For a while, the pandemic delayed all thoughts of wearing travel watches. Fortunately, the idea of traveling, crossing borders, and time zones has not died, and we can once again wear watches with GMT, dual time, or world time functions. Speaking of which, we must mention the new Porsche Design model that has just been released - the new variant of the ultra-practical and smart Globetimer. This new version perfectly aligns with the brand's concept of discreet, streamlined design. Let's take a look at the new Porsche Design 1919 Globetimer UTC All Black.
The 1919 Globetimer UTC isn't new per se, having first been introduced at Baselworld 2019. These watches are a typical Porsche model. Although it is one of the brand's rare models equipped with a complication (apart from classic chronographs), this additional layer of functionality was developed with practicality in mind. As Ferdinand Alexander Porsche would say: “If you analyze the function of an object, its form often becomes obvious.” And this is where these watches come alive, thanks to one of the smartest ways to adjust time zones. Many GMT watches require adjustment via the crown (which is often screwed down), which is obviously not the most practical method and not the safest solution (I see you, dust particles and humidity...).
Porsche Design and Porsche (the car manufacturer) have always shared a lot. After all, the design studio was created in 1972 by F. A. Porsche, the creator of the timeless 911, and the first product that came from his pen was a watch! With the 1919 Globetimer UTC model, Porsche Design once again turned to what the parent company Porsche does with its cars, which are not only fast and fun but also superbly designed. Form and function are united. In this particular case, inspiration is found behind the steering wheel of the 911 (and other models), in the flimsy paddles of the PDK gearbox - with the famous + and - signs... See where this is going? One - up, the other - down. And in watchmaking, this means buttons for time zones!
THE NEW 1919 GLOBETIMER UTC ALL BLACK
A new black-coated version joins the three other Globetimer UTC members housed in 5th-grade titanium cases with black, blue, or brown dials. And this version is what I expected from the start. Why? Well, there's something natural about black-coated Porsche Design watches. Let's not forget that the first commercial black-coated watch was the 1972 chronograph designed by F. A. Porsche. So it's not only an iconic design for the brand, but none other is as legitimate as PD. We've come full circle since the Globetimer UTC is now more PD than ever before.
Let's talk about design first. The 1919 Globetimer UTC All Black has the brand's typical case shape, characteristic of the other models in this collection, with its clean, minimalist, yet recognizable combination of a cylindrical central container with integrated hollow modules serving as lugs and strap attachments. These modules account for about 99% of the watch's individuality, and despite the smooth, extremely simple design, they are a signature feature of the watch. Perhaps this is the definition of great design... The case, of course, is made of titanium with glass bead-blasting (what else for a PD watch?), measuring 42 mm in diameter and 14.90 mm in height. Not the smallest watch to think of, but ergonomics were also included in the design, so if you have a wrist larger than 17 cm, the watch will delight you - light, soft to the skin, hugging the wrist as it should.
The case is coated with black PVD all around - the crown, buttons, case back, and clasp - all black and matte. The watch is worn on an elegant integrated leather strap made from genuine Porsche automotive leather with decorative stitching in black Porsche automotive thread. It closes with a triple folding clasp with safety buttons.
As for the dial of the new 1919 Globetimer UTC All Black, no surprises... it's also (almost) entirely black. As with the rest of the watch, the display is clean and attractive. In this watch, it's all about concentric indicators and textures. In the central part of the dial is an unobtrusive circular matte pattern. Moving from the center outward, you will notice a sequence of three different tracks. The first is the date, indicated by a thin central hand with a white arrow tip. The second corresponds to the hour ring with thin minute markers and bolder applied luminescent hour indices, mirroring the large polished and luminescent hands (which are perfectly sized). Finally, on the internal flange, positioned at an angle, is the 24-hour indication, with a larger hand with a light blue arrow tip, a color also present on the UTC inscription at the “6 o'clock” position. Finally, at the “9 o'clock” position is a discreet round aperture serving as a day/night indicator.
But let's now return to the UTC complication, or dual time function. Here I'll quote Rebecca from our previous article, as she explained the entire idea behind the Porsche Design 1919 Globetimer UTC better than I could:
“Many GMT or dual time models are controlled directly from the crown, but as any traveler with such a watch knows, once you start fiddling with the crown, things can get complicated. How many notches on the crown are needed to set the reference time? And how many for local time? Did you bring the user manual? Will setting the local time paralyze the minute and second functions? The Porsche Design 1919 Globetimer UTC dispenses with these traditional systems. Two buttons on the right side of the case, very similar to chronograph pushers on other Porsche Design models and inspired by Porsche's PDK paddles, make this watch so easy to use. The upper button (+) advances the local (current) time by one hour, and the lower button (-) moves the hour hand backward. The beauty of this system is that the time-setting function does not stop the minute and second hands, so chronometric accuracy is not lost. After all, what's the point of having a COSC-certified chronometer mechanism if every time you set the watch, the minute and second hands stop?”
Extremely easy to use, highly practical, and reliable, this system was made possible by the in-depth development of the movement. At its core is the familiar and relatively simple Sellita SW 200-1. What really matters is the UTC module placed on top, developed by Porsche Design. Since there was no button-driven GMT module on the market (only brands like Patek or Ulysse Nardin have it), the brand simply developed its own and asked Dubois-Depraz to manufacture it. The 4 Hz movement runs for about 38 hours, and as mentioned, its accuracy is COSC certified. It is also equipped with a bidirectional rotor with a ball bearing for improved winding efficiency.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
The Porsche Design 1919 Globetimer UTC All Black is offered as part of the permanent collection and is now available in the Porsche Design online store and its boutiques/retail stores. The price of the watch is 6,250 euros.
For more information and to order, visit www.porsche-design.com.
SPECIFICATIONS – PORSCHE DESIGN 1919 GLOBETIMER UTC ALL BLACK
Case: 42 mm diameter x 14.90 mm height – titanium case, glass bead-blasted black PVD coating – sapphire crystal with hard coating, scratch-resistant and sevenfold anti-reflective coating on both sides – titanium case back with time zone engraving – screw-down crown – water resistance 100 meters
Dial: black with circular brushing – white date scale – 24-hour scale on embossed outer ring – polished hands and applied hour indices with luminescent material, light blue accents
Movement: Porsche Design caliber WERK 04.110 (base Sellita SW 200-1 with proprietary UTC module) – COSC certified – automatic – 28.50 mm x 6.94 mm – 26 jewels – 28,800 vibrations/hour – 38-hour power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds, date via central hand, central dual time zone 24-hour hand, day/night indication
Strap: Porsche automotive leather strap, black with black Porsche automotive thread stitching – folding clasp with PVD coating and button
Reference: 4056487005355
Availability: now available in Porsche Design online boutique
Price: 6,250 EUR