After more than 40 years, Porsche Design is finally bringing back the legendary Military Chronograph – a timepiece whose unique properties not only impressed the U.S. and German Air Force, but even earned it a place on the silver screen. Even today, this chronograph remains prized among collectors and aficionados of watchmaking craftsmanship.
With the Chronograph 1 Utility – Limited Edition, we are giving this legend a new lease on life and bringing it into the modern age thanks to essential improvements. While the design pays homage to the original on account of the matte black dial, the bund leather strap, and the historic Porsche Design logo, the new edition embodies progress in the art of watchmaking thanks to innovations such as the patented material titanium carbide.
At the end of the 1970s, Porsche Design developed a 38-mm stainless steel military chronograph that was ahead of its time. The iconic timepiece not only impressed with its high level of reliability and outstanding wearing comfort, but also proved to be an ideal watch design for aviation. The matt Black PVD coating, which was new at the time, reduced reflections, thereby ensuring glare-free readability, even in bright conditions. International air forces, such as the U.S. Air Force, were so impressed by the innovative timepiece that they equipped all of their officers with the Porsche Design icon.
With the new Chronograph 1 Utility – Limited Edition, we have used titanium carbide – specially developed and patented by Porsche Design – for the very first time, making the timepiece's case even lighter, more durable and more scratch-resistant. The design of the new edition, and in particular the matt Black dial, is of course still reminiscent of the 1970s icon and continues to offer optimal readability.
This edition comes with a Slate Grey 'Bund' strap made of Porsche vehicle leather and a quick-release mechanism. As an additional option, the chronograph comes with a White textile strap with a badge on which the coordinates of the F.A.T. Ice Race are printed – ideal for winter sports and racing activities as it can be worn comfortably over a ski suit or overalls.
The Chronograph 1 Utility – Limited Edition by Porsche Design has won the INHORGENTA AWARD 2024 in the “Watch Design of the Year” category. With over 130 submissions in nine categories – around half of them from abroad – the prize is considered one of the most important awards in the international jewelry and watch industry and was presented at INHORGENTA Munich 2024. A top-class jury of international experts – including watch expert Gisbert L. Brunner and Zurab Zazashvili (founder and CEO of swisswatches.media) – recognized the unique design, the innovative concept in terms of materials, functionality, and technology, as well as the high recognition value of the Chronograph 1 Utility – Limited Edition.