By John Galt
With the Chronometer series 1, Porsche Design presents its first complete collection which still holds dear to the principles laid down by Professor Ferdinand Porsche.
Continuing Porsche Design’s tradition with pure functionality the new Chronotimer 1 takes designs from the legendary chronograph 1 from 1972 and the titanium chronograph from 1980 with its matte black and titanium finish.
All the cases in the collection are 42mm in diameter (like the original Porsche Design Chronograph I, first released in 1972) and are also made of titanium. The lightweight-but-sturdy material pioneered by the Titanium Chronograph in 1980 and adopted by many ever since then. The bezels on the Chronotimer will be available in brushed titanium, black PVD-coated titanium, and for the first time from Porsche design available in 18k rose gold.
The dials come in three different versions in either black, carbon or a nice deep blue giving each piece a unique appearance but still keeping the aesthetics of the original from way back in yesteryear.
Straps on the new collection add a good extra dimension with a choice of titanium, leather, rubber and High-Tec fabric which adds a personal touch to each individual reference.
The movement in all the watches is the tried and tested ETA Valjoux 7750 (which was also used as the engine of the watches early-’70s forerunner), an integrated chronograph calibre with 48-hour power reserve and date indication at 3 O’clock, three chronograph sub-dials make up the rest of the dial with minutes at 12 O’clock, hours at 6 O’clock and running seconds at 9. A black-tinted sapphire crystal case back allows a view of the movement, including its distinctively styled Porsche Design rotor.
Water resistant to 5-bar making it ideal for use in all but the harshest environments.
Prices range from $4,450 – $7,950 with the collection due in stores from July.
Conclusion
Looking back to the past it’s not always a good thing but Porsche Design have taken to best parts of their past and updated it perfectly by adding many bezel and strap variations and they are to be applauded for their first complete collection. This is one Porsche Design watch not to overlook. For more info, please visit porsche-design.com
JOHN GALT – CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
John Galt caught thehorology bug back in 2010 on his first visit to a London watch show and has snowballed since; John has become an avid writer and blogger of timepieces of all kinds, from everyday timepieces to modern Luxury HauteHorology, his favorite brands being HYT and GreubelForsey that push the boundaries of modern watch-making. John keeps a keen interest in the UK watch scene with their many emerging brands and timepiece’s. John Galt currently contributes watch related articles for online publications in the UK and USA. You can follow John on Twitter @johng73 Read his articles here.
