Wristwatch Journal
Cars and watches have always been strongly connected. Same devotion to precision, same sense of details and style, same mechanical power (with less fuel for a watch, of course), same passion and emotions. Enthusiasts of one industry often appreciate the other. And when it comes to Porsche Design, the links are as deep as you can imagine. It isn’t just about a logo on a dial. It goes far beyond branding. Last proof of that, the new Porsche Design Sport Chrono Sub Second and the new Porsche Panamera…
From the earliest of Porsche Design timepieces, cars have been a great inspiration – sounds obvious, but a reminder never hurts. For instance, Porsche Design’s Chronograph I – the brand’s inaugural watch in 1972 – was inspired by the instruments from the Porsche 911 dashboard – the matte black dial which was reduced to the bare essentials, pure white indices and hands, the central red stop seconds hand that mimicked the tachometer. Altogether, an intrusmental yet harmonious design that resulted from the underlying function. This was the philosophy of Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche.
For 2020, Porsche has introduced a new version of its gran tourer, the Panamera, with revised aesthetics and modernized 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, more reactive engine and gearbox settings and louder exhaust, adds a clock on the dashboard that can serve a laptimer. For the first time in a Porsche car, the 2020 Panamera includes an exclusive chronometer from Porsche Design, which features a high-quality metal dial, ceramic indices and manufacture-made hands with Super-LumiNova. And an overall design that can be mistaken. And 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 a familiar architecture, that of the 1919 collection, with its iconic, minimalistic 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 and contrasting finishings, with alternating sandblasted and polished surface. Overall, it adds a restrained luxurious touch to the watch, with great discretion. The case measures 42mm in diameter and 12.25mm in height. Not small, but its shape is 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 center with pure white markers and tracks, for enhanced legebility. 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, with a classic black dial on black strap, a modern and sleek blue dial on blue strap and a warmer brown dial on brown strap. Note that the straps, closed by a titanium folding clasp, are made from genuine Porsche car leather and looks stunning.
Who says 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 is 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).
