Today we look at a unique object that combines two popular themes - cars and watches.
Such interests are not uncommon, but this model goes beyond the ordinary. The watch is inspired by one of the greatest sports cars in history - the Porsche 911. The brand behind this model is new to many. Stewart Dawson London makes its debut on Onewatch with the SD 911 Black model.
History and Origin of the Stewart Dawson London Brand
Stewart Dawson London is named after a watchmaker and jeweler founded in 1871 in Liverpool. Today, this name is known as a brand of high-end jewelry. The D Group, a small owner, controls the Stewart Dawson brand as well as several other brands producing premium watch accessories and private collections. The current lineup includes several sports models, among which is the SD 911 Black. Let's take a closer look at the watch.
Features of the Porsche 911 Dashboard
Few cars deserve the title of icon as much as the Porsche 911. Its silhouette is instantly recognizable, and its distinctive design elements are legendary. In particular, air-cooled models are characterized by headlights, a slotted grille over the rear engine, and the shape of the side windows. Inside the cabin, there are also recognizable features, the main one being five instruments located in front of the driver behind a thin steering wheel.
Unlike most cars, the tachometer in the 911 has always been located in the center of the dashboard. In the early 1970s, Porsche commissioned the German company VDO, now owned by Continental, to create one of the clearest and most functional instrument clusters. White numbers on a black background, a red hand, and a matte stainless steel casing were complemented by mileage counters and an odometer, as well as hidden green turn indicators. As someone who has been fortunate enough to own an old Porsche 911, I can confirm - looking at these vertical instruments is a real pleasure. How will this be implemented in the watch?
Construction and Technical Specifications of the Stewart Dawson SD 911 Black
Let's start with the basic specifications. The watch case is made of 316L stainless steel. Diameter - 42.5 mm, lug-to-lug distance - 51 mm, providing readability on the wrist, especially when driving a classic car. The glass is sapphire with anti-reflective and fingerprint-resistant coating. Unlike most sports watches without a rotating bezel, the SD 911 Black is equipped with a screw-down crown, increasing water resistance to 100 meters.
Stewart Dawson reproduced the design of Porsche's instruments almost unchanged. The dial is black, with simple white numbers covered with Super-LumiNova luminescent material. The font is identical to the VDO instrument fonts. Large white divisions extend from the numbers to the edge of the dial, with thinner and shorter ones in between. The design mimics the instruments of the early 1970s. The red chevron at the 37-minute mark is particularly noteworthy - a reference to the red zone of the 1973 Porsche 911 RS tachometer with a maximum rotation speed of 7300 rpm.
The red second hand is needle-shaped and rotates around a large central pin of matte stainless steel. The 'gladiator' style hands are not directly related to the car, but their matte frames and central Super-LumiNova stripes fit harmoniously into the overall concept. Next to the number 9 is a barely noticeable glossy number "11" - a tribute to the legendary model. The date window is black and white and located at the 3 o'clock position.
Strap with Elements Reminiscent of Car Seats
The strap is made of black nappa leather with red stitching. However, a simple description does not convey all the details. The ends of the strap consist of four square soft sections, imitating the stitching on Recaro seats in the Porsche 911. The strap is soft and flexible, comfortably fitting the wrist. Visually, it is a unique solution. However, it would be interesting to see an option with perforated leather, replicating the car's headliner material.
The case back is made of stainless steel and screws down. Its lack of decorations allows the owner to engrave details of their own car. Inside is a proven automatic movement Sellita SW200 with a hacking function, a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 semi-oscillations per hour), and a power reserve of 41 hours. The date is set via the crown.
Wearing and Impressions of the Stewart Dawson SD 911 Black
Overall, the SD 911 Black gives the impression of a well-crafted watch with thoughtful details. The matte-brushed case pairs well with the polished and stepped bezel. The case lugs curve noticeably downward, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist. For those with smaller wrists, the watch may seem large, so it would be logical to release a smaller version - about 38-39 mm in diameter and with a reduced lug-to-lug distance. This would expand the model's fan base. The strap is 22 mm wide, tapering to 20 mm at the clasp, but a more pronounced tapering profile would look even better.
Conclusion: Stewart Dawson SD 911 Black as a Choice for Porsche 911 Enthusiasts
The SD 911 Black model is a worthy product from Stewart Dawson London that will resonate with owners and fans of the Porsche 911. Priced around €1,490 / £1,295, the watch is not budget-friendly, but it occupies a competitive niche among similar models with the same movement. The finish quality is high, and it comes with a convenient leather case. The only wish is for a more compact version to make the collection more versatile. For detailed information and ordering, it is recommended to visit the brand's official website.