The Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3, Inspired by The New 992 GT3

Today, Porsche (the car manufacturer) has just unveiled the latest generation of its track-ready sports car, the new 911 GT3 – 992 generation. Once again an extremely capable track-oriented car, it will certainly be pure adrenaline behind the wheel. To coincide with this launch, sister-company Porsche Design has transferred the thrill of high-performance racing into a distinctive chronograph available exclusively to buyers of the new Porsche 992 GT3, and just like the car, it will be fully customisable. Here’s the new Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3.

The new Porsche 992 GT3

Today marks the launch of the seventh generation of one of the most focussed 911s… High-performance, track-inspired, here’s the new Porsche 992 GT3. Once again, we’re looking at the best of Porsche Motorsport’s racing technologies transferred into a production model. Based on the architecture of the latest generation of 911 Carrera, this new GT3 model features true racing aerodynamics, with an unprecedented and radical swan-neck rear wing and a striking rear diffuser derived from the 911 RSR race car.

Important work has also been done by Porsche on the chassis, with double-wishbone front axle layout, wider body and larger wheels, equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres. Finally, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer has also worked on weight reduction, as despite additional technical and safety features, the new Porsche 992 GT3 is no heavier than its predecessor – at 1,418kg. All of that results in a car that has managed a staggering 6min59sec lap around the Nordschleife, over 17 seconds quicker than its predecessor.

But more than numbers, the GT3 is about emotions, and the new Porsche 992 GT3 retains the recipe that has made the success of its predecessors: a lightweight, ultra-focused track car with a naturally-aspirated engine revving to almost 9,000rpm… and the option for a six-speed manual transmission for a puristic driving experience (a PDK transmission is also available). Powering this 992 GT3 is a four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine based on the drivetrain of the 911 GT3 R, as such an architecture tried and tested in endurance racing. Top speed is claimed at 320 km/h and zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.

The Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3

Knowing the strong connection between Porsche cars and Porsche Design, the design studio and watch manufacturer are presenting the watch that matches the car, a model available exclusively to buyers of the new 911 GT3 and that will be customisable to the max, so it will look as close as possible to the car it has been modelled after.

The new Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 is based on the classic Chronotimer Series 1 architecture, a watch that pays tribute to the earliest models created by the Butzi Porsche in the early 1970s. Measuring 42mm in diameter, this chronograph is only proposed in titanium, a lightweight material that echoes the high-tech materials used in the Porsche 992 GT3 car. The case, which shows a matte, anti-reflective glass bead-blasted finish, is coated in black titanium carbide for a resolutely sporty look. Of course, knowing the vocation of this model, the bezel features an engraved tachymeter scale. Thanks to its screw-down crown, the watch has a 50m WR.

As standard, the Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 is available in two editions: a sporty version with an applied dial ring in eye-catching Shark Blue (the colour used by Porsche for the presentation of the new 992 GT3) and a purist version with a colour ring in black. Both editions share the same dial with a matte black background and highly contrasted hands and markers, in white with Super-LumiNova or in yellow for the chronograph indications – the latter being modelled after the yellow accents found inside the new GT3. The layout is classic for the brand, with counters at 12 and 6 o’clock, and a running seconds at 9 o’clock.

For this new Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3, the brand once again uses the expertise of its sister-company, and the straps are made from genuine Porsche vehicle leather with “GT3” debossing and stitching in contrasting colours, in Shark Blue or GT Silver, depending on the version. Also, the straps are equipped with the brand’s innovative and practical quick-change system, so the strap can be changed easily and conveniently without the need for additional tools, by just pressing a pusher on the back.

The caseback underscores the strong connections that exist between these two Porsche entities. Under the sapphire caseback is the Porsche Design calibre WERK 01.200, a proprietary movement based on the architecture of the 7750 and highly modified according to PD’s requirements, with specific decoration, chronometer certification and, a typical racing-oriented feature, a flyback function. It beats at 4Hz and boasts 48h of power reserve. The most striking element is the rotor, recreated from the design of the Porsche 992 GT3 wheels, including a miniaturised centre lock featuring a silver GT3 logo. To match the car, the rotor is available in six colours – silver, dark grey, black with red stripe, black with blue stripe, full black or gold.

Finally, there’s more to the Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 as it can be fully customised through the Porsche Design custom-built Timepieces Program (available for German, UK and US markets). Thanks to an online configurator – which we presented in this video – owners of the 911 GT3 can personalise and adapt additional details on the watch to match their dream sports car. For instance, the case can be ordered in natural or black titanium, multiple bezel configurations are available, and the dial ring can be customised within the GT3 colour spectrum. Of course, the strap can be ordered with contrasting stitches made from Porsche vehicle thread, and various colours of leather are available. Upon completion of the configuration, the customer receives an individual code that can be used to order the personalised timepiece at his/her local authorised Porsche dealer.

The Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 will be available in spring 2021. Depending on the chosen configuration, delivery takes eight to twelve weeks, and prices start from USD 8,050. For more details, visit www.porsche-design.com.