At the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche finally unveiled its much-anticipated new 2020 model year 911. Bearing the internal designation type 992, the eighth generation of what many consider to be the world’s best sports car, is also one of the longest running production cars ever. The Porsche features a 443 hp engine in base trim capable of rocketing it from 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds. While the styling of the German coupe hasn’t changed drastically – that would be sacrilege to its many fans – it’s a perfectly calibrated upgrade of an international icon.
The Rolex Daytona and the 911 Chronograph
Coincidentally, the Rolex Daytona debuted the same year that Porsche decided to put their 911 into production – 1963. While Porsche’s 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine holds a different design from the Daytona there are still a few similarities. Beginning with exclusivity, the Porsche 911 Chronograph is limited to, well you guessed it, 911 timepieces. As the demand of the Rolex Daytona 116500 fluctuates the watch holds high demand and low supply. Since the 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine already has a set number of watches for sale, we can only speculate that it will be in high demand. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough information on how the watch community will react to the 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine as compared to the iconic Daytona model by The Crown, but time will tell.
The 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine
Of course, an extraordinary ride requires an extraordinary timepiece from the marque’s sibling, Porsche Design. Hence, the new 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine Limited Edition. The sports watch is delivered in a special edition box with a numbered badge, the timepiece will be available starting in April for $5,411 at Porsche Design Stores, the Porsche Design website, Porsche Centers and specialty dealers. Porsche Design made horological history in 1972 with the debut of the Chronograph I, the world’s first-ever all black timepiece, and the new watch exhibits similar traits.
This isn’t Porsche’s first rodeo either. Other watches designed by Porsche, like the 911 GT2 RS Chronograph have seen similar materials and designs incorporated into their respective car/watch parings. While it is typical for designers to bring about the same theme, the 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine looks far too minimalistic to attain any similarity beyond the color scheme.
The monochrome, race car-inspired matte black watch features an extremely narrow, low-profile bezel, lending it a sleek look. In a nod to the gauges on a 911, it has a bright red stop function and central seconds hands, while a special sub dial displays the words “Timeless Machine”, while the chronograph counters are designed to resemble a speedometer. The tough, lightweight titanium case feature distinctive cut-out lugs and the strap is created with the same leather and stitching used in the interiors of Porsche sports cars. Inside the watch beats the classic ETA Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement which also powered the original Chronograph 1, visible through the sapphire case back and customized with the new Porsche Design Icon Rotor.
What are your thoughts on the 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine watch made by Porsche? Let us know in the comments below.
