Porsche Design CHRONOGRAPH 1 – 1972 LIMITED EDITION WAP0710090N072

 

Porsche Design Chronograph 1 1972 Limited Edition

When I think of great design, I immediately think of things like the timeless concept, the original Sony Walkman and the Porsche 911, to name a few. Sure, there are a few watches on the list, typical things like a Patek Philippe 1815 or a Vacheron Constantin Cornes de vache, you know the type - but there are also beautiful, beautiful features that are not so traditional. JLC Deep Sea Alarm, Sinn EZM1, even Porsche Design Chronograph 1. The last one happens to be from the same hand who designed the Porsche 911 and aims to express his design philosophy through different practical themes. Crossovers rarely work as well as they sound on paper, but every now and then a Bo Jackson pops up to make it look effortless. Here's a Ferdinand "Butzi" Porsche and Porsche Design Chronograph 1 from 1972, replica Porsche Design Chronotimer Watches

The original Chronograph 1 put the all-black watch on the map. The watch has a steel case and bracelet that is completely black-coated, adding a black dial in the process to create a sure "ambience" even at the time. As we've been told, the intention is to put the form completely behind the function, there's no greater contrast than white on black. Okay, we're going to record some style points based on the date and the sweet "PD" logo above the date window. There's also a sweet case design.

There's even more legacy to this watch, and we'll be comparing the original to the reissue in the coming weeks. For now, this is our impression of Porsche Design's latest attempt to capture the spirit of the original in the new Chronograph 1 1972 Limited Edition.

The latest chapter of the Chronograph 1 goes back to its roots. It's a modern replica watches wholesale that captures the spirit of the original with a deft hand, which means it's not a copy/paste, but a thoughtful interpretation. A fresh look at this watch reveals that its design is as relevant today as it was in 1972. Of course, all-black watches are more common today, but this is a watch that is naturally worn and feels like it was made for this color scheme. A clean steel version looks new and cool, but still weird.

The dial and the case have a very good synergy. They complement each other, demarcated by the sparse tachymeter scale. The proportions of this transition have been reworked when viewed next to the original, which is the biggest illustration that some serious consideration has been given to recreate this design in a way that is not immediately apparent.

A closer look at the dial reveals sub-registers sunk into their own space, only visible from certain angles. Legibility is obviously still the main focus here, so there's no faux patina or yellow/brown lumens, it's pure white and matte black. Even at a glance, the hands and hour markers jump off the dial, and while there's a lot inside the dial, there's plenty of breathing room between each component. The bright red chronograph seconds hand contrasts sharply with the surrounding black and white landscape. I would welcome the use of the corresponding red chronograph hands in the hour and minute accumulators, as some older military references are received, but the single red second hand provides the most impact.replica Richard Mille Felipe Massa

One of the most popular details on the dial is the original "PD" logo that remains above the day and date apertures. This style is very satisfying, offering a look that defines the era of its origin. It's a single part of this watch that I don't see today, and it adds a personality here.

The biggest difference from the original is that the case and bracelet are made of titanium, and the finish brings a black titanium carbide coating that has been glass bead blasted for a satin-matte finish. It's soft to the touch, light on the wrist, and doesn't (probably) crumble under pressure. I wouldn't call it a lightweight watch, but thanks to the material choices, it manages its weight gracefully, which is a benefit on the wrist.

Luckily, Porsche Design refused to oversize the case and controlled a diameter above 40mm and an end-to-end length below 45mm. The thickness is about 14mm, which is a side effect of the field, but it is as wear-resistant as possible. All things considered, I think the overall weight of the case, bracelet and watch is perfectly ergonomic.swiss replica watches

The H-link bracelet is slightly tapered with the thick clasp with the same "PD" logo. Inside the clasp is a neat micro-adjustment system that provides a decent amount of slip to make sure it's just right, or to make quick adjustments on the go. It's a lightweight, comfortable bracelet, and in this GP Ice Race edition, it has a quick-release end link that slides out at the push of a button. These types of features are becoming more common these days, but they're only as valuable as the other strap options available to you. In this case, there's no traditional lug design and you're looking for a custom option, or the extra white nylon strap on offer, which has enough length to wear over a large jacket or coat. It looks great, but isn't exactly practical in most situations.

The extra strap does come with an end link that slides into the case, and if the white strap is removable, that would provide a great opportunity to attach any strap to the watch. Unfortunately, that white strap is sewn on. So close, yet so far. Thankfully, the bracelet is perfect for the watch, but it's still nice to have options, and they've obviously gone through the trouble of making quick-release end links. With the end links removed, there's room for a regular 22mm spring bar, and some tight clearance that some straps might be able to manage if you want to go that route.

Since 01.200 in 2017, Porsche Design has been moving upstream with in-house movements under the Werk flag. Chronograph 1 uses the WERK 01.140, a chronometer automatic chronograph with date and date complication. There aren't many details about this movement, but the concentric spiral adjusting arms on the balance bridge, which is the signature style of the Concepto design, could be the starting point here. Very similar to the Concepto C9901 used by Sinn, this movement is very close to the 7750 itself. Porsche Design isn't clear on what modifications and changes, or even components, are, but the observatory specification is certainly welcome. It is worth mentioning that the Chronograph 1 subtly features the oscillating rotor of the 7750.replica Graham Chronofighter Oversize Watches

The source of motion feels a bit like a ValFleurier – Richemont or Kenissi – Tudor type of situation, where the lines of ownership are less clear. Frankly, making a good movement from scratch is quite difficult, and I would feel more comfortable knowing that it was sourced from a manufacturer with a proven track record. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Adding a little transparency here would go a long way, as would removing the ambiguous "internal" language we've all become a little numb to. There's a broader discussion here, best left for another day, but since it's related to this Porsche Design Chronograph 1, the movement has performed well so far, and I'd sleep better knowing its pedigree with the 7750 better.

A new movement, a titanium case and bracelet, and an updated vintage design all give the Chronograph 1 a very compelling on-wrist experience. There is no doubt an element of nostalgia here, but it needs to be used and not set. It was a watch that led the all-black trend that never really subsided in the decades that followed. Today, I would prefer not to call it a trend but more of a style, and in the sea of ​​black watches offered by various watch brands, the Chronograph 1 remains a prime example of how to do it right.

There is a link between the design of the Chronograph 1 and the 911 of its production era. The connection feels more organic than what I've seen in the modern Porsche Design watch collection and the modern Porsche 911. Put the 992 next to the LWB 911 from the late 60s and the evolution is obvious. Compared to the Chronograph 1, something seems to be missing from the modern Porsche Design chronograph design language. This 1972 LE is a reminder of what the original vision was.discount replica watches