2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Porsche Design and in looking back at what has been a half century of success, the business is bringing back the Chronograph 1.
Porsche Design has described the comeback as one of the highlights of this year’s anniversary designs across all product categories, especially given it was the very first Porsche Design product launched in 1972.
Two new models of the Chronograph 1 will be released alongside a one-of-a-kind restored 1972 Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa Classic, and the new 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design that is limited to only 750 vehicles worldwide.
The timepieces are part of a special 50-Year Porsche Design Capsule Collection inspired by the brand’s rich design legacy that also includes sunglasses, apparel, sneakers, accessories and luggage.
The limited edition capsule collection is set to launch in Porsche Design stores and the official online store on January 18th, with additional product launches scheduled throughout 2022.
Dr. Jan Beckerm CEO of the Porsche Lifestyle Group, said: “I am delighted that the philosophy and pioneering design language of our founder, F. A. Porsche, lives on in every Porsche Design product.
“Today, the brand represents an entire lifestyle and manages again and again to combine technical innovations with maximum functionality and puristic design to set new standards.”
The Chronograph 1 is a matte-black timepiece that took design ques from the dashboard of Porsche sports cars and transferred them to the wrist to make reading the time on the watch as efficient as possible. White numbers and hands on a black dial achieved this.
The new Chronograph 1 – 1972 Limited Edition pays homage to the original while bringing it up to current day performance standards, including a new automatic and COSC certified Porsche Design caliber WERK 01.140 movement and water resistant case.
The design of the timepiece remains completely unchanged with the dial, crown, clasp and case back all bearing the historic Porsche Design logo while the tachymeter scale around the dial, as well as the day and date display, use original 1972 typography.
The baton hands also bear the original rectangular shape.
One key enhancement is the use of high performance titanium for the case and watch strap, a material derived from motorsports and used in nearly all Porsche Design timepieces today.
Another noteworthy change is where the Chronograph 1 – 1972 Limited Edition is manufactured.
As of 2014, all Porsche Design Timepieces are produced in-house at Porsche Design Timepieces AG, the brand’s own timepiece manufacturing facility in Solothurn, Switzerland.
The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 1972 Limited Edition is limited to only 500 pieces worldwide and is now available at Porsche Design stores and online at a RRP of $7,700.
