Porsche Design Abandons Its Distinctive Black Case for a Titanium Tribute to Its 1975 Chronograph 1 Design
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original 1975 uncoated stainless steel Chronograph I, Porsche Design unveils a faithful revival with modern enhancements in the form of the Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition. This watch pays homage to a design icon and marks a significant chapter in Porsche Design's innovative legacy.
Historical Context
The original Chronograph I debuted in 1972, breaking new ground as the world's first all-black watch, utilising pioneering anti-glare PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating technology. This technology was originally developed for fighter jets, setting a new standard for low-reflection, tool-watch aesthetics inspired by Porsche’s dashboard instruments.
In 1975, Porsche Design introduced the uncoated, matte-grey version made from stainless steel, shifting from the black-coated style to a more industrial, stripped-back look. The 2022 50th anniversary model revives this 1975 uncoated design, this time made from ultra-light titanium instead of stainless steel, limited to just 350 pieces worldwide, hand-made in Solothurn, Switzerland.
Key Features of the 1975 Limited Edition
The Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition boasts a number of impressive features:
- Case Material: Ultra-light, bead-blasted titanium with a matte grey finish, uncoated to replicate the 1975 model.
- Case Size: 40mm diameter, a standard for Chronograph 1 designs.
- Crystal: Sapphire with a 7-layer anti-reflective coating derived from Porsche cockpit display technology, ensuring optimal readability.
- Dial: Matte black dial inspired by Porsche 911 dashboard, with bold white indices and numerals, red chronograph seconds hand, and Super-LumiNova® coated hands and markers.
- Movement: COSC-certified Porsche Design manufacture calibre WERK 01.240 with flyback chronograph function, 48-hour power reserve, and bilingual date display in English and German.
- Case Back: Solid titanium case back engraved with vintage Porsche Design logo, the year 1975, and limited edition numbering (1 of 350); differs from modern display backs.
- Additional Functions: Flyback chronograph, tachymeter scale on rehaut, bilingual day-date window, and tool-watch functionality reflecting its motorsport heritage.
Significance
The Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition blends industrial simplicity with modern watch engineering and materials, honouring Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche’s original vision. It connects past and present, showcasing Porsche Design’s dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and motorsport-inspired aesthetics.
This edition revives a design icon, paying tribute to the uncoated, matte grey look of the 1975 model with lightweight titanium construction, modern COSC-certified movements, and a clear visual link to Porsche’s automotive roots.
The new limited edition of the Chronograph 1 retains the original's 40.8mm case size, hooded lugs, subtle bezel slope, and the way the case sides flow into the bracelet. The uniform matte finish across the case and bracelet of the new limited edition creates an almost industrial aesthetic.
The 1975 variant of the Chronograph 1 was designed with tool watch intentions, and this ethos is evident in the 1975 Limited Edition, which features a 100m water resistance and a titanium bracelet with a micro-adjustment clasp. A single pop of Guards Red is found on the chronograph seconds hand, adding a touch of colour to the otherwise monochromatic design.
The Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition is available now from the Porsche Design website for $9,650. This limited edition timepiece is a must-have for watch enthusiasts and Porsche aficionados alike, offering a unique blend of heritage and innovation.
The Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition combines industrial simplicity with modern watch engineering and materials, embodying Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche’s original vision and offering a unique blend of heritage and innovation. This timepiece, with its ultra-light titanium case and sapphire crystal, resembles more than just a gadget; it's a reflection of technology, embodying the style and elegance synonymous with Porsche Design.
