Best Porsche Watches For the Automobile Lovers Out There

Porsche is a German automobile manufacturer known worldwide for its arsenal of iconic luxury sports cars. For many folks, owning a Porsche car is a dream come true. However, did you know that aside from automobile products, Porsche also offers its own roster of remarkable watches? 

Over the years, Porsche has expanded its line of merchandise into various commodities that cater to its customers globally. Aside from watches, these also include clothing, accessories, and various lifestyle products.

In terms of Porsche watches, many pieces are derived from the brand’s own line of famous sports cars. Hence, wearing one feels like already owning a Porsche car. In addition, many of the Porsche watches are crafted as racing watches built to be used in racing competitions. However, these timepieces are generally built with versatile designs. This allows them to be used as dress watches or even in casual, everyday life.

Let us take a quick look at some of the best Porsche watches offered in the market today, and how the brand first came up with these timepieces in the rest of this article.

Porsche Watches: A Brief Overview

In 1972, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche founded and headed Porsche Design, a company separate from Porsche itself. Under Porsche Design, high-end goods in the form of pens, sunglasses, and many more were manufactured. Up to this day, the production of these items under Porsche Design still continues. 

Known for being the creative mind behind the Porsche 911, Porsche sought to release a timepiece derived from the aforementioned sports car. He wanted to create a watch that looked just like the Porsche 911, with just as much craftsmanship and innovation. Thus, the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 was born. Launched in 1972 along with Porsche Design, this watch was a masterpiece. Not only was it the first all-black chronograph watch, but it also paved the way for Porsche to succeed in the watch industry in the years to come. 

Continuing the legacy started by Porsche Design, today, Porsche watches are designed in the Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See, Austria. They are then forwarded to and manufactured in the brand’s own watchmaking company under Porsche Design Timepieces AG located in Solothurn, Switzerland.

10 Best Porsche Watches

1. Porsche Design Chronograph 1 (1972 Limited Edition)

For the first watch on this list, let us take a look at the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 (1972 Limited Edition). First launched in 1972, this Porsche watch is most famous for being worn in films starring the American actor Tom Cruise. It has appeared in hit films like Top Gun (1986) and the recent blockbuster hit Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Fifty years after its original debut, the brand has just relaunched this timepiece in 2022. As a 50th anniversary model, the production of the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 (1972 Limited Edition) is limited to just 500 pieces. 

The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 (1972 Limited Edition) utilizes a black-coated titanium construction for its case and three-link bracelet. Since it weighs 45% lighter than steel, this titanium watch wears much lighter than the average stainless steel watch. It is housed in a 40.8mm case with a height of 14.15mm, allowing it to fit wrists of all sizes quite well. 

This watch also shows off a sleek matte black dial, which complements its exterior quite nicely. It is adorned with luminous hour indices and blunt hands, along with a vibrant red seconds hand that adds a pop of color to this watch face. At 3 o’clock rests a compact day-date window. Three sub-merged sub-dials also fill the dial, serving as the 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. Along with the tachymeter scale on the dial’s rim, these chronograph sub-dials are used to measure the speed of a moving object, especially in the context of racing.

This watch is driven by the in-house Porsche WERK 01.140 Caliber. It is an automatic movement that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a standard power supply of 48 hours.

If you love all-black watches, you can get the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 (1972 Limited Edition) for $7,700 USD. 

2. Porsche Lifestyle Collector’s Watch Ref. WAP0701700N0CL 

Next up, we have another limited-edition model, the Porsche Lifestyle Collector’s Watch Ref. WAP0701700N0CL. It is presented in a 42mm cushion-shaped case made from stainless steel. This square watch is coupled with a multicolor textile strap designed with racing stripes exactly like the 1972 Porsche 956. The strap is held by twisted wire lugs that add to the fashionable look of this watch.

The watch’s brushed silver dial is decorated with Arabic numeral markers, black pencil hands coated with Super-LumiNova, and a circular date display at 6 o’clock. On the rim of the dial is a minute track in blue and red, the colors of the 1972 Porsche 956. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a thick fixed bezel. Fitted with eight screws, this bezel is also made of stainless steel and protects the watch face from any impacts and knocks. 

This Porsche watch is powered by a battery-operated Ronda 515 quartz movement. It offers a water resistance capacity of 100 meters and can last for up to 45 months when fully charged. 

As a special-edition watch, there are only 1,956 pieces of the Porsche Lifestyle Collector’s Watch Ref. WAP0701700N0C available worldwide. That said, its $500 USD price tag makes it very affordable and accessible to many watch collectors. 

3. Porsche Lifestyle Chronograph Race Ref. WAP0700090NRAC 

If you are on the hunt for a Porsche watch with very unique features, check out the Porsche Lifestyle Chronograph Race Ref. WAP0700090NRAC. This timepiece is packed in a 42mm stainless steel case, paired with a multicolor textile strap. It is also delivered with an additional black rubber strap, which you can use in all sorts of sports-related activities. 

The polished silver dial of this watch is furnished with Arabic numeral markers, blue sword hands, a tachymeter ring, and vivid red accents scattered all around the dial, including on the seconds hand. As a chronograph watch, it also has three chronograph sub-dials, which are operated using the polished pushers at 11 and 1 o’clock. 

The unusually-placed screw-down crown at 12 o’clock, along with the stainless steel caseback, affords this watch a solid 100-meter depth rating. Finally, this watch runs on the Miyota OS30 Caliber. This is a high-end quartz movement that has an accuracy rate of +/-20 seconds per month and a superb battery life of approximately five years. 

The Porsche Lifestyle Chronograph Race Ref. WAP0700090NRAC retails at just $750 USD.

4. Porsche Lifestyle Classic Chronograph Turbo Ref. WAP0700880LCLC 

For a Porsche watch in a lovely ensemble of blue tones, we have the Porsche Lifestyle Classic Chronograph Turbo Ref. WAP0700880LCLC. This watch is encased in a 44mm satin-finished stainless steel case, giving the timepiece a very smooth look. It is matched with a blue textile strap that goes well with the blue accents of the dial. 

The watch’s white dial is guarded by a layer of sapphire crystal with scratch-resistant and anti-reflective properties. Arranged on it are blue Arabic numerals, luminous hands outlined in blue, and a small date aperture at 3 o‘clock. Red accents can also be found on the two blue chronograph sub-dials, adding to the watch’s handsome, dynamic aesthetic. Inside this watch, you can also find a reliable quartz Ronda movement. 

You can get your hands on the Porsche Lifestyle Classic Chronograph Turbo Ref. WAP0700880LCLC for $850 USD.

5. Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 39 Ref. 4056487017266 

The Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 39 Ref. 4056487017266 is one of the three models released by the brand that was inspired by the 2020 Porsche Panamera. As such, this watch bears a striking resemblance to the sports car’s interior design. These include the watch’s strap, which is made from the same leather as the Porsche vehicle’s seats, and the dial’s design, which mimics the car’s dash clock. 

This watch is housed in a 39mm black titanium case with a thickness of 12.25mm. Given these dimensions, it can fit quite well on small-to-average-sized wrists. Its hollow titanium lugs add to this watch’s slim, lightweight look. In addition, it is also very easy to wear and remove thanks to its folding clasp. This watch boasts a solid 100-meter water resistance capacity, allowing you to bring it on all sorts of water adventures. 

The brushed black dial of this watch is ornamented with rectangular hour indices, Arabic numerals, blunt hands, and a date complication at 3 o’clock. A small seconds sub-dial is also placed at 6 o’clock.

Ticking inside this watch is the Porsche Design Caliber WERK 03.200. Fitted with 31 jewels, this movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a modest 38-hour power reserve.

Hailing from the luxury collection of Porsche watches, the Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 39 Ref. 4056487017266 is priced at $5,350 USD.

6. Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 42 Ref. 4046901928001 

If you have a larger wrist and would like to opt for a blue version of the previous Porsche Design watch, take a look at the Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 42 Ref. 4046901928001. 

This luxury piece comes in a 42mm titanium case, paired with a blue Porsche leather strap and slim, hollowed lugs that are also made of titanium. This watch can fit quite comfortably on wrists of all sizes and it wears very lightly to boot, thanks to its lightweight titanium and leather construction. 

The brushed blue dial of this watch shows off an alluring sunray finish. It is filled with white hour indices, Arabic numeral markers, and luminous blunt hands. You can also find a compact date indicator at 3 o’clock and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. 

Underneath this gorgeous watch face, you can find a Porsche Design Caliber WERK 03.200. Held together by 31 jewels, this automatic movement offers a 38-hour power supply and a water resistance capacity of 100 meters. 

The price of the Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 42 Ref. 4046901928001 is set at $4,750 USD.

7. Porsche Design 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Ref. 4046901809379 

Next up, we have a luxury piece inspired by the Porsche 911. The Porsche Design 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Ref. 4046901809379 is built in a 42mm titanium case, coupled with a brown calfskin leather strap. 

The dial of this watch boasts a rich, chocolate brown hue that matches its strap perfectly. It consists of rectangular hour indices, blunt black hands, a date display at 4 o’clock, and scattered, bright red accents. 

The dial also has two chronograph sub-dials for the 30-minute and 12-hour counters, along with a curved function display at 9 o’clock which shows the running seconds. These features can be controlled using the long pushers on the right side of the watch case. Compared to traditional chronograph pieces, this watch comes with a flyback function. This enables you to stop and reset the running chronograph without stopping it altogether. It comes in especially handy when you need to register the lap times in a race.

This watch is notable for being equipped with the brand’s first-ever in-house automatic movement: the Porsche Design Caliber WERK 01.200. Composed of 25 jewels, this self-winding movement has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and a standard 48-hour power rating.

The Porsche Design 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Ref. 4046901809379 can be purchased for $6,350 USD.

8. Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator Ref. 4046901564131 

For a state-of-the-art Porsche watch, here is the Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator Ref. 4046901564131. This watch sports a 45.5mm monobloc case with a height of 15.6mm, crafted entirely from titanium. While this oversized timepiece fits best on medium-to-large-sized wrists, those with smaller wrists can also wear it quite comfortably, thanks to its lightweight titanium build. 

This GMT watch showcases a handsome black sunburst dial. It comprises a tachymeter chapter ring on its rim, white hour indices, thick sword hands, and two chronograph sub-dials for the 30-minute and 12-hour counters. A running seconds counter also rests at 9 o’clock, while a small date aperture can be found at 4 o’clock. A simple 24-hour scale is also engraved on the slanting edges of the dial.

You might have noticed that this Porsche watch does not have traditional pushers. That is because they are integrated into the monobloc case itself. Referred to as the rocker switch, the cut lines on the right side of the case can be pushed inwards to control the stopwatch, GMT, and chronograph functions of this timepiece. 

The back of this watch is sealed shut by an exhibition-style caseback. Through it, you can admire the watch’s ETA/Valjoux 7754 movement. It beats at 28,800 (4Hz) and has an average power supply of 42 hours. This watch also possesses a reliable water resistance rating of 100 meters. 

The Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator Ref. 4046901564131 costs $6,350 USD.

9. Porsche Design Chronotimer Series 1 Flyback Ref. 4046901811006 

If you love sporty and rugged Porsche watches, check out the Porsche Design Chronotimer Series 1 Flyback Ref. 4046901811006. This robust timepiece is sheltered in a 42mm black titanium case, accompanied by a black vehicle leather strap.

The matte black dial is made from carbon fiber, with its eye-catching and distinct criss-cross pattern. It contains white hour indices, luminous sword hands, a date complication at 4 o’clock, and a vivid red seconds hand that adds a touch of vibrancy to this watch face. You can also find two chronograph sub-dials with sleek sunray black finishes, for the 30-minute and 12-hour counters. 

Affixed on top of the watch is a black tachymeter bezel. On the right side of the watch, a screw-down crown is placed. It is surrounded by two sizable chronograph pushers, which are used to operate the watch’s flyback function. All of these features are powered by a Caliber WERK 01.200, which provides a power reserve of 48 hours. 

The Porsche Design Chronotimer Series 1 Flyback Ref. 4046901811006 is worth $6,700 USD.

10. TAG Heuer Carrera Ref. CBN2A1F.BA0643 

For many watch connoisseurs, watch collaborations are one of the most exciting parts of the horological sphere. One prime example of this is the TAG Heuer Carrera Ref. CBN2A1F.BA0643. This watch is a collaboration between the Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and Porsche. It uses a 44mm stainless steel case paired with a three-link bracelet made from the same material. 

The dial shows off a black textured surface that resembles the asphalt used in racing tracks. It is filled with Arabic numerals in a white typeface, luminous skeleton hands, and three chronograph sub-dials with vibrant red accents. Affixed to the top of the watch face is a tachymeter bezel, with a thick black ceramic insert. 

This timepiece is operated by the in-house TAG Heuer Caliber 02. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and boasts a stellar 80-hour power supply. Unlike the previous Porsche watches, however, this collaborative piece only has a depth rating of 30 meters. This allows it to survive any simple showers and splashes. 

If you want a robust racing watch with a classy look, this TAG Heuer Carrera piece comes at $6,550 USD. 

Final Thoughts

After going through this list of notable Porsche watches, it is quite clear that Porsche has not only cemented its reputation in the field of automobiles but also in the line of modern and innovative timepieces. The brand surely knows how to create excellent watches that fans of automobiles would definitely want to own. If you love sports cars and the Porsche brand in particular, then these Porsche watches are surely worth collecting.

All images courtesy of WatchShopping website, unless otherwise stated. 

Photo credits: Porsche.

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