Porsche Designs 1919 Datetimer Eternity Black
Watch companies are always designing and constructing new and more innovative watches to improve on mechanics, functionality, looks and designs. If you’re looking for a new watch that exhibits a sleek, masculine look with the same class and style you are already familiar with when you hear the name, Porsche. Then this may be the exact timepiece you’re looking for. The 1919 Datetimer Eternity Black Edition All Black watch is aesthetically pleasing and gives you all the functionality and design lines of the legendary Porsche 356.
History of Porsche designed watches
Until 1972 there were no black watches until Porsche Design introduced a chronograph watch set in a black steel case that donned a black bracelet. The watch was simply called the Chronograph I and it was an immediate sensation. The designer and founder, Ferdinand Porsche said he drew his inspiration for the watch with the white dial markers and hands set against a black background, straight from the gauges of an airplane and automobile. It was a contemporary look mixed with a utilitarian layout and it worked.
Porsche went on to work with other companies who had the expertise in building watches but they were Porsche’s design inspirations and over the past 42 years, Porsche has churned out quite a lineup of timepieces that have broken ground in their use of materials and it’s what lead them to move into creating titanium watches in 1980 when titanium became the newest most interesting material to work with in the field of watch design. It was expensive in its raw form and it was about to become the watch material of the future.
Porsche Design is responsible for creating the legendary Ocean dive watch. Initially intended in part for the German military, the details of what was used for the proprietary movement remains a secret to this day, but other versions of Ocean diving watches derived from the first, such as the Ocean 2000 and the smaller Ocean 500. All of the versions were created with the signature Porsche Design integrated bracelet with the hidden clasp as well as a Velcro strap, thoughtfully added to be used over a diver’s wet suit sleeve.
Porsche’s Design’s 1919 Datetimer Eternity
Where did Ferdinand Porsche get the idea for the 1919 Datetimer Eternity? Ferdinand Porsche is known to design and develop each and every one of his watches with a specific idea and vision in mind. Typically inspired by one of his automobiles, the 1919 Datetimer Eternity is no different. Ferdinand Porsche used the Porsche 356 as his guide when he began to layout his thoughts for this exquisite, and strikingly rich looking watch.
Design
The 1919 Datetimer Eternity collection all share something in common, the new case design. The case was designed using a skeltonized lug structure which was done with the primary purpose of reducing the visual size and mass of the case. This makes the case seem slimmer, sleeker and thinner, perfect for those who prefer thin as opposed to a bulky watch.
The case is also designed to wear large on the wrist which gives the face and the dial a more legible, lume-rich dial in diameter. Although there are different options to choose from with the colors of the dial, casing and strap, this is the 1919 Datetimer Eternity Black. This brings a thought to mind that those with smaller or more thin wrists, may find this watch a bit overbearing for their wrist. Ultimately it is a personal preference when choosing the size of the face you feel comfortable with, but this particular design may dominate a smaller wrist and be uncomfortable to wear.
The watch’s features of the case, dial, strap and movement are:
Case
This 1919 model was designed with an exhibition caseback window and while the majority of the case was finished with a sand-blasted finish, the bezel, crown and caseback were all given a polished finish.
- Diameter: 42
- Height: 11.92
- Material: Titanium
- Glass: Convex, scratch-resistant, double-sided with a 7- layer, anti-reflective sapphire
- Water-resistant up to 10 bar
Dial
The dial was designed with an elegant and super sleek black face and luminous minute hand, hour hand and second hand. It has a date window display at the 3 o’clock setting.
Strap
The strap is an elegant black titanium and carbide coating. An esthetically pleasing and masculine look that is comfortable on the wrist. The strap offsets the black dial for a sheik and luxurious look. The strap opens and closes easily for quick wear or removal, with a sturdy and secure folding clasp.
Movement
Porsche Design decided to go with a basic movement for the watch, the Sellita SW200. While some may feel that the movement is not as fancy as others and only allows for 38 hours of power reserve , it has been found to work nicely and has not been an issue. Porsche Design tends to promote the higher end, premium features of everything he designs, whether it be his automobile line, sunglasses or watches.
- Caliber: Sellita SW200
- Rotor: Porsche Design used the Porsche Design Icon Rotor for the 1919 Datetimer Eternity
- Height: 4.60 mm
- Diameter: 25.60 mm
- Power reserve: The power reserve is 38 hours
- Frequency: 28,800 per hour (4Hz)
- Jewels: 26 Jewels used in this design
Overall, this is has been dubbed the most elegant yet simple watches to date, of all the watches in the Porsche Design line. For the right wrist, this watch is sure to get the looks and admiration of other watch enthusiasts.
Bottom line
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche died this April. He has been honored for his iconic designs, and specifically for the Porsche 911. His legacy for his design function and brand will live on but it will remain to be seen how his young history of 40 years in the Porsche Design of watches will fair in the years to come now that the founder has passed on. It’s hard to imagine that with a name like Porsche attached to the innovative and beautifully crafted watches he started, that they will do anything but continue to inspire a desire for a continuation in the line for years to come.