For 2015, Porsche Design goes back to some impressive roots few people may know about. In 1972, the brand presented the first watch designed for it by F.A. Porsche – the matte black Chronograph 1. It’s said to have been the world’s first matte black watch, and as such, it certainly has to stand as a modern design icon.
The new watch is known as the Chronotimer Series 1, and it marks the beginning of a new era for the brand. Designed entirely by Porsche Design Timepieces AG in the Solothurn, Switzerland, the new model embraces the all-black look Mr. Porsche chose because it minimizes distractions and allows racing drivers to focus on the crucial data provided by the numbers and the hands.
The Chronotimer Series 1 also continues another tradition Porsche Design helped launch – titanium watches. This watchmaking first takes us back to 1980 and the launch of the Titan Chronograph, created in collaboration with IWC. As with the matte black look, today there are many titanium watches, but the first was certainly a groundbreaking achievement, as titanium was considered an exotic material at the time. The Chronotimer Series 1 case, bracelet and folding clasp are all formed from glass-bead-blasted titanium, and as such, the watch features light weight, excellent durability, and skin-friendly characteristics.
The Chronotimer Series 1 case measures 42mm in diameter and 14.6 mm thick with 50 meter water resistance. The movement is a Valjoux 7750 with a 48-hour power reserve. The domed sapphire crystal features a double-anti-reflective coating.
Complete technical specifications appear below. The watch will be available this summer. Prices will range from $5,590 on strap and $6,290 as shown above to $9,990 in titanium and 18k rose gold.
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