There are few passions that complement each other as well as high-quality timepieces and sports cars. Although cars and watches have entirely different functions, the fascination inspired by a Porsche 911 and a mechanical chronograph often have a similar flavor.
Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche probably had a similar thought when he founded the Porsche Design studio in 1972.
From Porsche 911 to Chrono I
Porsche sports cars, manufactured in Stuttgart, are some of the most desirable cars in the world and pique the interest of a wide range of fans. Whether it’s a vintage car used for nothing other than beautiful weekend drives, a daily driver that will get you from point A to point B, or a famous 24 Hours of Le Mans champion, each and every Porsche car is well known for its perfection to every last detail.
The best introduction to the world of Porsche Design is Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche’s most famous creation as chief designer: the Porsche 911. Designed in the early 1960s, this car possibly has the most renowned sports car design of all time. You can still see the influence of the 911’s classic design in the look of each new model today.
A few years later in 1972, he founded the Porsche Design studio with the intention of designing the type of items he was most interested in. This included men’s accessories such as timepieces, glasses, and writing instruments, as well as high-quality lifestyle and consumer products, such as household appliances. Over the decades, Porsche Design studios have established a name for themselves especially with their revolutionary timepieces.
Porsche Design’s first watch was the Chrono I, the first completely matte black chronograph ever created. Its design was inspired by the Porsche 911 dashboard; the watch, like the dashboard controls, was black and anti-glare. However, Porsche Design’s Titanium Chronograph from 1980 was even more successful. This timepiece didn’t only captivate the watch world thanks to its innovative design, it was also the first watch completely made of titanium.
Today, Porsche Design is a world-famous brand known for their numerous luxury products, including luggage, accessories, and unique timepieces.
Porsche Design Timepieces
Monobloc Actuator
The recently released Monobloc Actuator models are likely the most striking timepieces from Porsche Design. At first glance, they resemble a machine more than a timepiece. They’re futuristically designed chronographs with an integrated “start/stop” mechanism controlled by a rocker switch instead of the usual pushers. This innovative construction was inspired by the new Porsche 911 RSR’s motor. This timepiece is an excellent example of how high-quality watches and racing cars share similar values: high-quality precision, function, and performance.
It comes as no surprise that Porsche Design has always been inspired by motor sports. The limited edition, black-coated titanium Monobloc Actuator 24H-Chronotimer with a red-accented carbon dial is proof of this. Titanium watches are the perfect choice for racing drivers and motor sports fans as the material is incredibly lightweight. In addition to displaying the time and date, this watch also shows the time in a second time zone via a 24-hour scale.
Its assertive black design with red indices sets this timepiece apart from the rest and gives the chronograph an uncompromising touch.
Chronotimer Collection
Though the Chronotimer has a more classic look than the Monobloc, it still perfectly combines all of Porsche Design’s strengths in a single timepiece. The focus here is purely on function and minimalist design. Streamlined Porsche sports cars are designed to perform well in wind tunnels. A similar principle applies to the Chronotimer: no unnecessary gimmicks, just a solid timepiece that works well.
Fans of the modern look can choose between a series of material and color combinations, all bearing the spirit of Porsche Design. The cases are made of either grey or black-coated titanium, and the simple dials are available in black, blue, blue/black, or white. Some variants feature a carbon dial or a gold bezel. The titanium, calfskin leather, rubber, or high-tech fabric straps emphasize the timepiece’s modern design.
If you have an interest in mechanical watches, then you probably care about the small details of a watch. The Chronotimer has plenty of details to celebrate. It features a large, fluted crown, making it easier to set the time; a dial-colored date disk, which contributes to the streamlined design; and blued screws in the movement, which are indicative of Porsche Design’s quality standards that go above and beyond appearances.
1919 Collection
The 1919 Collection is a series of exclusive, minimalist timepieces that celebrate pure aesthetics. The watches have modern features, including open-worked lugs that are seamlessly integrated into the cases and streamlined dials.
The 1919 Datetimer Eternity Brown Alligator Leather is an impressive embodiment of Porsche’s design values. So much so, in fact, that it was awarded the gold German Design Award. It has a minimalist case and a clean, three-hand dial with a date display. This watch is as simple and perfect as a Porsche 911.
In addition to the more simple Datetimer models, the collection also contains two watches with additional complications. The 1919 Globetimer has a 24-hour ring that displays a second time zone which is practical for those who travel often or have loved ones living on the other side of the world. Porsche Design goes one step further with their 1919 Chronotimer, creating a sporty chronograph that is still in line with the company’s puristic design ideals.
Discover these unique Porsche Design timepieces in the Chrono24 Brand Boutique.
