Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date Chronograph

Porsche Design Chronograph Reference 7176S

Partially verified

This 1980s wristwatch is a Porsche Design model 7176S, manufactured by Orfina. It features a 40mm stainless steel case with a factory-applied matte black PVD coating, which displays wear revealing the underlying steel. The watch is powered by a Lemania caliber 5100 automatic movement, offering chronograph functions and a day-date display with a quickset feature. The matte black dial includes tritium lume plots with a golden patina and is paired with original hands. The watch is fitted with its original PVD-finished Porsche Design "NSA" bracelet, which retains 24 links. This specific reference is noted for its association with the film "Top Gun," where a PVD-finished model was worn by the character LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The object is presently in functional condition with no noted dents or deep scratches, reflecting consistent use.

Front view of the Porsche Design Chronograph Ref. 7176S displaying the matte black dial, orange chronograph hand, and day-date display.
Front view of the Porsche Design Chronograph Ref. 7176S displaying the matte black dial, orange chronograph hand, and day-date display. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Orfina
Reference
7176S
Catalogue / lot identifier
OFPDPVD80-3
Source-reported date
1980s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
27XXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet

The 40mm stainless steel case features an original factory-applied matte black PVD finish. It exhibits signs of wear consistent with long-term use, where the black coating has partially worn away to reveal the underlying steel, particularly in areas of frequent contact. The watch retains its original signed crown and pump-style pushers, which remain operational.

The original Porsche Design "NSA" bracelet is also finished in black PVD, showing wear that matches the condition of the case. It contains all 24 original links and is described as having minimal stretch, capable of fitting wrists up to approximately 7.5 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “The wonderfully preserved, unpolished case has developed a charming yet rugged vintage aesthetic, with honest wear to the original factory-applied black PVD coating revealing the underlying steel in areas of frequent use.”
  • “The case retains its original Porsche Design PVD-finished signed crown and pump pushers”
  • “The original factory PVD-finished Porsche Design "NSA" bracelet is equally well-preserved and exhibits wear to the PVD coating that closely matches the case, creating a cohesive, honest appearance.”

Dial and Movement

The timepiece is powered by the Lemania caliber 5100 automatic movement. This movement provides chronograph timing, a day-date complication, and a quickset function. The movement remains in functional condition according to the provided documentation.

The matte black dial is original and displays tritium lume plots which have developed a golden patina. The hands are original to the watch and complement the dial's appearance, showing no signs of degradation under UV light inspection.

Evidence for this section
  • “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.”
  • “The original matte black dial is in virtually flawless condition, exhibiting no damage or notable age.”
  • “The tritium lume plots have achieved a vivid golden patina and show no degradation when inspected under UV light.”

Provenance and Association

The Porsche Design 7176S is identified with Orfina, who served as the manufacturer for Porsche Design watches from the early 1970s through the 1980s. This model is often associated with its appearance in the film "Top Gun," where a black PVD-finished version was worn by the lead character.

The auction description confirms that while this specific watch is from the 1980s, its previous service history remains unknown and a service is suggested for optimal function.

Evidence for this section
  • “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 the wrist of LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise in the hit movie "Top Gun".”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production year within the 1980s based on the serial number 27XXX?
  • Does the Lemania 5100 movement show signs of specific component wear given the unknown service history?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Porsche Design Chronograph Reference 7176S
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerOrfina“Orfina was the brand that it originally chose to be its partner and manufacturer.”
Reference7176S“The Porsche Design ref. 7176S”
MovementLemania cal. 5100“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.”
Case MaterialStainless steel with PVD coating“The case was produced in stainless steel but with two finishes, an anti-reflective bead-blasted finish and a matte black PVD coating finish”
BraceletPorsche Design "NSA" bracelet“The original factory PVD-finished Porsche Design "NSA" bracelet is equally well-preserved”
Case Size40mm“40mm case.”

Visible details

  • Matte black dial with vivid golden tritium lume plots
  • Visible wear to the factory-applied black PVD coating on the case and bracelet
  • Signed Porsche Design crown and pump-style chronograph pushers
  • Day-date window positioned at the 3 o'clock marker

Research qualifications

  • Previous service history is unknown
  • The exact manufacturing date within the 1980s is not verified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی کرنوگراف پورشه دیزاین اورفینا Porsche Design Orfina رفرنس 7176S

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 6831f68fd5

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.