For quite some time I have been in search for the perfect watch, a time piece that's both elegant enough to be worn to a board meeting or simply comfortable enough to fit under the fire suit for a day at the track. Having a love affair with everything Porsche it was no surprise that my attention would sway to the design company directly linked to this most extreme German manufacturer.
Porsche Design have made a name for themselves by partnering with some the world's best manufacturers, contracting them to produce their exquisite designs. Everything from espresso machines to an entire clothing line, their marque is a tough one to beat. Speaking directly to this Porsche Design recently signed a multi-million deal with the outfitter Adidas to manufacture everything from driving shoes to golf shirts to windbreakers. But we get off track – back to the main point of this article, that being the Porsche design watch.
Porsche Design Watches: a new standard in Swiss manufacturing and design
If you're in the market for the perfect time piece this very well may be it. It stands out amongst its competitors simply because of its simplicity. A professional, clean design almost always wrapped in the hardest titanium and finished off with the softest lamb hide perforated strap. No flashy metals, or brilliant colors, just true to Porsche’s philosophy: form following function.
Price certainly isn't cheap, with an average Swiss built entry model fetching somewhere in the $2500 range, escalating all the way through the $25,000 price point for a 24c Gold watch with a dark brown alligator strap. They do offer limited edition pieces (my favorite) as you’re almost guaranteed exclusivity – but generally pay up for such status. If you’re looking for a gift idea for a man who has everything, or better put a man who has style and a passion for fast cars – look no further than the Porsche Design P6000 series watches.
Replacement Watch Strap, Porsche design or Replica
We should specify that your search should be limited to the P6000 Design Watch Series. Although no expert, examining the other series watches, they seem a little less up to par. Other considerations should be placed on the strap. Keep in mind that most come with lamb hide straps, some perforated, and other options involving deviated stitching down the sides. Care should be given to these straps as they do tend to degrade over time due to the supple leather used. The should not be worn to the gym or a weekend on the yacht, scuba diving off the great barrier reef. Porsche does offer a volcanized rubber alternative that may be better suited for more extreme water and "sweat-sports". Replacing these straps is an expensive exercise as I found out personally, one such strap cost in access of $450 so a cheaper alternative may be a UK company (thestrapshop.co.uk) that offer almost identical designs in cow hide. Not exotic, but definitely affordable – to the untrained eye unrecognizable as a "replica".
Stay away from replica watches
Regarding replica watches, stay away from them at all costs. I would go further as to even advise one to make your purchase at a Porsche Design Authorized store. They are incredibly good at servicing your time piece, which is part of the warranty, and more than likely you will want to take advantage of the "offer". If you land up spending $8,000 to $10,000 on a watch, it's almost guaranteed you will take the time to have it cleaned, and tuned once or twice a year.
My Favorite… Enter the Porsche Design P´6612 PTC Limited Edition 2007 #182 of only 333.
...and best of all, when the time comes it shouldn't be hard to find a color matching Porsche GT3 RS!
Mike Kilinsk - Mike has a background in Mechanical engineering, has been a principal in three different software companies, specializing in constraint ...
