Porsche Design’s Chronograph 1 Utility Watch Gets Titanium Carbide Upgrade
An upscale update of the rugged chronograph used by the U.S. Air Force.
Porsche Design has upgraded one its signature watches with the new Chronograph 1 Utility: Limited Edition. The styling of the brand’s latest chrono borrows liberally from Porsche Design’s 1970s-era “Military Chronograph,” known for its high level of reliability and readability and worn air and naval military forces.
The Chronograph 1 Utility notably uses titanium carbide, making the case more scratch-resistant, lightweight, and hypoallergenic compared to earlier stainless steel models. It’s also the first Porsche Design chrono that is not connected to a specific Porsche sports car.
The new watch is powered by the Porsche Design WERK 01.240 chronograph caliber with COSC certification and flyback function, which enables quick starting, stopping, and resetting in a single operation, making the watch an ideal timekeeper for outdoor and winter sports as well as racing activities.
The dial of the new watch’s historical forerunner, the original military version used by U.S. Air Force flying squadrons, featured a tiger’s head on the dial. That’s been replaced with an image of a screaming marmot—also known as the “Mankei”— positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The “Mankei” icon refers to the Mankeiwirt, Ferdi Porsche’s newly opened destination for car enthusiasts that is located on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road near Studio F. A. Porsche in Zell am See, Austria, highlighting the collaboration between Porsche Design and F.A.T. International.
The Chronograph 1 Utility – Limited Edition further pays homage to the watch it was modeled after through several key details, according to the brand:
For example, the “TiC” logo is placed in the characteristic position between 1 and 2 o’clock on the dial referencing the use of titanium carbide, and is a modern reinterpretation of the iconic 3H symbol of the Military Chronograph. The “3H” symbol signified the use of the hydrogen isotope tritium, which ensured excellent readability of the hands and dial numerals under extreme conditions and in the dark.
The new edition uses Super-LumiNova material that glows in a bright blue color to ensure optimal readability in the dark. In addition, two distinctive dots on the dial at 12 o’clock provide a clear orientation of the displays in the dark. Compared to the Chronograph 1—All Black, thicker second and minute numerals optimize readability.
The watch’s “Utility” lettering stands out above the day and date display and features the Porsche Design logo on the dial and winding crown. The “Mankei” icon and the “Chronograph 1 Utility Edition” lettering are laser-engraved on the case back along with the individual limitation number XXX/250.
The chronograph timepiece comes with a slate-gray strap made of calfskin— also used in the interiors of Porsche sports cars—and boasts an additional white textile strap, featuring a badge that bears the coordinates of the F.A.T. Ice Race in Zell am See.
The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility – Limited Edition can be pre-ordered now at porsche-design.com and is available starting January 15, 2024, for $13,000.