Why This Watch Matters

This Porsche Design by Orfina is a cool black PVD chronograph in top mint condition – say no more!

The Full Story

As the watchmaking world entered the 1970s, there were attempts to produce different types of case finishing compared to its classical past, and PVD-coated stainless steel watches were one of the new revelations. These were often finished in matte black, which minimized glare and unwanted reflections when out in the field. And let’s admit, the stealthy all-black appearance is cool and menacing at the same time (hence, the moniker “Dark Lord” for the rare black PVD-coated Heuer Monaco).

This Porsche Design by Orfina follows a similar design aesthetic, bearing an all-black case and bracelet finish that lends itself to an attractive look somewhere between a modern and vintage military chronograph. Though the dial has “Military” marked and the “3H” logos, these Porsche Design/Orfina pieces had those designations for both official military and non-military issued models, as they were first sold at regular retail to the public. Eventually, the watch caught the eye of various national militaries around the world. For military-commissioned pieces, the casebacks were engraved differently; for example, the casebacks were engraved “BUND”( short for “Bundeswehr”) with military issued numbers for the German military. This present example is a non-military issued version but with all the same outfitting, including the workhorse Lemania 5100 chronograph movement inside. 

The Fine Print

Maker: Porsche Design by Orfina
Model: “Military”
Reference: 7177
Year: 1980s
Case No: 3722
Material: Black PVD-coated stainless steel
Dimensions: 41mm diameter; 15mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Lemania manual-winding caliber 5100
Bracelet/Strap: Original black PVD-coated stainless-steel bracelet with folded links
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: No

What we Love and What You Should Know 

The watch is overall in excellent vintage condition. There are some very minor signs of scratches on the back of the lugs and on the side of the case at three o'clock, but otherwise the black coating on the case and bracelet has been meticulously preserved. The crown is signed. The dial is in mint condition with even lume color, and the orange paint on the hands still remains vibrant. It's very rare to find one of these in truly mint condition, especially for a black PVD piece from this period.