PORSCHE DESIGN PD01 TECHNICAL & DATING QUESTION.

[chrissherwood1]

I have acquired another classic PD01 to go with 3 others I have. However, this one does not have a screw down crown (and accordingly to my watch repairer never has had).
It is marked 7176, rather than 7176S, so is that the difference? If so then presumably the 7176 versions are early ones? Mine has the 5100 Lemania movement and is numbered 04053545 - can it be dated from that?
It has an interesting history, in that it was given by Porsche Germany to the racing driver John Fitzpatrick, who won the Porsche Cup 3 times in the 1970's.

Any light that can be thrown on this would be gratefully received!
Thanks,
Chris.

[andy_s]

chrissherwood1 said:

I have acquired another classic PD01 to go with 3 others I have. However, this one does not have a screw down crown (and accordingly to my watch repairer never has had).
It is marked 7176, rather than 7176S, so is that the difference? If so then presumably the 7176 versions are early ones? Mine has the 5100 Lemania movement and is numbered 04053545 - can it be dated from that?
It has an interesting history, in that it was given by Porsche Germany to the racing driver John Fitzpatrick, who won the Porsche Cup 3 times in the 1970's.

Any light that can be thrown on this would be gratefully received!
Thanks,
Chris.

I have a feeling the 7176 was early and the 7176S was later (80 onwards?) as you say - but apart from Walter's guide on 7177's, http://brown-snout.com/horology/articles/orfina_po... I don't think there's anything definitive out there on the civilian models, but I recall Konrad Knirim mentioned that the screw-down crown was a later development so perhaps that, or perhaps a sapphire instead of mineral crystal may have caused the 's' addition to the 7176 model number.

They are great watches though; however dating is 'general' for 5100's and there's no central resource either. Movements could be batch bought and then used not in numerical order over many years). For instance your reference 04053545 is higher than a mid-eighties Lederer/Lorenz sub-pro with 04030863,(Dave's comments: http://atgvintagewatches.com/lemania-watches-forum... ).

Be great to see the pics of them together, HTH.

[Johnniem]

Fitz is a great friend of mine. If you have any questions, ask away.

JM

[chrissherwood1]

Thanks JM - kind of you to offer. However, on acquiring the watch I made contact with John and went over to see him (and get a signed copy of his book). I also got some nice photos of him with my 1975 3.0 turbo!
Regards,
Chris.

[chrissherwood1]

andy_s said:

I have a feeling the 7176 was early and the 7176S was later (80 onwards?) as you say - but apart from Walter's guide on 7177's, http://brown-snout.com/horology/articles/orfina_po... I don't think there's anything definitive out there on the civilian models, but I recall Konrad Knirim mentioned that the screw-down crown was a later development so perhaps that, or perhaps a sapphire instead of mineral crystal may have caused the 's' addition to the 7176 model number.

They are great watches though; however dating is 'general' for 5100's and there's no central resource either. Movements could be batch bought and then used not in numerical order over many years). For instance your reference 04053545 is higher than a mid-eighties Lederer/Lorenz sub-pro with 04030863,(Dave's comments: http://atgvintagewatches.com/lemania-watches-forum... ).

Be great to see the pics of them together, HTH.

Thanks Andy, I'll do that shortly!

[Johnniem]

chrissherwood1 said:

Thanks JM - kind of you to offer. However, on acquiring the watch I made contact with John and went over to see him (and get a signed copy of his book). I also got some nice photos of him with my 1975 3.0 turbo!
Regards,
Chris.

That's fantastic Chris! He was a boyhood hero of mine and we spent many a wonderful holiday with him on the south coast of France in the 70's. The annual trip with him on the roads of the Cote D'Azur in his Martini liveried 911 was always a blast, if not a little scary! I always thought my old man was quite a good driver. Compared to Fitz, he really wasn't!

[chrissherwood1]

Hi Andy & John,

Herewith photos of the 4 PD watches. First pic, lh is the John Fitzpatrick watch, presented by Porsche Germany. It is well used but mechanically excellent.
rh is a Royal Navy Military. Given by historic racer Neil Corner to Barry "Whizzo" Williams as "thank you" present for driving tuition.
Second pic lh is 1 prev owner, Porsche Glasgow supplied that I have put on a leather strap. rh is an unused, as new PD01. All have the leather boxes and instructions.

[chrissherwood1]

[chrissherwood1]

[chrissherwood1]

[chrissherwood1]

For general amusement see herewith my recreation of the 1970's Porsche Design watch advertisement, using one of my PD01's and my 1975 930, followed by the original ad.

[chrissherwood1]

[chrissherwood1]

And here is John Fitzpatrick with his watch and my 930.

[Johnniem]

Thanks so much for posting those Chris. Fitz had an amazing career and it is always a pleasure to catch up with him. I had a Porsche Design watch with the Cayman Sports Design Edition 1 I drove for two years. Sold the goodies with the car. I wish I hadnt! It didnt add value to the car but I could never see myself wearing the watch. I don't really do chronographs.

Enjoy the watch.

JM

[andy_s]

Thanks a lot Chris - great wee collection there especially with those back stories - the last one you posted is in rare condition and looks spotless, very nice. Th ad features the 7750 version, strange how these are so associated with the 5100 though - and better for it imo.

[chrissherwood1]

Thanks John & Andy.

Andy, what are the specific visual differences between the early 7750 (i.e. in the original advert) and the 7176? The original ad is not so clear to determine precise differences. I can see no PD logo, instead is it "Orfina?" Any other differences to your knowledge?

Thanks,
Chris.

[andy_s]

chrissherwood1 said:

Thanks John & Andy.

Andy, what are the specific visual differences between the early 7750 (i.e. in the original advert) and the 7176? The original ad is not so clear to determine precise differences. I can see no PD logo, instead is it "Orfina?" Any other differences to your knowledge?

Thanks,
Chris.

Have a look at the 12 o'clock subdial; it has 3 'indices' [12-20-40] rather than the 4 on the Lemania [24-06-12-18]

[chrissherwood1]

Ah yes, I can see it now in the original advert. Thanks!
Chris.