Hands-On – Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24H-Chronotimer LE, Racing Wristwatch Technology

Porsche Design is on a roll these last few years, and we fully support that. Well built, thoughtful designs along the quintessential German design aesthetics; properly crafted and free from unnecessary frills whilst remaining very ergonomic and superbly user-friendly. The new Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24H-Chronotimer is no exception, as we told you before, and the extra special Limited Edition in black emphasizes that. Oh, and there is the historical relevance of a blackened Porsche Design watch.

We are not shy about expressing our enthusiasm for the German and Porsche affiliated brand. One of the key elements is the way these watches are built, with relevance and heritage in mind but also not losing sight of the German way of engineering. And the Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24H-Chronotimer Limited Edition (and the non-LE’s for that matter) is no exception. We’ve covered Porsche Design’s latest creation before, but that doesn’t stop us from sharing another story on this special version, as the crown in the collection.

The biggest feat of the Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24h-Chronotimer Limited Edition is the integration of regular pushers to start, stop and reset a chronograph, into a rocker-style part of the caseband. The beauty of this is that it keeps the watch pure, restrained, and without any disturbances other than the crown to the Monobloc case. The use of the rocker-like actuator is extremely smooth and precise. It slides over the glass with an absolute bare minimum in regards to tolerance. High enough to not scratch the sapphire crystal, low enough to not let dirt or water coming in. The gaps surrounding the rocker-like actuator are next to nothing, yet it is extremely accurate and smooth when pushed or used. It does not stick or snag anywhere (as it shouldn’t, of course). It also allows you to explain everything about this because no one really spots what makes this watch special – despite the dial featuring a chronograph layout and all. The swivelled activator is a real under the radar party-piece, and most people react surprised when learning about it.

Our contributor Tom explained before that the principal of the actuator is based on the mechanical valve control system in the latest Porsche 911 RSR race car. Of course, Porsche Design has been interlinked with Porsche as a car manufacturer throughout its history, despite being a stand-alone company. The link between the two has been ever present, but mostly on the design side or choice of materials. Hardly on the mechanical engineering of engine parts, but with this one, the result is pretty impressive. Yes, it is a large watch, and a bit on the thick side for most, but the build, as has been the default with Porsche Design watches for a few years now, is just superb.

The Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24h-Chronotimer is a true testament to Deutsche “Gründlichkeit”, German efficiency. The integration of the smooth rubber strap, following the sharp angle of the cuts in the case at 12 and 6, is done with great attention to detail. No gaps, no apparent transition in look and feel, it really is makes it a complete package. A subtle vanilla tone, just as other high-end brands do to mask the smell of rubber, and a double folding buckle mounted with a buckle and tang to the strap, complete it. Subtle brand references like the cutout “Porsche Design” name in the strap and on the bottom of the caseband remind you what you are wearing, besides the PD-logo on the dial. Another neat feature is the concave scale on the inside of what you could call the bezel, used for the indication of the second time-zone. The sapphire crystal sits lower than the bezel, which keeps it protected in tougher environments, for instance behind the wheel of your “Elfer”.

So what sets this Limited Edition apart from the regular collection? Well, the non-limited watches are fitted with a flat black dial for the black coated titanium version or blue or black sunburst dial for the titanium ones. On the Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24h-Chronotimer Limited Edition, you’ll find a dial made of carbon fibre with red chapter ring on the inside of the tachymeter scale, and also for the chronograph subdials to further emphasize the racing theme of the watch – in addition, note that Porsche Design is the Official Timing Partner of Porsche Motorsport GT Team and that this Limited Edition is a homage to their Partnership with Porsche Motorsport.

Another feature that is striking is the running seconds’ indicator, printed with a checkered flag-like design, as if you actually cross the finish line (hopefully in your Porsche 911 RSR, and hopefully; first!) It will be offered as a limited edition of 251 pieces. Weird number at first maybe, but it is the measurement of the wheelbase of the Porsche 911 RSR. Four watches will be handed out to the Porsche Design Racing Challenge 2017, so considering this, only 247 will be factory fresh and available for you.

The Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24h-Chronotimer Limited Edition will cost you EUR 6,950 and is available through the online shop of Porsche Design (at this page) and at authorized dealers. More information on Porsche-Design.com.

Technical Specifications – Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24h-Chronotimer Limited Edition

• Case: 45.5mm diameter x 15.6mm height – glass-bead blasted titanium with black titanium carbide coating – sapphire crystal with sevenfold anti-reflective coating and tinted sapphire crystal on the case back – water resistant to 100m
• Movement: Valjoux 7754 – mechanical with automatic winding – 48h power reserve – 28,800vph – 25 jewels – hours, minutes, chronograph, GMT hand, date
• Strap: integrated rubber strap
• Reference: 4046901564148
• Limited Edition: 251 pieces
• Availability: As of October 2017
• Price: EUR 6,950 (compared to EUR 5,950 for the non-limited titanium on rubber version and EUR 6,450 for the full titanium black or blue dial version)