July 24 2025

No Coating, All Character: Porsche Design’s 1975 Chronograph 1 Reborn

Ricardo Amaral NEW RELEASES, PORSCHE DESIGN 2025, Chronograph, Limited Edition, Titanium 0

Porsche Design turns the page back to 1975 to spotlight an overlooked icon in its storied timeline — the uncoated variant of the original Chronograph 1. With the new Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition, the brand resurrects this rare piece of horological history, blending minimalist aesthetics with the same design DNA that defined its early innovations. More than just a tribute, this release brings new attention to a model that quietly marked a turning point in functional design.

A Classic Design Reimagined in Titanium

While the original 1972 Chronograph 1 was groundbreaking for its matte black PVD-coated case — a first in the industry — by 1975, Porsche Design introduced a stainless steel version that offered a cleaner, industrial aesthetic. The new 2025 limited edition takes direct inspiration from this uncoated version but updates it with a refined 21st-century approach. Instead of steel, the case and bracelet are crafted from glass bead-blasted titanium, enhancing the watch’s durability, lightness, and modern appeal.

This isn’t the first time Porsche Design has embraced titanium. The brand introduced its first titanium watch case in 1980, a material choice that quickly became synonymous with its functional design ethos. Measuring 40.80 mm in diameter and 14.15 mm in thickness, the case maintains a balanced profile that ensures comfort without sacrificing wrist presence.

Legible and Purpose-Built Dial

The matte black dial remains true to the original design philosophy — high contrast, intuitive readability, and minimalist styling. White hands and markers provide optimal legibility, while the central chronograph seconds hand adds a subtle visual dynamism. The day-date window, placed at 3 o’clock, offers bilingual functionality (English and German), staying faithful to Porsche Design’s European roots.

Flyback Chronograph Movement: WERK 01.240

Powering the watch is the Porsche Design Caliber WERK 01.240, a COSC-certified chronograph movement with a flyback function. This in-house caliber combines precision with performance, enabling the wearer to reset and restart the chronograph with a single push — a feature often reserved for high-spec tool watches.

The movement is securely housed behind a closed caseback featuring the Porsche Design logo, the year “1975,” and the unique limited-edition number out of 350 pieces.

Bracelet and Finishing Touches

The integrated titanium bracelet continues the watch’s purposeful aesthetic and is fitted with a folding clasp that offers fine adjustment for enhanced comfort. Subtle branding is present on both the clasp and caseback, while the absence of decorative logos or racing partnerships allows the design to speak for itself.

Limited Availability

The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition is limited to just 350 pieces worldwide. It is priced at € 8,950 and will be available exclusively through Porsche Design’s new U.S. retail partner, Watches of Switzerland.