The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 All Titanium, now as a Non-Limited Edition

While most attention in Porsche Design’s timekeeping history probably goes to the original 1972 all-black Chronograph 1 and its modern-day spin-offs, it’s far from all Porsche Design has done over the years. Released in 1972, the Chronograph 1 is still regarded as the cornerstone model for the brand, and as such is reinterpreted in a more modern but no less functional chronograph watch. A couple of years after its debut in black, though, which also happened to be the very first commercial product by the newly founded company in 1972, a full titanium edition was introduced. Now, following last year’s reintroduction of the 1975 Limited Edition of that very watch, Porsche Design adds a non-limited edition counterpart to the collection. This is the new Porsche Design Chronograph 1 All Titanium.

In Short

While we’ll go into detail on this bare-titanium edition of the iconic Chronograph 1, of course, here’s what you need to know about how this one compares with last year’s limited edition of the Chronograph 1 in titanium:

• No longer limited by number, but by annual production capacity (1,000 pieces per year)
• New modern PD-style Porsche Design logo instead of the vintage one
• “Chronometer Certified” script on the dial
• Open Caseback instead of closed

The Details

With a diameter of 40.8mm across and 14.15mm in height, this is not a small watch, but it hugs the wrist quite nicely. When handling and wearing it, you certainly feel the benefit of titanium, which is about a third lighter than conventional steel. Similar to its blacked-out sibling, the Chronograph 1 All Titanium is virtually glare-free, as the only reflective element on the watch is the sapphire crystal. The Chronograph 1 All Titanium is dynamically water resistant to 100 meters, which means you can operate the chronograph underwater with no issue.

This crystal covers a deep black dial finished with contrasting white markings and hands, and a bright red chronograph seconds hand. The differences with the 1975 Limited Edition are only minimal, but matter to purists, perhaps. For starters, you get a modern Porsche Design logo which fully integrates the P and D instead of putting them side-by-side. Underneath the dual day-date window, the line “Chronometer Certified” is printed in grey, where it previously was absent. For the rest, you get the exact same extremely legible and pure layout.

Porsche Design also uncovers its WERK 01.240 calibre by replacing the closed caseback with a sapphire crystal one. The flyback chronograph movement, running at a rate of 28,800vph and delivering a power reserve of 48 hours, is certified as a chronometer by COSC, which is always pleasant. The finishing is modern, with black PD-signed bridges and plates, and an openworked central rotor with the PD logo as its centrepiece. Contrat comes in the form of polished steel and gold-coloured components, and on the outside ring of the caseback, the laser-engravings reveal details such as the individual number, water resistance and so on.

The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 All Titanium is a numbered edition, instead of a limited edition, yet has an annual production cap of 1,000 pieces. It’s presented, as expected to be honest, on a titanium bracelet with a glass bead-blasted finish to match the case. For ease of comfort, it has a very practical and easy-to-use quick-release system and a micro-adjustable folding clasp. The price is set at EUR 7,950.

For more information, please visit Porsche-Design.com.