TAG Heuer - 1980s Porsche Design Chronograph PVD (Ref. 7176S) "Top Gun"
1980s Porsche Design Chronograph PVD (Ref. 7176S) "Top Gun"
When Porsche Design first opened its doors in 1972 and started producing watches, Orfina was the brand that it originally chose to be its partner and manufacturer. The various Porsche Design by Orfina watches that were produced from the early 1970s into the 1980s have garnered a cult-like following over the years due to their distinct appearance, automotive association, and memorable Hollywood film appearances. Most notably seen on on the wrist of LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell played by Tom Cruise in the hit movie "Top Gun".
The Porsche Design ref. 7176S employs a rock-solid Lemania cal. 5100, which is an automatic chronograph day-date movement that also features a quickset function. Needless to say the ref. 7176S is nothing short of functional, and as if this watch wasn’t impressive enough, all of that functionality is compact into a super-wearable 40mm case. The case was produced in stainless steel but with two finishes, an anti-reflective bead-blasted finish and a matte black PVD coating finish, the latter of which is the one seen on Maverick's wrist in Top Gun.
SPECS
Stock # OFPDPVD80-2
Brand Porsche Design "Orfina"
Style Day-Date Chronograph
Model 7176S
Serial 26XXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel (Factory PVD)
Dial Matte Black
Millimeters 40
Bracelet Porche Design Bracelet (Factory PVD)
CASE & BRACELET
The impressive case remains in excellent unpolished condition with the original factory PVD finish intact, though there is some spots with show fading or missing portions of the black finish from wear, which is very common for these models. The case retains its original Porsche Design PVD crown and pump pushers. The original crystal shows some light scratches which is common. The unpolished case back is in crisp condition with minimal signs of use present. The original Porsche Design is in impressive condition, showing minimal fading to the PVD finish at the edges of the link and the clasp. The bracelet retains 24 links that show no stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/4-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The matte black dial is in well-preserved and excellent condition, exhibiting only nominal elements of age that are invisible to the naked eye. The tritium lume plots have achieved a rich creamy patina, under UV light inspection the 6, 7, and 9 o'clock plots are missing though the residual lume matches the other plots so it has little effect on the aesthetic value of the dial. The hands all remain original to the watch and in excellent condition, under UV light inspection hour and minute hands display some very minor lume degradation and remain stable.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time and functioning perfectly, previous service history is unknown.