In 1972, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche founded Porsche Design and debuted the Chronograph 1—the world’s very first matte-black wrist chronograph. Designed with non-reflective cockpit instrumentation in mind, it set a revolutionary new paradigm for military and tactical timepieces.
Now, in collaboration with editorial powerhouse Hodinkee, Porsche Design revives that uncompromising ethos with the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility Limited Edition for Hodinkee.
Titanium Metallurgy & Military Aesthetics
Measuring 40.8mm in diameter and 15.41mm in height, the Chronograph 1 Utility is forged from lightweight, scratch-resistant Grade 5 titanium finished in a glass-beaded matte grey coating.
This non-reflective treatment pays direct homage to the famous “Military” references produced by the brand for international armed forces throughout the 1970s and 80s, offering high structural durability without the heft of traditional stainless steel.
The high-contrast matte black dial prioritises instant tactical legibility under any lighting condition. Bright white baton markers, luminescent pencil hands, and a historical “P” logo above 6 o’clock evoke classic heritage references.
Adding a touch of aviation flair, the central chronograph minute hand features a bold red tip shaped like a fighter jet, sweeping across the dial alongside a central chronograph seconds hand and a 24-hour register positioned at 12 o’clock.
“Housing the resurrected Lemania 5100 architecture inside a titanium chassis, Porsche Design and Hodinkee deliver the ultimate tactical chronograph.”
The Resurrected WERK 01.340 Architecture
What makes this release a true event for movement purists is the debut of the Porsche Design Calibre WERK 01.340.
This proprietary automatic movement represents the modern rebirth of the legendary Lemania 5100—a movement celebrated across military history for its central minute counter and extreme resistance to mechanical shock.
Outfitted with a COSC chronometer certification and a 60-hour power reserve, the movement brings one of horology’s most revered tactical engines back after a two-decade hiatus.
Limited to just 350 pieces worldwide (with 100 pieces reserved exclusively for Hodinkee customers), the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility Limited Edition for Hodinkee comes packaged with both a titanium bracelet and a historic leather Bund strap, securing its place as an instant classic for tool watch purists.
