Porsche Design by Orfina Chronograph 7176

I feel the need...the need for speed! The Chronograph 1 series from Porsche Design was made famous in it's appearance on the wrist of Maverick in 'Top Gun', and subsequently in the sequel 'Maverick', but it probably deserves fame regardless of it's Hollywood moment as it's just such a cool watch from a company with a very interesting story.

Ferdinand 'Butzi' Porsche, designer of the iconic 911, found himself out of a job due to family politics within Porsche, and decided to set up an independent design studio, named Porsche Design Studio. Very German! He worked with ex-Porsche factory driver Umberto Maglioli who owned Orfina and together launched the Chronograph 1 in 1972. This was a pretty historically significant watch as it was the first watch to commercialise PVD treatment, and the first watch to utilise the 7750 movement.

Fast forward a few years, and the 7750 movements were made unavailable, and a switch to the Lemania 5100 was made. These are differentiated by their dial layout with a 24 hour indicator at 12, 12 hour counter at 6, and running seconds at 9, and this is one of those later pieces known as the 7176.

The case measures in at 38mm across the bezel, and is chrome plated. It features a signed screw down crown, and signed case back marking it out as a 7176 with a serial number in the 0020XXX range. Condition is fabulous, with fairly minor marks present for its age.

The dial on this piece has been swapped for a NOS OEM Military dial fairly recently, and is in perfect condition. It also includes the original dial which also looks to be in fabulous condition, with no stains or scratches present. Rehaut is perfect, too.

Mineral crystal shows some scratching, the largest being near 1. Other scratches are very minor, and in line with what you usually see on mineral crystals.

It's mounted to what looks to be the original bracelet, which includes enough links to fit an 8in wrist. Very little stretch. Clasp shows an engraving from the original owner.

Service history is unknown, and it's keeping time at around +18 secs a day at 260 degrees of amplitude with 0 beat rate error Winding is super smooth. Date changes over correctly, chrono operates as it should.

Comes with a warranty card dated 1983, which is retailer stamped but shows no serial or reference number, as well as the original dial. No box.

Absolutely superb example of what we believe to be a very much underappreciated series.

Brand: Porsche Design by Orfina

Model #: 7176

Year: circa-1970's production

Style: Chronograph

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case details: 38mm

Movement: Lemania 5100 Automatic chronograph

Dial: Black

Paraphernalia: Warranty card dated 1983, which is retailer stamped but shows no serial or reference number, as well as the original dial.

Grading: Excellent vintage condition