With its easy-to-read dial and impeccably finished surfaces, the Porsche Design Flat Six P’6340 Automatic Chronograph sports an almost flawless design. Its only problem is that it takes only one glance to understand what kind of movement is beating inside its generously proportioned stainless steel case.
Yes, you are right. The Flat Six sports an omnipresent ETA Valjoux 7750 workhorse. One of the best mass-produced natural-born chronograph movements that are currently available on the market, this iconic movement is also far, very far from being exclusive in any meaning of the word, which somehow diminishes the P’6340’s collector’s value.
However, Porsche Design orders the movement in the highest grade possible: in a form of a COSC-certified chronometer that is equipped with top-of-the-line components and, as a rule of thumb, is expected to be better at keeping time and also more durable in the long run.
On the one hand, this means reliability and accuracy. On the other— Well, on the other hand, many purists will look at it the same way some die-hard Porsche fans look at the Porsche Cayenne performance SUV: like a nicely refinished version of the VW Touareg. Yes, the build quality may be better, but the suspension and brakes may be of higher quality, designed to withstand more abuse without failing. Still, there is something plebeian in its essence, isn’t it?
I mean, using a higher-grade version of a mass-produced mechanism is cost-effective, but isn’t it somehow, well, cheap? After all, there are a few elite manufacturers there in Switzerland that make their living by producing exclusive calibers for “expensive” brands that can’t afford to make their movements. Using one of them could probably hurt their bottom line reducing their profits, but wouldn’t it be more honest at the same time?
The new Porsche Design Flat Six P’6340, which was presented to the public at this year’s Baselworld 2009 World Watch and Jewelry Show, extends the Flat Six collection with new color combinations and new materials.
According to the official website, at this time you can get the Chronograph model in four versions.
There is an all-black model featuring a PVD-coated stainless steel case and a rubber strap; a PVD-coated model with yellow gold bezel, winding crown, and hands, also equipped with a rubber strap; a stainless steel model on rubber; and an SS watch on SS bracelet.
Of course, the most appealing -and expensive- is the second version: I just love the combination of gold and rubber. Don’t really know, why. Maybe, it is because gold attracts some extra attention and the rubber strap is the best choice for those who like to take showers wearing their precious timepieces.
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
See also: Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX 3 Tourbillon GMT for Aston Martin
Photos: Porsche Design
Porsche Design Flat Six P’6340 Chronograph specification
Price range: Varies. 6450 CHF for the model in gold
Movement: Caliber ETA Valjoux 7750, automatic, COSC-certified chronometer, Swiss Made
Functions & Complications: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, date, day of week
Power reserve: 46 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Size: 44.50 mm
Case height: 15.00 mm
Dial: Black / Silver
Water resistance: 120 meters
Strap: Rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire