How the new Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility is made

Visit the watchmaking workshop in Solothurn and see the latest Chronograph 1. buying replica Watches

I recently had the opportunity to try out the current Porsche Design Chronograph 1 for its classic look. As you probably know I'm a huge fan of the base model, so this will be my favorite version. But then the smart people at PD came up with something new – a Chronograph 1 that looked familiar but had a few extra features. That said, the new Chronograph 1 Utility features a high-tech titanium carbide case. This material offers the best properties of titanium and ceramic.

Of course, I would be more than happy to borrow another 911 and test this new watch on the road. But now this feels more like an indulgence than proper horological reporting. So I packed my bags, flew to Zurich and then drove to Solothurn. This picturesque Swiss town is home to the Porsche Design watchmaking studio. Let’s see how the Chronograph 1 Utility is made!

First, what is the Chronograph 1 Utility?
As you know, the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 has been the buying replica Watches of choice for several armed forces, including the U.S. Air Force, for decades. Special versions were produced, with certain details changed. For example, the running seconds subdial will have 60 full markers for more precise readings. Additionally, versions like this have an image of a tiger on the dial and have a “3H” marking to indicate the presence of tritium. Over time, these military versions of the Chronograph 1 have become highly collectible.

Porsche Design wants to launch a hardcore version of the Chronograph 1 that doesn't have direct military implications. Since the new version is aimed at civilians, it would be disingenuous to call it "military." Therefore, the new version draws inspiration from its military predecessor, but is renamed "Utility".

So, what’s new about this? First off, it's 42.7mm in diameter, which is 1.9mm larger than the regular Chronograph 1. The Utility comes with a Bund strap, made from the same gray leather as the Porsche cars. A white fabric strap is also part of the package. The "3H" logo on the dial is replaced by a "TiC" icon. This new marking indicates that the case material is titanium carbide. The tiger has been replaced by the Mankei (or marmot), inspired by Ferdi Porsche's Mankeiwirt hideout in the Grossglockner. Inside is the Werk 01.240, a heavily modified flyback version based on the Valjoux 7750 caliber. replica Richard Mille Flyback Watches

Titanium carbide case for Chronograph 1 Utility
If at first glance you said: "Okay, so they added something to the dial. Who cares?" But the real point of this launch is the case itself. Although Titanium Carbide has already debuted in a limited edition at the 2022 Dakar, it is only now available to the public. If you wanted a TiC Chronograph 1 before, you had to buy some kind of rally-themed car to get one.

So, what is titanium carbide? Well, according to Porsche Design, it combines the best properties of titanium and ceramic. You get the lightness and toughness of titanium with the hardness and scratch resistance of ceramic. It may sound like IWC's Ceratanium, but the manufacturing process is completely different and patented by Porsche Design.

The fine particles are first compressed into the shape of the watch case, but about 30% smaller than the intended final shape. This rough shape is then machined into the precise, detailed shape of the case. Next, the material is heated to 2,000 degrees Celsius. The compressed powder is sintered during the heating process and shrinks to precisely the correct proportions. The resulting material is lighter than titanium and has a hardness of 1,900 Vickers. The process is similar to that used to produce ceramic watch cases. IWC’s Ceratanium, on the other hand, does not require shrinkage during processing. It is a heated titanium alloy that undergoes a phase change.

A shared philosophy between Porsche and Porsche Design
The process requires huge kilns located in Germany. Therefore, it is a pity that I was not able to witness the case-making process of the Solothurn seminar. However, I did learn about the entire assembly process, which is more fun than it sounds. replica Jacob & Co. Astronomia Art

I've seen watchmaking assembly lines like this before, and I can tell this one is a little different. Porsche Design uses many automotive manufacturing principles in the assembly of its watches. Porsche cars are produced under the Toyota Production System. This highly fine-tuned process relies on fixed production orders where every component and sub-assembly is set to arrive "on time." This is an efficient method that follows Null-Fehler-Prinzip and leaves no room for error.

Porsche Design makes watches the same way. This is necessary as most PD watches are custom made and matched to the car's specifications. Using the online configurator, Porsche owners can match the color of the watch to their car and share details, such as rim-shaped rotors, with almost unlimited possibilities. The final design must be delivered together with the car. Standard production models such as the Chronograph 1 Utility are mixed with custom watches. As you can imagine, this is a logistical nightmare, so the Toyota Production System is the most efficient way to achieve this. I have to admit, the attention to detail on the craftsmanship level is just as impressive as the watchmaking. replica Zenith watches
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Chronograph 1 Utility on your wrist
Logistics can be impressive if you like, but they have little relevance if the end product is not good. So, what does the Chronograph 1 Utility look like in real life? First, it’s a bit darker than the bare titanium version. Its shade is between PVD and non-PVD versions. It's a cool, slightly threatening look.

I was a little worried about the larger size, but that fear turned out to be unfounded. The dark gray Bund strap does wonders for the Chronograph 1 Utility. In fact, it even solved a previous problem I had with the regular model height. Of course, technically the Bund makes it sit higher. But somehow its stance on the Bund feels more natural and firm. I would never have thought of it, but I would love to wear it on this strap.

I can live without excess printing on the dial. But, again, that’s my love for simple, basic spec design. When buying a Chronograph 1 I would love the titanium carbide case. The material is almost as hard as sapphire crystal, so it should always look fresh. Unless you severely abuse your watch, that is. No material is indestructible. Porsche Design claims the TiC case won't shatter on impact like ceramic watches. I haven't been able to test it yet, but assuming it's true, it's a comforting thought.

I think it’s great that a brand like Porsche Design is working on material innovation like this. Whether the final watch is to your liking or not, it will push the industry forward. We expect to see more titanium carbide watches from Porsche Design in the near future. The lengthy and costly process of developing and patenting the material means it will become a flagship product for the brand. Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to produce bracelets this way, so you will have to choose a watch strap. replica Audemars Piguet Watches
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