CHRONOGRAPH 718 SPYDER RS - A lightweight Chronograph
Image: Porsche Design
Known for its powerful and agile supercars, Porsche has long been a leader in automotive engineering and design. The brand has built a reputation for producing exceptional cars that are loved for their reliability, performance, and elegance. However, Porsche's influence expands beyond cars and just so happens to encompass the field of horology too through the Porsche Design subsidiary.
Established in 1972 and headquartered in Austria, Porsche Design, as the name suggests, is a design company tasked with capturing the spirit of Porsche's iconic cars in various luxury goods including eyewear, clothing, and timepieces.
Over the years, Porsche Design has released timepieces that complement various car models. With the introduction of the 718 Spyder RS, the German company announced the Chronograph 718 Spyder RS, designed exclusively for buyers of the new car. So, what makes this new timepiece exciting?
Image: Porsche Design
Case Design
In keeping with the 718 Spyder’s lightweight construction, the Chronograph 718 Spyder RS features a light titanium case that measures 42mm in diameter and 14.6mm in thickness. Available in natural or black titanium, the case exudes a sleek and sporty aesthetic that does its best to mimic the recently unveiled 718 Spyder RS.
The bezel, which matches the chosen case color, can be customized with either a tachymeter or minute dial, adding functionality to a timepiece meant to be a proper track companion.
Image: Porsche Design
The titanium case is paired with a black "vehicle leather" strap featuring a Race-Tex attachment embossed with the Spyder RS logo. For those who prefer metal straps, high-quality titanium straps are also available as an upgrade. All straps come with a quick-change mechanism and a folding clasp with pushers that match the case color.
Dials and Subdials
A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal provides a clear view of the elegant yet sporty dial of the Chronograph 718 Spyder RS. The watch's carbon "RS" and black "GT" dials serve as reminders of the watch's sporting roots, while the hour and minute markers are coated with a luminous ceramic material known as Super-LumiNova®.
Image: Porsche Design
The dial of the Chronograph 718 Spyder RS displays the Porsche Design logo at the 3 o'clock position. At 6 o'clock, the hour totalizer features engraving with "Flyback" lettering and an "H" symbolizing "hour". At 9 o'clock, a racy black and white checkered flag captures the eye, accompanied by dynamic Spyder RS lettering. Completing the setup, the minute totalizer at 12 o'clock displays the letter "M", also, with meticulous engraving and in Racing Yellow.
Movement
At the heart of the Porsche Chronograph 718 Spyder RS lies the COSC-certified Porsche-Design WERK 01.200 movement. Its headline flyback feature allows the wearer to start, stop, or reset the timer in a single operation. This eliminates the need for the multiple steps typically required by a standard chronograph.
Image: Porsche Design
Starting at 9,500 euros and offering multiple configuration options through a user interface that mimics the Porsche car configurator, the Chronograph 718 Spyder RS is available for purchase exclusively for buyers of the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS through the Porsche Design website.
