Cars and watches have always been strongly connected: they are both devoted to precision, to details and style, to the same mechanical power (with less fuel for a watch, of course), and they both arouse similar passions and emotions. Enthusiasts of one industry more than often appreciate the other. And when it comes to Porsche Design, the links could not run deeper. And it isn’t just about a logo on a dial; it goes far beyond branding. The latest proof of this materialises in the new Porsche Design Sport Chrono Sub Second and the new Porsche Panamera…
Cars have been the main inspiration since the dawn of Porsche Design watches. It might sound obvious, but a reminder never hurts. For instance, Porsche Design’s Chronograph I – the brand’s inaugural watch in 1972 – was directly inspired by the instruments from the Porsche 911 dashboard with a matte black dial, pure white indices and hands and the central red stop seconds hand that mimicked the tachometer. Altogether, an essential, instrumental yet harmonious design that resulted from the underlying function, perfectly in line with the philosophy of Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche.
For 2020, Porsche has introduced a new version of its Panamera with revised aesthetics and a modernised interior – plus some technical updates for more efficiency. What matters most today has to do with the so-called “Sport Chrono Package”. This optional feature, in addition to a sharper chassis, a more reactive engine and gearbox settings and a louder exhaust, includes a clock on the dashboard that can serve as a lap timer. For the first time in a Porsche car, the 2020 Panamera includes an exclusive chronometer from Porsche Design, with a high-quality metal dial, ceramic indices and manufacture-made hands with Super-LumiNova. With its unmistakable design provenance, now that you can have that clock in your car, it would be nice to have the same look on your wrist… Problem solved with the Porsche Design Sport Chrono Sub Second.
This new model is based on the familiar architecture of the 1919 collection with its iconic, minimalist case design. True to F.A. Porsche’s philosophy, every shape or element has its raison d’être, resulting in a watch that is shaped like no other piece on the market. It starts with a sleek, cylinder-like central container. The rest is designed to enhance resistance, strength but also (and mainly) ergonomics. This case is shaped as a whole, as a homogeneous piece that follows the curvature of the wrist, with a hollowed lug module that makes the central case virtually a floating case. A very engineered piece of design, with presence and personality.
In the new Sport Chrono Sub Second, the case is made of titanium – a signature material for Porsche Design. The brand uses grade 5 titanium and contrasting finishings, with alternating sandblasted and polished surfaces. Overall, it adds a restrained yet luxurious touch to the watch. The case measures 42mm in diameter and 12.25mm in height. Not small, but its shape has been conceived with ergonomics in mind. Other specifications include a screw-down crown and solid titanium caseback for a comfortable 100m water-resistance.
As for the dial, the Porsche Design Sport Chrono Sub Second is unmistakably Porsche and creates the bridge between automotive and watchmaking industry. “From the dashboard to the wrist ” makes a lot of sense here, with a design identical to the clock found in the new Panamera, including the small seconds layout – something new for the brand. The dials are circular-brushed in the centre with pure white markers and tracks for enhanced legibility. The hands and indexes have a decent amount of SLN and the overall look is functional, clean but still noticeable and elegant.
The watch comes in three flavours: a classic black dial on a black strap; a modern and sleek blue dial on a blue strap; and a warmer brown dial on a brown strap. Note that the straps, closed by a titanium-folding clasp, are made from genuine Porsche car leather and look stunning.
Who says a new display implies new mechanics? Indeed, the Porsche Design Sport Chrono Sub Second inaugurates the new calibre WERK 03.200, an automatic movement with COSC certification that has been developed for this watch. Running at 4Hz, it boasts 38h of power reserve and indicates the hours, minutes, small seconds and a date at 3 o’clock on a disc matching the dial. Even if not visible, it features the Porsche Design Icon Rotor.
Price and availability
The new Porsche Design Sport Chrono Sub Second has been available since September 2020 in Porsche Design Stores, at selected retailers, and online at www.porsche-design.com. It is priced at EUR 4,450 (incl. taxes).