Porsche Design Brings Back the Chronograph 1 Utility After 40 Years

Porsche Design has reached into its archives and channeled its iconic 1970s Military Chronograph for its latest watch, the Chronograph 1 Utility, set to be produced in a limited edition of 250 examples.

This modern iteration echoes the legacy of its ancestor known for reliability and comfort, while also bringing forth significant technical advancements, making it a timepiece designed for the contemporary era.

The original Military Chronograph, with its anti-glare readability, became an indispensable accessory for aviators and was adopted by international air forces, including the US Air Force. Over four decades later, the legend is being reimagined, now dubbed the “Utility” crafted from a highly durable and lighter titanium carbide—a patented material by Porsche Design.

Preserving the classic aesthetics, the Chronograph 1 Utility boasts a matte-black dial, a hallmark carried over from the original. Additionally, the dial now features a “TiC” logo representing the titanium carbide material, replacing the historic 3H symbol synonymous with tritium. In its modern avatar, tritium is replaced with blue Super-LumiNova, enhancing readability in low light conditions.

The “UTILITY” inscription is prominently displayed above the day and date indicators drawing a unique connection to the German weekend days and referencing iconic events like the Ice Race hosted by F.A.T. and weekend trips to “Mankei.” The tie-up with the “Mankei” location on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is further symbolized by the “Mankei” marmot icon on the dial, replacing the erstwhile tiger’s head emblem of the flying squadron unit that was shown on the original.

Porsche Design’s Military Chronograph homage extends to the historic font on the Utility chronograph displays and the reissue of the “BUND” leather strap, known for its comfort and heat resistance. The beating heart of the timepiece, the Porsche Design-caliber WERK 01.24, ensures reliable and precise timekeeping with its flyback function, ideal for measuring consecutive time intervals.

The exclusivity of this edition is accentuated by an engraved case back featuring the “Mankei” alongside the “Chronograph 1 Utility Edition” lettering, with each piece distinctly numbered out of 250.

Pre-orders for the limited edition Chronograph Utility 1, priced at $13,000 USD, are open now via Porsche Design’s official site, with broader availability expected mid-January of 2024.

Elsewhere in watches, MING presents a sleek new 37.07 Monolith watch.
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