Why does Porsche Design get so little love with WIS? Is their history not well known?
I believe that my Porsche Design ChronoTimer Series 1 is such an underrated watch. In 1972 the brand presented the first watch designed for it by F.A. BUTZI Porsche- The matte black chronograph. It’s said to have been the worlds first matte black watch, and as such it certainly has to stand as a modern design icon. Most people don’t know that the ChronoTimer Series 1 continues another tradition that 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 looks, today there are many titanium watches, but the first was certainly a groundbreaking achievement, as titanium was considered an exotic material at the time. This watch brings back their roots and designs it for the modern era. Powered by a COSC certified ETA/Valijoux 7750 workhorse that is visible through the tinted exhibition case-back. It’s easy to service when needed and not cost prohibitive even though it’s a chronograph. Mine keeps time at an average of +1.8sec a day. Helps that you can find them for 65-75% off MSRP!😜🙈
Below is watch a picture of watch nerd Ferdinand Alexander Porsche.
Welcome to TheHoroSexual, the ultimate haven for those who pulse to the rhythm of watch hands. This account is more than a collection of timepieces; it’s a deep dive into the heart of horology, celebr...
The all caps made that a hard read, but I do believe amongst enthusiasts it gets love. The average fan, without context quickly dismisses it since 1) Porsche? 2) Porsche Design makes everything under the sun and watches seem like just another branding exercise. They would be wrong in this case.
My apologies. I’ll try and reformat it. I transferred the text from a post I made on Instagram. sorry bout that.
Personally, I don't like matte black (well for synthetic stuff where it is innate, fine) or titanium (or chronographs) and modernity is a dirty word. I'll just say that it is a niche taste. And I probably agree with whatever I wrote last time the topic came up.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/HotWatchChick69/posts/why-is-it-that-porsche-design-get-no-love-7458#comment-56691
Ha, I said "niche" then too!
The character Jack Shepard from the LOST TV show wears a Porsche Design, I think. I thought that was kind of cool, but I didn't know too much about watches back then.
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/jack-shephards-porsche-design-watch-on-lost/
I just learned more of the PD history on TGN podcast as I admitted haven’t dug into it myself. Pretty interesting. I think they make great stuff if not a little pricey. The design language definitely fits a certain taste, but yours is a beauty.
I just learned more of the PD history on TGN podcast as I admitted haven’t dug into it myself. Pretty interesting. I think they make great stuff if not a little pricey. The design language definitely fits a certain taste, but yours is a beauty.
I appreciate the compliment! I definitely don’t think I would consider buying one of their watches at full list price. (Unless I was customizing a new Porsche GT model and wanted a watch to match. They have a relatively new program that lets your design your own watch along with your custom car build.) But when an almost $8k watch is offered for around 70% off, I succumbed to the temptation. 😅
You're right. Cool watch that I don't think about at all but I remember liking the one from the original Top Gun movie. Maybe it's because when thinking about the name, you get drawn to the cars so much that nothing else comes to mind.
Because they make cars? When Rolex starts making cars, they won’t get any love from me either.
That was a joke, but I imagine it might be confusing to people because the name is so well known from the automotive world. If some company named Ferrari Design starts making watches, I’ll be skeptical. Maybe they’ll be great watches, but it’s going to take some convincing to not dismiss them out of hand. Maybe not fair, but I think that’s probably the issue.
PD is really cool, glad someone is writing about it more
I’ve got great memories of PD from the 80s, which will forever be the decade I mentally attach the watches to. Super cool in ‘85
So, while I’ve starred and favourited the odd used one I’ve seen on sale over the last few years…
…actually pulling the trigger and buying seems unlikely. Too many other grails I’m chasing 😉
Quite a bit more than I'm willing to spend on a watch, but I really like them! But I like chronographs.
Because they make cars? When Rolex starts making cars, they won’t get any love from me either.
That was a joke, but I imagine it might be confusing to people because the name is so well known from the automotive world. If some company named Ferrari Design starts making watches, I’ll be skeptical. Maybe they’ll be great watches, but it’s going to take some convincing to not dismiss them out of hand. Maybe not fair, but I think that’s probably the issue.
Yeah, I understand that sentiment but with 50 years of watchmaking history, it’s not just car branded merchandise. Ferdinand Porsche got kicked out of the family automotive business and had to do something so he started Porsche Design. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t really go out of its way to market its history. I guess at the end of the day, I’m not really too disappointed since this issue allowed me to purchase an amazing watch for an absolute steal!! 🍻
I’ve got great memories of PD from the 80s, which will forever be the decade I mentally attach the watches to. Super cool in ‘85
So, while I’ve starred and favourited the odd used one I’ve seen on sale over the last few years…
…actually pulling the trigger and buying seems unlikely. Too many other grails I’m chasing 😉
I feel you!!! This was one of the my first serious watches. I’ve always loved the look and function of chronographs and my particular Chronotimer Series 1 with the rose gold bezel spruces it up a tad and makes it a bit more versatile- IMHO. I definitely got afflicted with the watch collecting virus!! I’ve bought way too many Tudors this past year waiting for some Rolex’s 🙈 However, I truly adore all the watches in my collection. I think the sign of a true horology enthusiast is one who enjoys multiple brands and not just the Rolex‘s of the world. I’ve found so much joy in my Grand Seiko and Porsche Design watches. I truly look forward to one day owning some Holy Trinity grails!! Best of luck in your watch journey and enjoy them in the best of health! 🍻
Quite a bit more than I'm willing to spend on a watch, but I really like them! But I like chronographs.
Oh ya! I’m a sucker for a chronograph As well! I only have like 5 or 6! 😅🙈
in the 80s my father gave me some quartz porshe design watch
i remember it well..
now i need to find it
I feel you!!! This was one of the my first serious watches. I’ve always loved the look and function of chronographs and my particular Chronotimer Series 1 with the rose gold bezel spruces it up a tad and makes it a bit more versatile- IMHO. I definitely got afflicted with the watch collecting virus!! I’ve bought way too many Tudors this past year waiting for some Rolex’s 🙈 However, I truly adore all the watches in my collection. I think the sign of a true horology enthusiast is one who enjoys multiple brands and not just the Rolex‘s of the world. I’ve found so much joy in my Grand Seiko and Porsche Design watches. I truly look forward to one day owning some Holy Trinity grails!! Best of luck in your watch journey and enjoy them in the best of health! 🍻
PD brings me back here: 😀
Fashion brand for a niche market.
Looks cool 😎 But for the price I could get pretty much anything I would want and there is a lot I would want before I got Porsche Design ☺️
Fashion brand for a niche market.
It's not that their products are bad, but they are essentially producing lifestyle products, and are milking the Porsche brand for all that it's worth.
PD is not alone in that regard. There are a number of watchmakers where I can't quite get over their marketing.
This counts as a fashion watch to me. So I'm not at all interested.