In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Design presents the Chronograph 1 - 50 Jahre —50 year— 911 Turbo Edition. This new watch pays tribute to the legendary sports car that debuted at the 1974 Paris Motor Show. On October 6, 1974, the Porsche 911 Turbo was presented for the first time and made quite an impression with its technical excellence such as a top speed of 250 km/h, and the unmistakable Turbo design, including a large rear spoiler —whale tail— and widened body.
Two years earlier, the success story of the Chronograph 1 began, which is based on the same principle of precision and performance as the 911 Turbo. Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche later summed it up like this:
“My aim was to design a watch for the 911 driver.”
A goal he achieved uniquely with the Chronograph 1. The symbiosis of form and function convinced the newly formed group of Turbo drivers and enthusiasts in particular, who could now express their belonging to this exclusive community off the road as well. With the new and strictly limited Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition, Porsche Design is not only celebrating the anniversary of the unique 911 Turbo but also 50 years of “sports cars on your wrist.”
The constant optimization of function through the use of new technology and new materials is what makes the 911 Turbo so successful. Following this tradition, the case of the Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition is also no longer made of stainless steel, but of ultra-light, durable Black carbide-coated titanium that has been glass bead blasted. The case measures 40.8 mm in diameter and is fitted with a screw-down crown, screwed case back, and is water resistant to 100 meters.
The Fuchsfelge —Fuchs wheel— developed in 1966 was made from a single piece of aluminum, provided more spontaneous reactions from the chassis, and now holds cult status. The characteristic cloverleaf design goes back to F. A. Porsche. To mark the 50th anniversary of the Turbo, the design of the Fuchsfelge was adapted into a winding rotor for driving the chronograph calibre.
Another highlight is the sapphire crystal display case back with seven-fold anti-reflective sapphire crystal and exclusive Turbo design elements such as the iconic 'turbo' lettering on the case back. Through the display case back one can admire the The matte black chrome-plated Fuchs rotor with embossed Porsche Crest leaves no doubt about the unique connection with the 911 Turbo.
The dial of the 1972 Chronograph 1 embodied the optimum from the very beginning and was therefore adopted almost unchanged for the Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition. Just like back then in the cockpit, the white hands and indices in combination with the puristic, matte Black dial ensure optimal readability. The flyback lettering above the 6 o'clock mark references the lettering of the boost pressure gauge of the 911, completing the transfer from the race track to the wrist. For those of you wondering, the biggest difference between this new Porsche Design Chronograph 1 - 50 Year 911 Turbo Edition and its predecessor the Chronograph 1 - All Black Numbered Edition is that the previous iteration doesn’t come with interchangeable straps, and the burnt red hands for all the chronograph indicators are all white.
The Chronograph 1 – 50 Years of the 911 Turbo Edition references the world's fastest production vehicle with a quick-change strap system, allowing for a quick and easy switch between the Black titanium bracelet and the additional, exclusive 50 Years Turbo textile/leather strap. The Beige textile/leather strap features a Black Velcro fastener and a striking badge with 'turbo' lettering. The color is derived from one of the characteristic paint and interior colors of the 930 Turbo.
The 911 Turbo as the technology leader of the 911 series has underscored the innovation and engineering performance of Porsche. The development and production of the chronographs by hand in the Porsche factory in Switzerland also ensures the highest precision and performance. This is where the expertise of sports car and watch experts converge. The outstanding Porsche Design Chronograph calibre WERK 01.240 —powering the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 - 50 Jahre 911 Turbo Edition— with COSC certification consistently showcases this exceptional performance and the synergy between both fields. This 25-jewel automatic movement provides a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound.
The watch is delivered in a special presentation box that includes a COSC certificate and a special plaque with the individual number for the watch out of the limited edition of only 500 pieces.
Sticker Price USD 12,000. More info on Porsche Design here.
