Racing drivers Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood visit watch manufacturer
It was 40 years ago that Porsche chalked up its first overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Limited to an edition of 917 pieces, the new Porsche Design P’6612 Dashboard Le Mans 1970 Limited Edition chronograph celebrates a key event in Porsche’s motor racing history – the day the legend that is Porsche became fact. Eterna was honoured to welcome the two drivers of the legendary 917 K, Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood, to the presentation of the special limited-edition series in Grenchen and the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of their victory. Swiss watch manufacturer Eterna is owned by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche and holds the licence to produce and distribute Porsche Design’s prestigious watch collections.
Before setting off on a tour of the premises, the two motorsport legends recalled their date with destiny. Englishman Richard Attwood recounted his most thrilling moments at the wheel of the Porsche 917 K during the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 13 and 14 June 1970. Hans Herrmann, meanwhile, spoke of his unique relationship with the number 23, which also happened to be emblazoned on the bonnet of the Porsche 917 K. It goes without saying that Hans Herrmann also wears watch number 23 of this special limited-edition series.
The P’6612 Dashboard Le Mans 1970 Limited Edition picks up on the function and rigour of the legendary racing car. It embodies the values of Porsche Design, the luxury brand whose products express function, timelessness and purity of form. Sporting light-coloured numeric indices against a black background, its dial evokes the 917’s dashboard instruments. The sapphire crystal caseback bears the watch’s limited edition number and the inscription “Winner Le Mans 1970” together with “917-023” – the chassis number of the winning car. It therefore seemed only appropriate to bring the two racing legends together with the chronograph that reminded them so much of their racer.
