The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 was revolutionary as the world’s first all-black watch.Photo by Henry Phillips for Gear Patrol
Now, Porsche Design is celebrating the Chronograph 1 with a new version of the watch that pays tribute to a lesser-known part of the original’s story.
The 1975… Limited Edition
Back in 1972, Porsche Design turned heads when it used then-groundbreaking PVD technology to create the world’s first all-black watch, the Chronograph 1. But that wasn’t the only version of the watch.
Three years later, in 1975, the brand released a Chronograph 1 in uncoated stainless steel as a complement to the original. This version of the watch was less radical than the all-black version and was suitable for people who liked the overall design of the 911-inspired chronograph but preferred the more traditional look of natural steel to a blacked-out watch.
Porsche Design has brought back the lesser-known version of its iconic chronograph after 50 years.Porsche Design
Now, Porsche Design is marking the 50th anniversary of this lesser-known Chronograph 1 with a new version of the watch in uncoated, beadblasted titanium to complement the modern Chronograph 1 All-Black Numbered Edition, which is also made from titanium rather than stainless steel.
This marks the first time the brand has created a Chronograph 1 in uncoated titanium for the general public. There have been some previous versions, but all were exclusively available to purchase by owners of certain limited-edition Porsche sports cars.
You don’t need to own a 911 to purchase the new Chronograph 1 … but it sure doesn’t hurt. Porsche Design
Outside of the color change on the case and bracelet, this is largely the same watch as Porsche Design’s current standard bearer for the Chronograph 1, the All-Black Numbered Edition. Like that watch, the new 1975 Limited Edition features a Porsche 911 dashboard-inspired matte-black dial with white markings, white hands and a red chronograph seconds hand.
The only differences on the dial are found around the day-date window at 3:00. The new watch uses Porsche Design’s vintage logo and script instead of the modern style of the All-Black version, and it also omits the words “chronometer certified,” though the watch’s movement remains COSC-certified.
The dial retains the classic design and colors of the 1970s watch.Porsche Design
Speaking of the movement, that’s another difference between the modern black and non-black Chronograph 1s, albeit a minor one. The 1975 Limited Edition uses PD’s manufacture calibre WERK 01.240, which is an updated version of the WERK 01.140 powering the All-Black. Both are COSC-certified automatic chronographs with flyback functionality, a bilingual day-date window (English and German) and a 48-hour power reserve.
The casebacks are also different. While the All-Black features a sapphire display back showing off the movement, the uncoated model has a solid caseback featuring the vintage Porche Design logo and commemorating its status as the 1975 Limited Edition, including its number from 1–350.
Unlike the modern All-Black Chronograph 1, the uncoated version features a closed rather than display caseback.Porsche Design
Pricing and Availability
While you don’t need to own a new Porsche to purchase the Chronograph 1 1975 Limited Edition, the watch is still quite limited in number.
Just 350 examples have been produced, each one individually numbered and priced at $9,650 — the same price as the All-Black Numbered Edition.
The watch is being launched through a partnership with retailer Watches of Switzerland and is available to purchase at select WoS and Porsche Center locations, as well as online at both stores.
Porsche Design
Porsche Design Chronograph 1 1975 Limited Edition
Specs
Case Size
40.8mm
Movement
Porsche Design Cal. WERK 01.240 automatic flyback chronograph
Johnny Brayson is an editor at Gear Patrol mostly covering watches. He enjoys watches that are packed with blink-and-you’ll-miss-’em details and believes nearly every watch could stand to be a tad smaller.
