The chronograph is the most common watch complication, but the basic design has remained substantially the same for almost a century. Every year, watch brands produce new chronograph models, all with two pushers for start/stop and reset. The field is wide open for innovation, but not many companies are investing into research.
No pushers, just an integrated rocker
The Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator Titanium Chronograph is an exception to the rule. Instead of having pushers – which are elements that project from the watch case and are subject to damage in case of blows – it has a single rocker that is hinged in correspondence with the crown and forms part of the case. The system is superbly engineered to ensure that the case has a satisfactory water resistance, and in fact this is 10 atmospheres, and the brand say that the chronograph can be operated underwater.
Titanium case
The watch has a 45.5 mm case, thickness 15.6 mm, in titanium, a material that has been used by the brand from when it was founded in 1980. It is made in two versions, natural titanium, or titanium with black titanium carbide PVD finish. It has a black or dark blue dial, with a rubber strap or titanium bracelet. The continuous seconds subdial has been reduced to the minimum at 9 o’clock and simply shows that the watch is running. The other subdials are for 30 chronograph minutes at 12 o’clock, and 12 chronograph hours at 6 o’clock. An extra GMT hand is used with the 24-hour scale on the inner bezel flange.
Valjoux 7754 movement
The case has a display caseback in sapphire glass revealing the movement and the Porsche Design rotor. The watch is powered by a classic chronograph calibre, the Valjoux 7754 by ETA, providing a GMT indication as well as the chronograph functions. The movement is self-winding and provides 48 hours power reserve.
Price and availability
The Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator Titanium Chronograph will be available in boutiques from May 2017. The version in natural titanium with rubber strap costs €5,950; the version in natural titanium with titanium bracelet costs €6,450; the version in titanium with black PVD finish and rubber strap costs €6,250. For further information, see the Porsche Design website.
