BASELNEWS: Blending innovative materials and colours with technical aesthetics - Porsche Design
Porsche Design stands for timelessness, functionality and purism. These qualities come to the fore in the Three-Hands and Chronograph models of the Flat Six line being premiered by Porsche Design licensee Eterna at the Baselworld World Watch and Jewellery Show, to be held from March 26th to April 2nd 2009. The proven aesthetics of the Flat Six collection are enhanced by new colour com-binations and PVD-coated cases. The collection is named after the six-cylinder Boxer engines which have contributed so magnificently to the international reputation of the Porsche brand.
“If you think about the function of something, the design sometimes simply be-comes obvious,” Porsche Design founder Ferdinand Alexander Porsche is quoted as saying, describing his work as a designer. It is a credo to which Porsche Design still subscribes. The new watches are imbued with clarity and distinctiveness, a fact underscored by their baton hands, precisely wrought dials, large digits and clear indices. This focus on the essential lends the watches a unique aesthetic touch. The date of the chronograph – displayed at three o’clock – is preceded by the weekday. The 30-minute counter is below the twelve o’clock position, while the hour totalisator is located above the six o’clock position. The triangular seconds indicator is at the nine o’clock position. Just a short glance is enough to check whether the watch is running.
The case of the Flat Six exudes power and dynamism. The four grooves machined into its flanks allude to the compression and wiper rings of the six-cylinder engine. The ergonomic push-pieces for the chronographic functions are seamlessly inte-grated into the case. Characteristic of Porsche Design watches is the tyre-tread profile on the inside surface of the caoutchouc strap, which aids ventilation. The sapphire crystal back offers a view of the energy-optimised self-winding rotor. The Flat Six P’6310 is powered by a calibre ETA 2892-A2 self-winding movement. The P’6340 Chronograph is equipped with a Valjoux 7750 movement and comes with a certificate of precision issued by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC).
Play of light colours
The white dial version of the Three-Hands model emphasises the linear styling of the Flat Six and offers optimum legibility of date and time. The red seconds hand and the red figure 60 on the bezel add a sporty touch, while the choice of three different wristbands offered with the stainless steel case leaves room for individual-ity: you can choose between a black or white caoutchouc strap, or a classic stainless steel bracelet. The chronograph also offers a blend of white dials and black caoutchouc strap or stainless steel bracelet. The models, all self-winding, are also available with dials in classic red, night blue, anthracite and black.
Innovative blends of materials
The Flat Six collection acquires particular dynamism in a new black PVD-coated case. The Physical Vapour Deposition process ensures that the watch has a par-ticularly scratch-resistant surface and provides lasting protection against oxidation. Matched to a black caoutchouc strap, with a black bezel and dial sporting subtle red accents, the black version of the chronograph skilfully integrates the purist Porsche Design philosophy.
Meanwhile, the version of the chronograph incorporating gold elements radiates elegance while maintaining its sporty credentials: its bezel, winding crown and indices create a fascinating contrast to the black PVD-coated stainless steel case with its seamlessly integrated black caoutchouc strap. The orange seconds hand underscores this deliberate move to create a break in style.
Technical aesthetics blended with new materials and colours lend the latest Flat Six self-winding models an unmistakeably sporty character. The commercial launch is scheduled for summer 2009.