Porsche Design 1919 Chronotimer Flyback 'Brown & Leather' Watch
At BaselWorld 2017, unveiled something they are proud of. After more than three years of development, Porsche Design has released their first in-house movement, a flyback chronograph called the Porsche Design Werk 01.200. Porsche Design is primarily known for showcasing cutting-edge chronograph technology in its watches with some... unconventional design qualities that often require confidence and a lot of wrist presence (Monobloc Actuator, anyone?). This release of the Porsche Design Chronotimer Flyback Brown & Leather is refreshing and offers a fair value proposition for a reserved chronograph (which is a Porsche anyway) using the Werk 01.200.
Porsche opted for a titanium case, as they usually do for "lightweight performance," and, as usual, with skeletonized lugs, the watch is certainly light. The case measures 42mm x 14.9mm, making it consistent with other models in its range. The chocolate brown dial makes this watch feel more like a sports dress watch than a straight-up sports chronograph. In fact, I think it's the most attractive model in the entire range, and exhibits a certain conservative nature that I don't usually see in Porsche design. If the brown dial wasn't enough, the integrated brown leather strap adds another layer of uniformity to the color and sophistication.
The oversized dial ditched the tachymeter scale instead of a 60-second scale ring around the outer edge of the dial for "maximum legibility", although I find it an interesting choice for a watch designed by a company known for its cars . The absence of a tachymeter also sets it apart from the rest of the Chronotimer 1919 line, as it joins a small group of Porsche Design watches that don't have them. Another feature I find cool is the embedded hour "ring". The dark contrast with the black earpiece and red-tipped second hand retains enough sporty detail without compromising the watch's ability to pair with a suit. In addition to the logo at 3 o'clock and "Chronometer Certified", there's a date window at 4 o'clock, which I find a little cluttered on the right side of the dial, but doesn't necessarily detract from the overall watch's modern look.
For Porsche, the flyback chronograph movement is the star here. Porsche boasting a COSC-certified Werk 01.200 movement with the quote "If we want something, we have to invent it ourselves" is a bit confusing because the technology in the movement may have been optimized, but it's not new. The flyback chronograph allows the chronograph to be reset and restarted with a single button - meaning you don't have to stop, reset and start the chronograph again - which is useful for timing laps on the track. The sapphire caseback gives a view of the 4Hz movement, and the skeletonized barrel gives you a glimpse of the gear train and flyback function. The entire movement is coated in black PVD, and the rotor is made of tungsten steel - which Porsche claims "guarantees strong wind". While none of the material I received mentions the power reserve, it is assumed that it is the same at 48 hours as the other watches in the 1919 Chronotimer collection. In addition, the watch is water resistant up to 100m.
I can't deny that I love this - unexpectedly more than I'd like to admit. I feel like Porsche Design has done a great job designing a modern watch that still maintains some of the sporty qualities associated with the brand.