It is hard to believe that it was only mere months ago at Baselworld 2017 that Porsche Design introduced what I believe is one of the most interesting chronographs of the past few decades: the Monobloc Actuator.
This state-of-the-art chronograph’s claim to fame is for once not about the movement but rather the case and the operation of the start, stop, and reset functions.
Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator All Titanium
Instead of conventional pushers, the Monobloc Actuator – made of light and robust titanium in homage to Porsche Design’s early chronographs – features a pressure-operated, double-sided rocker switch integrated into the right side of its case.
The inspiration for the chronograph pusher element originated in the engine concept of the new Porsche 911 RSR as the timepiece was developed in conjunction with the engineers from Porsche’s think-tank, Development Centre Weissach in Germany. And despite its unusual motion, the rocker mechanism remains water resistant to 100 meters.
The Monobloc Actuator once again highlights that cars and chronographs have a lot in common: they share the same values in terms of precision, functionality, and performance. Also, the design of both is considered highly challenging.
Last but not least – and maybe most importantly – there is hardly a pair of product categories that thrills lovers of mechanics and engineering as much as cars and watches do.
As you might guess, I am among the admirers of this timepiece, and I do agree with many expert voices that this masterpiece of engineering might be considered a good evolution of the standard chronograph.
Back to the track
But let’s speed back to the race track now and talk about Porsche Design’s latest introduction, a limited edition flyback chronograph powered by nothing less than the brand’s first in-house movement, which is even certified with an official C.O.S.C. certificate for accuracy.
Porsche Design Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
In the context of Porsche Design’s five-decade-long history of cutting-edge chronographs, which has included partnerships with IWC, Eterna, and ingenious independent watchmaker Paul Gerber, who developed the legendary Porsche Design Indicator (a chronograph whose stopped time is displayed in a mechanical digital display), it is no surprise that Porsche Design’s own first movement, Werk 01.200, is likewise a chronograph.
Fully three years in the making and at least partially the result of a close partnership with Porsche, Caliber Werk 01.200 allows the chronograph’s second hand to be stopped, returned to zero, and restarted instantly with just one push of a button – a handy element on the race track or for use in any other competition where speed is of the essence.
Porsche Design Caliber Werk 01.200, the brand’s first in-house movement
It also embodies Porsche’s motto: “Pushing the Personal Best.”
Caliber Werk 01.200
The automatic movement beating at 4 Hz is equipped with an energy-optimized rotor that is partially crafted from tungsten. Rather difficult to process, the material nonetheless provides the necessary weight to guarantee powerful winding.
The movement also puts the brand’s expertise in horological technology and vehicle construction on display, which is directly transferred into the heart of the watch.
The rotor of the Porsche Design Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series resembles the namesake car’s wheel rims
The rotor, attached by a Porsche automobile’s typical central locking element decorated with the brand’s coat of arms, is designed to resemble the car’s wheel rims.
Distinctive wheel rim of the Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
The rotor is embellished with gold accents or left completely in black as desired.
Caliber Werk 01.200 bridge is openworked to reveal both the gear train and the flyback function, but also to implement Porsche’s lightweight construction design, a guarantee of success on the road as well as within the microcosm this new movement.
The rotor of the Porsche Design Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series is also available in an all-black color scheme
The movement is almost entirely black, a Porsche Design signature element.
Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
Despite all these exciting features there is a hitch for those wanting one: as the name of the new timepiece – Chronograph 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series – implies, this watch is available strictly as a 500-piece limited edition that is only available for future owners of the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series sports car. With a top track speed of 330 kilometers per hour, this will be the most powerful 911 Turbo S ever.
Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
As part of the “Porsche Design for Porsche” concept, the watch combines the typical characteristics of Porsche Design watches with distinctive attributes of the high-end customized Porsche manufactured at the Porsche Exclusive Manufacture.
Porsche Design Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
The case, crafted in lightweight titanium, is coated with black titanium. It features a sporty carbon fiber dial reminiscent of the carbon fiber strips of the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series refined with original car lacquer.
Porsche Design Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
Six different hues, matching the car paint options, are on offer. The 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series even inspired the strap, which is crafted in the original seat leather; its seams are even stitched using identical thread. In a further detail, the bold perforation of the car seats is also included.
Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
The Porsche Design Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series is delivered in a set with two leather straps and a titanium bracelet that includes a Porsche Design tool for length adjustment.
Porsche Design Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series on a titanium bracelet
For more information, please visit www.porsche-design.com.
Quick Facts Porsche Design Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
Case: 42 x 14.62 mm, titanium with black titanium carbide coating
Movement: automatic Porsche Design Caliber Werk 01.200 with official C.O.S.C. chronometer certification, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency
Functions: hours, minutes, hacking seconds; flyback chronograph
Limitation: 500 pieces
Price: €9,950
Quick Facts Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series
Engine: six cylinder, turbocharged
Power: 446 kW (607 hp) at 6,750 rpm
Torque: 750 Nm at 2,250 – 4,000
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mp/h): 2.9 seconds
Top speed: 330 km/h (205 mp/h)
Price: from €259,992 / £186,916
