded in shaping a case from this resistant and scratch-proof material. Titanium carbide is characterised by an incomparable reduction in weight, making it even lighter than titanium. It also is resistant to ageing over time. Furthermore, a striking black overall aesthetic defines the look of the ceramic material. The pushers and crown, however, are made of titanium.
Oscillating rotor
On the back of the timepiece, the wheel motif has been reinvented. The winding rotor corresponds to the rim of the 911 Dakar down to the smallest detail. What is interesting here is that, analogue to the configuration of the car, the rim is also available here in two different finishes. You can choose either a black or white look for the rim. For the Chronograph 1 – 911 Dakar, the winding rotor is also available in grey.
Whoever purchases the watch can personalise it using the ‘Porsche Design Timepieces Configurator’. Key features, however, include the central cap adorned with the modern Porsche Crest. The caseback, on the other hand, is made of titanium. The rotor and the movement are protected by a sapphire crystal with seven anti-reflective layers.
The dial
The red accents, such as the “60” of the minute scale, which serves as a 12 o’clock marker on the altitude ring, and the red stop hands attract attention. Also in red is the lettering for the Porsche design WERK 01.240 with flyback function. The white minute and hour hands are filled with Superluminova luminous material to guarantee readability even at night.
The day and date display is positioned at 3 o’clock, while the 30-minute display is found at 12 o’clock. The small seconds at 9 o’clock is adorned with a Roughroads graphic in white, blue, gold and red, reminiscent of the retro styling of the Porsche paintwork. Last but not least, at 6 o’clock you will find the 12-hour display.
The inner workings
Since 2014, Porsche Design has been crafting each movement in their watch manufacture in Solothurn, Switzerland. Here, the know-how of sports car and watch experts flow together to create a synthesis between the two fields of expertise. The result: WERK 01.240. With its power reserve of 48 hours and a frequency of 4 Hz, the COSC-certified movement is an excellent companion for the next desert drive. The movement has a flyback function that combines starting, stopping and zeroing in one operation – every second counts in a race. In addition, the movement displays the day and date in German and English.
Price & availability
And finally, let’s take a look at the straps. The straps are an aesthetic reflection of the leather interior of the 911 Dakar. The black leather and contrast stitching in blue or green complete a coherent picture. The perforations are backed with Race-Tex material – the same as that found in car’s seats.
The Chronograph 1 – 911 Dakar and the 911 Dakar Rally Design Edition are true collector’s items and represent a symbiosis between the values of motorised performance and horological precision. The two novelties are reserved only for buyers of a 911 Dakar and 911 with Rally Design Package. Interested parties can obtain the timepieces for 13,950 euros incl. VAT.
Perforated leather strap made of Porsche vehicle leather in Black with backing in Race-Tex in Green/Blue and decorative stitching in Porsche vehicle thread in Green/Blue
MOVEMENT
Werk 01.240
MOVEMENT TYPE
Automatic
POWER RESERVE
48 Hours
FREQUENCY
28,800 vph (4 Hz)
FUNCTIONS
Chronograph with flyback function, day and date display in German and English
PRICE
EUR 13.950 – Only available in combination with the Porsche 911 Dakar and Porsche 911 Dakar Rally Design Package.
Benjamin Comar has been CEO of Piaget since 2021 and is responsible not only for a whole range of highly complex watches, but also for extravagant jewellery. For although the manufacture originally started out as a supplier of watch movements, by the mid-20th century the maison had a desire to extend its expertise to other…
Florentine watchmaker Panerai used to supply precision instruments to the Royal Italian Navy, which over time also gave rise to a passion for historic ships. One such vessel is the yacht Eilean, designed and built by boatbuilder William Fife and lavishly restored with Panerai's support. Shortly after the Eilean was completed in 1936, Panerai produced…
Earlier this year, IWC Schaffhausen introduced a new version of the IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph. Now, the Swiss watchmaker is introducing three new variations into the collection. Dial options now include a choice of either a burgundy or green dial. Furthermore, the brand is introducing a Boutique Edition with a 18-carat 5N gold case with…
Norqain’s Wild One Skeleton 42 mm Hakuna Mipaka Limited Edition marks the brand’s latest release in a series of watches created in collaboration with Swiss wildlife ambassador Dean Schneider. This limited edition of 200 pieces was designed in collaboration with industry legend Jean-Claude Biver and combines advanced materials with a charitable cause. Ten percent of…
McDonalds, Connected Cannabis, Dior, and now... Audemars Piguet? At first glance, this string of companies seemingly has very little to do with one another. Yet they all have one thing in common: they have all collaborated with Travis Scott's Cactus Jack brand. Audemars Piguet is the latest brand to become part of this very unusual…
Hodinkee and Zenith have unveiled their third collaborative timepiece, the Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Limited Edition For Hodinkee. This watch reinterprets the modern chronograph with a triple calendar and moon phase, inspired by a rare prototype from 1970. With a stainless steel case, unique dial, and high-frequency movement, it blends vintage aesthetics with contemporary…
Inspired by the Richard Mille watches worn by tennis star Rafael Nadal on the court, the RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal has now been released. It offers a completely new function featuring a butterfly rotor. It allows the wearer to change the geometry of the rotor at the touch of a button in order to…
OMEGA is updating the Speedmaster '57 and, at the same time, is presenting two Moonwatch models made of the in-house Moonshine Gold alloy. The former is now slightly flatter and is equipped with a manual calibre that also makes the watch a Master Chronometer. The Moonwatch made of the exclusive gold alloy is available with…
At this year's Watches and Wonders, Vacheron Constantin is proving that green remains in favour with the addition of two captivating Overseas models in olive-green and pink-gold. For those who are less about the glamour and more about technical feats, fear not. Vacheron is also introducing a titanium Overseas tourbillon edition into its main collection.…
In the late 1970s, Porsche Design developed the stainless steel military chronograph. The timepiece, which was characterised by reliability and optimal readability, attracted the interest of the aviation industry. Soon, international air forces, such as the pilots of the US Air Force, wore a Porsche Design chronograph on their wrist. Today, more than 40 years…
Parisian brand Hermès has introduced a new Arceau watch: the Arceau Squelette. Designed by Henri D'Origny, the brand's Arceau watches have been in existence since 1978. Most notably, they feature a 40 mm case and italicised, swirling numerals. However, the Arceau Squelette goes a step further by including a skeletonised movement, visible not only through…
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…