In the world of vintage watches and classic cars, a unique fusion of passions can lead to extraordinary creations. This is the story of a man who decided to transform an old Czechoslovak Pragotron clock into a Porsche 911 Coffee Timer, blending his love for vintage timepieces and classic automobiles. This isn't just a restoration project; it's a testament to the power of creativity and the unexpected connections we can make between seemingly disparate interests.
A Watchmaker's Journey
The author, a seasoned writer for Fratello, had been on a hiatus from writing for a year, focusing instead on family and a new venture, the Unboring Drive Club (UDC). This club, a global community for drivers, collectors, and dreamers, was a natural extension of his passion for old cars and watches. The UDC, with its new location in Bratislava, aimed to bring people together over a shared love of machines, coffee, bikes, vinyls, and watches.
The Pragotron Clock
The Pragotron clock, often compared to the iconic Swiss Railway Clock, was created to provide synchronized public time systems across various buildings. The author's first encounter with a Pragotron was during visits to doctors' offices and public offices as an '80s kid. He bought his first Pragotron six years ago, keeping it with his watchmaker, who displayed it in his studio.
The Porsche 911 SC
The author's love for classic cars led him to own a 1981 Porsche 911 SC, which he enjoyed in its original, unmolested state. However, he felt the need to personalize it further, making it a signature UDC car.
The Eureka Moment
The author had the idea of welding an old Pragotron clock to a roof rack, inspired by mid-century Wyler Vetta Incaflex promotional vans. However, he realized that the idea felt violent and self-serving. After some reflection, he decided to use a rarer round double-sided Pragotron clock, protected by a spare tire, creating a unique and cool clock.
Project Kick-off
The author found a round Pragotron clock on a local classified site and, after some effort, managed to get a perfectly fitting tire. He then disassembled the clock, cutting off the suspension tube and mounting bracket, and installed a battery-powered movement.
Design Twist
The author decided to use Porsche 911 numerals to mark 9 and 11 o'clock on the clock's dial, which was redesigned to match the original Pragotron logo and ivory tone. This unique design twist made the clock an inseparable part of his Porsche 911 SC.
Assembly and Longevity
The clock was assembled by the author's trusted watchmaker, and the final piece looks natural, as if the clock was born in the tire. The rubber helps absorb shocks during transport, and the clock can be easily removed and placed in a coffee shop when not in use.
Last Thoughts
The Pragotron clock, now transformed into a Porsche 911 Coffee Timer, is a testament to the power of creativity and the unexpected connections we can make between passions. It's a unique piece that brings people together over a shared love of machines, coffee, and watches. In my opinion, this project is a brilliant example of how we can blend our interests in unexpected ways, creating something truly special and timeless.
