In a move that democratizes automotive luxury, Porsche Design has unveiled the Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition—a titanium tribute to Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche’s cleanest chronograph design that doesn’t require owning a six-figure sports car to purchase.
Debuted at an exclusive event, this latest iteration strips away the iconic black coating that defined the original 1972 Chronograph 1, revealing the raw industrial beauty that made the uncoated 1975 variant a collector’s favorite.
The significance of this release extends beyond mere aesthetics. While Porsche Design’s black-coated Chronograph 1 revolutionized watch design in 1972, the brand quietly introduced an uncoated stainless steel version three years later that showcased the watch’s architectural purity.
This Limited Edition pays homage to that understated 1975 variant while elevating the concept through modern materials and manufacturing techniques that weren’t available nearly five decades ago.
Industrial Elegance
The 1975 Limited Edition transforms the original’s stainless steel construction into glass bead-blasted titanium, creating a more refined yet industrial aesthetic that aligns with contemporary luxury standards.
This material choice carries historical weight—Porsche Design first experimented with titanium cases in 1980, establishing a precedent that recent limited editions have continued to explore. Unlike the 2023 911 S/T edition that required Porsche ownership, this release opens titanium Chronograph 1 ownership to watch enthusiasts regardless of their garage contents.
The 40.8mm case strikes an optimal balance between presence and wearability, while the 14.15mm thickness accommodates the sophisticated COSC-certified WERK 01.240 movement within.
This flyback chronograph caliber represents serious horological capability, offering instantaneous chronograph reset functionality that proves invaluable for timing multiple events. The matte black dial maintains classical proportions with stark white accents that echo the original’s graphic clarity, while the day-date display thoughtfully includes both German and English language options.
Glass bead-blasting creates a distinctive surface texture that catches light differently than traditional finishing techniques, giving the titanium case and bracelet a sophisticated matte appearance that feels both industrial and refined. The matching titanium bracelet features a folding clasp with fine adjustment capabilities, ensuring optimal fit while displaying subtle Porsche Design branding that reinforces the watch’s automotive heritage.
Accessible Luxury
This release marks a strategic shift for Porsche Design, partnering exclusively with Watches of Switzerland for U.S. distribution while maintaining accessibility for serious collectors. At $9,650, the 1975 Limited Edition commands premium pricing that reflects its titanium construction, COSC certification, and limited 350-piece production run, yet remains attainable compared to previous car-dependent releases.
The caseback celebrates the watch’s heritage with “1975” flanking the Porsche Design logo alongside individual limited edition numbering, creating tangible connection to the original uncoated variant. Water resistance extends to 100 meters, making this a capable daily wear piece rather than purely ceremonial tribute.
By removing the barrier of required automobile ownership while maintaining exceptional build quality and historical authenticity, Porsche Design has created their most accessible premium chronograph in recent memory. The 1975 Limited Edition proves that industrial design excellence doesn’t require automotive prerequisites—just appreciation for clean, functional beauty that transcends traditional luxury boundaries.
