Porsche Design is embarking on a new chapter in its horological journey. The venerable Chronograph 1, an icon in the realm of timekeeping, is now available with exquisite leather strap options, mirroring the luxurious materials found in the interiors of Porsche 911 vehicles. This significant enhancement in versatility arrives as the brand inaugurates its new Timepieces Manufacture in Grenchen, Switzerland, a strategic move poised to redefine its operational landscape and customer interaction.

Porsche Design Unveils New Leather Straps for Chronograph 1 and State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Hub in Grenchen

Earlier this year, Porsche Design marked a pivotal moment with the opening of its new Timepieces Manufacture in Grenchen, Switzerland. This facility, situated in the historic Eterna building, signifies a return to roots, as Eterna was a long-standing partner in Porsche Design's watchmaking endeavors. Gerhard Novak, General Manager Timepieces for Porsche Design, and Rolf Bergmann, CEO of Porsche Design Timepieces Manufactory, expressed immense satisfaction with this development. Novak highlighted that the new headquarters fulfills a long-held dream, enabling enhanced client and collector engagement through guided tours of the manufacturing process, detailed insights into the brand's heritage, and personalized watch configuration services for Porsche car owners. Bergmann emphasized the historical significance of the Grenchen location, where Porsche Design watches were first produced in 1972 by Orfina, and later by Eterna from 1995 to 2014. The building's renovation, meticulously designed by Porsche Design's in-house team, transformed it into a modern hub while preserving its rich watchmaking legacy. The new facility is expected to inspire and connect with customers, showcasing the uniqueness of Porsche Design's watches, two-thirds of which are custom-made. This bespoke approach, coupled with an expanding sales network including partnerships like Watches of Switzerland in the US, underscores the brand's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The Chronograph 1, a timepiece revered for its robust titanium construction, now offers the tactile luxury of leather straps in four distinct colors: tan, blue, red, and black. These straps, designed for quick interchangeability, allow owners to effortlessly transition between a sporty bracelet aesthetic and a refined leather look. The 40.8mm titanium case retains its classic design, featuring a matte black dial, luminous markers, a bilingual day-date display, and the signature red-orange chronograph hand. Powering this masterpiece is the COSC-certified automatic Calibre WERK 01.240, offering a 48-hour power reserve. This numbered edition, limited to an annual production of 1,000 pieces, is priced at EUR 6,450 for the leather strap version and EUR 7,950 for the titanium bracelet. The all-black variant is available for EUR 6,950 with leather straps and EUR 8,950 with the black titanium bracelet.

The integration of leather straps into the Chronograph 1 line not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also significantly boosts its versatility. This move demonstrates Porsche Design's keen understanding of consumer preferences for customization and comfort. The new headquarters, beyond being a manufacturing site, functions as a brand experience center, fostering a deeper connection between the brand and its discerning clientele. This holistic approach, combining historical reverence with forward-thinking innovation, positions Porsche Design for continued success in the competitive luxury watch market.