The Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS

For some time now, Porsche Design (the watchmaker) has been working closely with Porsche (the car manufacturer) to create very special watches that not only match specific cars from the range, but that can also be entirely customized through a configurator that is clearly inspired by what you could do with a car. The idea is pretty simple yet rather cool, as one can create a watch that perfectly matches his/her new sports car. And we know that cars and watches have a lot in common. Following the launch yesterday of the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS, Porsche Design brings its own version of the track-inspired model, with a new customizable flyback chronograph.

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS

If most know about the existence of the 911, the brand’s icon, Porsche has more than one model in its range. The other sports car is the 718, a model that has always been a bit in the shadow of its bigger sister, but which comes with some rather fascinating specs, the main one being a mid-engine architecture, known as the ideal position. And if Porsche has, until now, made the 718 less powerful and fast than the 911, things have changed since yesterday, with the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, a car that is basically the internal competitor to the other star, the 911 GT3.

Using the Cayman as a base, the team of the GT department has implemented the 4.0-litre, 500hp naturally-aspirated flat-six engine of the GT3 right behind the seats… The promise of high-revs and impressive induction noise. The rest of the car is equally striking, with all the elements optimized for the track – aggressive aero package, complex suspensions, stripped-down interior… A nimble, lightweight machine to chase milliseconds on the track! And since weight is lower than a GT3, this will make the 718 Cayman GT4 RS quite an opponent when it comes to removing some rubber from its tyres.

The Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS

It’s not the first time Porsche Design presents a customizable watch related to a new model from Porsche. We’ve recently seen the Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 or the Porsche Design Chronograph “911 GT3 With Touring Package” Edition and the recipe today is similar. The base remains the same, the typically PD chronograph with racing inspiration, yet now the brand offers new design options to make this new model perfectly in line with the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

The case is the classic 42mm motorsport-inspired watch we’re now accustomed to, and it’s available either in natural titanium or with black titanium carbide coating. In the same vein, one can choose between two bezel designs, with tachymeter or 60-minute scale, again either in black or natural titanium, so you can create contrast or uniformity with the case.

The connection with the car continues with the dial of the Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The relationship to the motorized 718 finds expression in other details, such as the matte black, anti-reflective dial, for example, which is inspired by the sports car’s rev counter. It can also be ordered in genuine carbon fibre, for an even more racing-oriented theme. The dial features multiple white and signal yellow accents, and the ‘GT4 RS` logo and stylized checkered flag on the running second at 9 o’clock. The dial is framed by a ring that can be chosen in the exact same colour as the exterior of the car. As standard, the dial is framed by an Arctic Gray ring, which is the hero colour for the 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

Turning the watch over, the caseback reveals the Porsche Design Caliber WERK 01.200, a proprietary flyback chronograph chronometer-certified by the COSC. As with previous models, the rotor is shaped exactly like the rims of the cars it matches. Here, you’ll find two design options (GT4 RS or Weissach), and each can be ordered in 5 or 6 different colours – which are the same as the car in question.

The Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS is worn on a black leather and Race-Tex strap with embossed logo and decorative stitching in Arctic Gray or Deep Sea Blue. Additional straps/bracelets can be ordered, made either of titanium or genuine Porsche interior leather in various colors.

The Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS is now available for order through authorized Porsche dealerships. Also, each Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS customer who configures their timepiece will be issued an individual code with which to place their order at their authorized local Porsche dealer. Price starts at EUR 8,050 but goes up depending on the options chosen. For more details about this new model, please visit porsche-design.com.