Gatherings: The Driving Allure of Porsche Design Timepieces

The elegant Watches of Switzerland flagship boutique in SoHo, New York, was the recent scene of a high-octane Hodinkee Gathering focused on the timepieces from the Porsche Design brand, which maintains a very close relationship with the fabled German performance automaker.

As such, while certainly every participant counts themselves as Porsche automotive fans, the intersection of performance luxury vehicle fandom and horological fandom is particularly profound. The opportunity to discuss Porsche Design in depth provided a unique opportunity to focus on products that don't require recharging or refueling, namely timepieces.

Watches of Switzerland CEO David Hurley and Porsche Lifestyle Group CEO Stefan Buescher kicked the event off with an announcement of a new ongoing partnership around the retailer's and watchmaker's shared values of precision, perfection, watch aesthetics and craftsmanship.

Those same values are also shared by actor Orlando Bloom. He spoke about treating himself to a 1973 Porsche 911 after he felt that he "made it" in the film world. His initial admiration of Porsche vehicles only deepened after discovering Porsche Design.

The actor commented on his fascination with the original 1972 Chronograph I's enduring and predictive modernity; a truly timeless example of design excellence.

Above all, his commentary casts a light on how Porsche products represent a fully realized lifestyle; something you buy into, not just something you buy.

Continuing the theme of deeply personal stories, Ferdi Porsche shared his more familial ties to Porsche Design. He received a 1972 Chronograph I from his father, and is still a proud owner of the iconic timepiece. He also received a 25th Anniversary Chronograph 1 for his 18th birthday from his father. He shared that these timepieces represent a very intense, personal connection for him to his family, motorsports, and Porsche tradition.

Leading into the big event finale, Hodinkee founder Ben Clymer underscored the maker's heritage with his own personal and long-term admiration of Porsche cars, Porsche Design watches, and the Porsche family. In fact, he recalled that in an early conversation with Watches of Switzerland's David Hurley, he had recommended that they work more with Porsche Design.

Panelist Ferdi Porsche's uncle, F. A. Porsche, designed the operation's inaugural timepiece offering, the Porsche Design Chronograph I in 1972, inspired by the dashboard of the iconic Porsche 911 roadster (which he also created in 1963). This was the birth of an enduring wrist borne legend, and was the first fully black wristwatch in the world at the time, harkening to the desire to offer unmatched legibility, even when grasping the steering wheel of a fast-moving Porsche.

The gathering culminated with the show-stopping official unveiling of the new Porsche Design Chronograph 1 - 1975 Limited Edition. The 40.8mm uncoated titanium chronograph taps not only into Studio F. A. Porsche's close alignment with motoring-inspired design, but also into its own watchmaking heritage. With dinner and drinks to celebrate, it was a perfect "surprise" ending to another successful Hodinkee Gatherings event.