Porsche Design watches go beyond a mere co-branding exercise and instead carry the design DNA and philosophy of the company’s founder, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. There is no arguing that over its 40+-year history; it has produced some revolutionary, collectible and important watches.

To understand Porsche Design watches, you must, as with so many things, go back to its beginnings. In 1963, the Porsche car company introduced its latest model, the 911, at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The car was the successor to the brand’s popular but aging model 356 and featured newer, more minimalist design language, penned by Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche, the son of the company’s founder. Of course, we don’t need to remind anyone about the success of the 911 which, along with James Bond films, has endured as a true cultural icon that has evolved but still retains its perfect original form.

Form is an important concept to all designers. In 1972, he founded Porsche Design and his first product was a wristwatch.

It’s hard to believe that before 1972, there were no black watches, given today’s ubiquity of PVD, DLC and ceramic timepieces. So when Porsche Design introduced an austere chronograph in a black steel case with black bracelet, it was a sensation. 40+ years later, the watch still looks remarkably contemporary with its utilitarian, almost severe, layout.

The thoroughly modern P’6620 Dashboard Chronograph watch is a fine timepiece for daily wear. This watch is presented in a light-weight titanium case and features the signature simplistic look that we came to love since the industrial design subsidiary of the famous carmaker began to churn out its flawless objects of contemporary art.

Chronograph / Black dial with Arabic numerals, titanium case & bezel, black caoutchouc with folding buckle, 44 mm.

Value: $6,581.00

Generously donated by the Change a Life Foundation