Few cars have as devoted a following as the Porsche 911. It is one of the dream cars for most petrolheads, especially models like the Porsche 911 GT3, preferred by purists. Add high-performance packages to make the Porsche 911 even better, something Porsche has mastered, and you can imagine the excitement among car enthusiasts (like me!). To launch the new 'touring' version of the 911 GT3, Porsche Design has created a special watch; the Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 Touring Package.
The 911 and GT3 combination dates back to the 996 generation of the Porsche 911, but chronologically, it can be traced to the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS. It represents a relatively stripped-down, enhanced execution known as one of the most raw and pure versions of the iconic sports car. It features a naturally aspirated Flat-6 engine and a host of technical upgrades, including an impressive aerodynamic kit. However, the Touring Package leaves out the massive rear wing of the 'standard' GT3 in favor of an integrated, automatically deploying rear spoiler.
In honor of the launch of the Porsche 911 GT3 with the Touring Package, Porsche Design has created bespoke matching watches. Of course, you can create your own Porsche Design Chronograph 911 using an online configurator that allows you to select authentic Porsche 911 paints and leathers, as well as wheel-shaped rotors that match your car. The Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 Touring Package is offered exclusively to the owners of this car with the option for further customization.
Technically, nothing has changed; the updates are purely visual. The natural titanium glass bead-blasted case is equipped with a tachymetric scale on the bezel. The agate gray metallic color resembles the car's paintwork. The outer ring of the dial is black. For maximum contrast, the chronograph hands are yellow to match the tachometer on the car's dashboard; the other hands are white. The matte black dial is complemented by a white and yellow minute track, sunken chronograph counters at the '6' and '12 o'clock' positions, and a running indicator at '9 o'clock'. Finally, there's a date window at '4 o'clock'.
The proprietary Porsche Design Caliber WERK 01.200 mechanism is the same as in other Porsche Design Chronograph 911 watches, except for the rotor, which is visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The flyback chronograph movement is based on the time-tested Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph certified by COSC. However, it is modified according to Porsche Design specifications both technically and aesthetically. Car buyers can choose from six different rotor colors to match their car's wheels. Even more customization options can be selected via the online configurator (up to 1.5 million different combinations).
The Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 Touring Package is an exclusive offering for car owners. The special edition price starts at 7,750 euros, including taxes. Upgrades available in the configurator are paid separately.
More detailed information about the watches can be found on Porsche-Design.com and Porsche.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – PORSCHE DESIGN CHRONOGRAPH 911 GT3 TOURING PACKAGE
Case: 42 mm diameter x 14.6 mm height – natural titanium case with glass coating – fixed bezel with agate gray metallic tachymetric scale – sapphire crystal with AR coating on both sides – knurled screw-down crown – 50 m water resistance.
Dial: matte black dial with black peripheral ring – 6-9-12 chronograph with white and yellow hands – luminescent material – GT3 style running indicator – white and yellow minute track – date window
Movement: Porsche Design Caliber WERK 01.200 – proprietary – COSC certified automatic chronograph with flyback function – 25 jewels – 30 mm x 7.9 mm height – 28,800 vph – 48-hour power reserve – wheel-shaped rotor in 6 different styles – hours, minutes, running seconds, flyback chronograph, date
Strap: Black leather strap with GT3 embossing and titanium triple folding clasp
Customizable stitching color to match car interior
Availability: exclusively for Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package owners
Price: 7,750 euros (including taxes)
