Chronograph 1

The Chronograph 1 began in 1972 as a wristwatch with a built-in stopwatch, designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. Its black case and bracelet continued the darkness of the dial, while white markings and a red timing hand supplied contrast. The day, date and three small dials made it a working display, not a watch emptied of information for the sake of appearance.

Later versions kept enough of that arrangement to look closely related, while changing the construction. The early watches used coated steel. The modern return uses titanium, sapphire and a different automatic movement. A familiar outline can therefore belong to quite different generations.

The anniversary releases of 2022 took two approaches. The 1972 Limited Edition used historic branding and a closed run of 500. The All Black Numbered Edition used the current Porsche Design logo and a transparent back, with a continuing series announced at no more than 1,000 watches per year.

The modern All Black's WERK 01.140 winds automatically and combines the calendar with the stopwatch. Through the back, a black rotor carries the contemporary logo. This version does not hide the changes beneath a fully historical exterior.

Materials and attachments have continued to vary. Uncoated titanium gives the watch a lighter-looking surface; leather alternatives leave the case visibly separate from the strap. The matching black bracelet makes the most continuous shape. Across those versions, the display remains the strongest connection to the first watch: several readings held together by a common background.