The Dakar Rally is one of the most demanding races in the world. Finishing the race alone is considered an achievement and requires man and machine to both be at their best. It is also an event in which Porsche made history in 1984 when the brand took first place overall with the 4×4 953 driven by René Metge and Dominique Lemoyne. Porsche is now reviving those days with the 911 Dakar, complete with signature Rothmans livery. For Porsche Design, this was the cue to develop a new watch, taking history into the future.
For this, they took one of their historically most important designs, the 1972 Porsche Design Chronograph 1, and used it as the base for a new reimagined model. As the brand was a pioneer in titanium watches, having introduced the first chronograph ever made in this material, they opted for titanium once again. The case of the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 911 Dakar is made from titanium carbide, a material that takes the advantages of titanium to an even higher level. The material blend introduces ceramics to the mix, it makes the case even lighter, and the material will also not take on another color over time, as titanium usually does.
The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 911 Dakar is delightfully retro but has appealing upgrades. With a diameter of 42.5 mm, it demands attention and offers enough space to space out all the functions nicely. It has the classic layout of the Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement, including a day and a date window. This is also because caliber WERK 01.240 is an evolution of this movement, made especially for Porsche Design. It is chronometer-certified, offers a flyback function, and has appealing decorations. You don’t see much of those, as a lot of them remain hidden under the oscillating weight, which mimics the looks of the rims of the Porsche 911 Dakar. You can even select one of three finishes for it. This is one of many options Porsche Design offers to clients, as each of the chronographs is made bespoke. This is perhaps also the only fact in which the watch disappoints, as it is exclusive to people who also buy a Porsche 911 Dakar and 911 Dakar Rally Design.
The price of the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 911 Dakar starts at € 13,950 (approximately $14,600), and it is limited to 2,500 pieces, the same number of models as Porsche will make the car.
To learn more, visit Porsche Design, here
