The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 debuted in 1972 as perhaps the world’s first all-black watch, and it’s achieved iconic status in large part due to its ultracool blacked-out vibe (just as Tom Cruise’s Maverick in Top Gun and its sequel).
But as it turns out, the automotive chronograph looks pretty damn good even when stripped of its signature black coating.
Porsche Design has unveiled a new version of its flagship watch in bare titanium for just the second time, following the 1975 special edition that debuted last year. But unlike that rare, 350-piece limited edition, the new Porsche Design Chronograph 1 All Titanium Numbered Edition will be around for quite some time.
Laid bare
Although they look virtually identical from almost all angles, the new Chronograph 1 is not a rehash of last year’s 1975 Limited Edition. Instead, this is a duplicate of the current Chronograph 1 All Black Numbered Edition without the signature black titanium carbide coating.
That means it retains that model’s slightly more modern Porsche 911 dashboard-inspired dial. It’s matte black with all-white hands, markers and text, and a bright red seconds hand for the chronograph. It also keeps the modern Porsche Design logo above the 3:00 day-date window instead of the 1975’s retro logo, and it retains the All Black’s “Chronometer Certified” designation under the window.
