Porsche Design presents The Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition

Knowing the close connection between Porsche, the car manufacturer, and Porsche Design, the studio founded by F. A. Porsche, we’ve become used to seeing watches paying tribute to the carmaker’s most emblematic releases. Now, in 2024, Porsche is celebrating the 50th anniversary of a true icon on wheels, the fastest street sports car of its era, the 911 Turbo. Presented in 1974, only two years after the creation of Porsche Design, the studio treats us to a special edition based on the cult Chronograph I, which adapts characteristic design elements of the first Porsche 911 Turbo. 

When Porsche unveiled the 911 Turbo at the 1974 Paris Motor Show, it created a blast. Based on the legendary 911 introduced in 1963, the Turbo was fast, provocative, and dangerous, with its 3.0-litre 6-cylinder boxer engine delivering an incredible 260hp. Yes, back in the day, these figures were making headlines, while now a compact hatchback does better. But this doesn’t remove anything from the iconic status of the Turbo, a car that left its mark on the automotive industry and became a true poster-worthy machine.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Turbo will be honoured by Porsche with a special edition 992 Turbo S, as well as a limited edition by Porsche Design based on the Chronograph I. This watch was designed by F.A. Porsche in 1972 as the first product to come out of this studio – and don’t forget that F.A. was also the designer of the Porsche 911. This “sports car for the wrist” came with a minimalist design following the design principles of the Porsche 911, using a black case with a low-reflection black dial inspired by dashboard instruments.

This emblematic 1972 model serves as a base for the creation of a limited edition celebrating the 911 Turbo, yet with modern tech in mind. The case, which retains most of the design cues of the vintage watch, measures 40.8mm in diameter and is made using ultra-light and durable titanium and finished with a scratch-resistant, black titanium carbide coating. Its simplistic, functional design has stood the test of time and remains one of the best racing chronographs of the brand. The case is completed by sapphire crystals on both sides, a screw-down crown and a comfortable 100m water-resistance.

As for the dial of this Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition, Porsche Design keeps things simple and avoids an overload of branding. The matte black dial, inspired by the instrument panel of the first 911 Turbo, features white markings and luminous hands, as well as red chronograph hands. A nice little touch: the brand brings back the historical PD logo and the “Flyback” inscription above the 6 o’clock position is in front of the historic 911 dashboard.

Turning the watch over, you’ll be welcomed by a rotor shaped like the iconic Fuchs wheel that equipped the 1974 Turbo car, with the embossed Porsche Crest in the middle. Underneath is the calibre WERK 01.240, a proprietary movement based on the 7750 architecture deeply modified with a flyback function and specific bridges and plates. This automatic chronograph runs at 4Hz and stores up to 48 hours of power reserve, while its precision is chronometer-certified by COSC.

The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition comes with a beige-coloured textile leather strap with a black velcro fastener and black loops. The choice of colour for the strap pays homage to the metallic beige paintwork and the full leather interior of the first Porsche 911 Turbo. A distinctive badge on the strap at the 6 o’clock position displays the iconic Turbo branding. In addition, Porsche Design provides a titanium bracelet with black titanium carbide coating and is equipped with a quick-change system.

Now available from Porsche Design stores and in the brand’s online boutique, the Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition is limited to 500 pieces and retails for USD 12,000 or EUR 10,950. For more details, please visit www.porsche-design.com.