Porsche Design

Porsche Design is synonymous with classical design. Porsche Design watches have a classic style, clean lines and a timeless beauty about them. Obviously much of the inspiration is taken from the classic Porsche car, for example the dashboard of a 911, hence the series “dashboard”.

Inspiration is also taken from the aviation industry, for which the material ideas are taken. As an example, Porsche Design was the first manufacturer to use titanium in the production of their watches. (Titanium being difficult to work with & the equipment used are very expensive). However, innovation is a key attribute for Porsche Design and hence they are prepared to push the boundaries.

Porsche Design produced their first watch in 1972. It was inspired by the black instrument panel of the 911 and was an all black chronograph using a mechanical mechanism. These early watches for Porsche Design were manufactured by IWC, but in 1995, Porsche purchased the Eterna¹ watch maker in Switzerland. Porsche Design had the designers, and Eterna had the craftsmanship & visionary thinking. Both companies work together to support the development of Porsche Design, with a brief to focus on innovation and creativity.

You only have to look and hold the watch to see and feel its quality – and because of this Porsche Design is a brand I would look to buy over other brands like Tag Hauer et al, of similar money.

Notes

1. Eterna has been a high quality watch maker/brand since 1856. Their biggest contribution to the watch world was its movements company ETA² in 1932.

2. ETA is now the world’s largest Swiss movement manufacturer and is owned by the Swatch group.

Refs.

(1) Wristwatches: Brunner, G.L (Konemann, 2006)

(2) The Watch: Stone, G (Abrams, 2006)

(3) Wristwatch Annual 2007: Braun, P (Abbeville, 2007)

(4) WatchTime Buyer’s Guide 2007 (Ebner, 2006)

(5) Porsche Design Licensee Timepieces (Eterna, 2006)