Porsche Design has teamed up with Hodinkee to create a limited-edition Chronograph 1 Utility, paying homage to the iconic Lemania 5100. This new timepiece boasts a titanium case, measuring 40.8mm in diameter and 15.41mm in thickness. The titanium material allows for a relatively lightweight design, despite its substantial proportions. The watch features a matte finish, achieved through a micro-bead blasting process, which helps to minimize reflections.
The Chronograph 1 Utility's design is characterized by its functional and rugged aesthetic, typical of Porsche Design's approach to watchmaking. The watch features a tonneau-shaped case with a stepped bezel and a discreetly integrated crown. The titanium bracelet is composed of three links, secured with screws, and features a micro-adjustment system. Additionally, a green agave leather Bund strap is included, echoing the inspiration from Porsche's automotive heritage.
The watch's black dial is designed with functionality in mind, featuring a prominent use of red accents to enhance readability. The sapphire crystal glass boasts seven layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides, ensuring optimal legibility. The dial's layout is organized across multiple levels, with a 24-hour counter at 12 o'clock, a small seconds display at 9 o'clock, and a 12-hour chronograph totalizer at 6 o'clock. A date and day display is located at 3 o'clock, with the option to display the day in either German or English.
The movement powering the Chronograph 1 Utility is the Porsche Design WERK 01.340, an automatic caliber that revives the mechanical architecture of the Lemania 5100. This movement features a distinctive central minute hand for the chronograph, allowing for immediate and intuitive reading of elapsed time. The WERK 01.340 has 30 jewels, operates at a frequency of 4Hz, and has a 60-hour power reserve. It also meets the COSC certification standards, with an average deviation of -4 to +6 seconds per day.
The Chronograph 1 Utility's design and movement are closely tied to its "Utility" classification, which emphasizes functionality and practicality. The watch's rugged and versatile nature makes it suitable for various environments and applications. The limited-edition status of this watch adds to its appeal, with only 350 pieces produced worldwide. Of these, 100 will be reserved for Hodinkee, while the remaining units will be distributed through Porsche Design's channels.
The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility – Édition limitée pour Hodinkee (reference 6041.6.02.001.12.2) will be available with a price tag of $9,650 in the United States. This collaboration marks the second installment in the Porsche Design x Hodinkee trilogy, following the 2024 release of a chronograph focused on motorsports. A third model is expected to complete the series, further solidifying the partnership between these two brands.
The partnership between Porsche Design and Hodinkee continues to yield innovative and highly sought-after timepieces. The Chronograph 1 Utility's blend of historical inspiration and modern execution makes it a compelling addition to any watch collection. With its unique movement, rugged design, and limited production run, this watch is poised to attract attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Key points
- The Chronograph 1 Utility features a titanium case and a unique mechanical movement, the Porsche Design WERK 01.340, which revives the architecture of the Lemania 5100.
- The watch boasts a distinctive central minute hand for the chronograph, allowing for immediate and intuitive reading of elapsed time.
- Only 350 pieces of the Chronograph 1 Utility will be produced worldwide, with a price tag of $9,650 in the United States.
