As a Porsche Design fan, the release of the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility LE in 2023 immediately captured my attention. The new chronograph’s design draws inspiration from Porsche Design’s emblematic 1970s Military Chronograph, celebrated for its exceptional reliability, remarkable comfort, and effortless readability. Due to its exceptional comfort and high anti-glare readability, this watch design proved ideal for military forces, leading international air forces like the US Air Force to equip all their officers with it.
House in a 40.8mm x 14mm case matte, perfect in this utilitarian context, this model maintains the same distinctive shape as previous versions but now incorporates Porsche Design’s exclusive titanium carbide material (TiC). The dial includes blue Super-LumiNova to enhance readability and showcases an image of a screaming marmot, locally known as a “Mankei” in Pinzgau, Austria, replacing the U.S. Air Force’s tiger’s head logo. The case back features an engraving with the ‘Mankei’ as well as the ‘Chronograph 1 Utility Edition’ lettering – accompanied by the limitation number XX/250.
The “Mankei” icon on the dial and caseback refers to the Mankeiwirt, a newly opened car enthusiast destination near Studio F. A. Porsche, situated on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Zell am See.
Inside is the Porsche Design WERK 01.240 chronograph caliber, which boasts COSC certification and a flyback function, the Chronograph 1 Utility upholds the same level of precision and quality as its predecessor.
How to buy: Limited to just 250 examples the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility LE can be pre-ordered from October 9, 2023, at porsche-design.com and is available in Porsche Design Stores worldwide and at selected watch retailers from January 15, 2024, at a retail price of $13,000.
Conclusion: The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility LE is a unique and highly desirable watch that is perfect for collectors. With its stylish design, impressive features, and limited availability, this watch is sure to turn heads.
Images Courtesy of Porsche Design
