The author, an avid vintage watch collector and classic car enthusiast, has taken an old Czechoslovak Pragotron clock and transformed it into a unique coffee timer for their Porsche 911 SC. This project is a testament to their creativity and passion for merging their love of vintage timepieces with their classic car hobby.
The Pragotron clock, reminiscent of the iconic Swiss Railway Clock, was originally designed to provide synchronized public time across various locations. The author's first encounter with this clock was during their childhood, where they were captivated by its deep electromechanical clunk and the minute hand's jump. This early fascination led to the acquisition of a double-sided Pragotron clock, which was then displayed in a watchmaker's studio.
The author's 1981 Porsche 911 SC, a classic car with no modern upgrades, became the inspiration for the project. They wanted to personalize their car and make it a signature of their newly established Unboring Drive Club, a global community for drivers, collectors, and enthusiasts. The idea of a clock on the car's roof rack emerged, and the Pragotron clock seemed like the perfect fit.
The project's eureka moment came when the author envisioned a Pragotron clock welded to a roof rack, inspired by Wyler Vetta Incaflex promotional vans. They decided to use a rarer round double-sided Pragotron clock, protected by a spare tire, to create a unique and cool coffee timer. The search for the perfect clock led to finding a single round Pragotron PD40, which was then modified to fit the tire.
Disassembly and modification were necessary to adapt the Pragotron clock for its new purpose. The clock's suspension and wiring were removed, and the dial was customized with Porsche 911 numerals to mark 9 and 11 o'clock. The author's watchmaker, Tom, assembled the clock with strong battery-powered movements, ensuring its longevity.
The final product is a unique coffee timer that looks natural and feels like it was born in the tire. The author's creativity and attention to detail have resulted in a timeless piece that adds a touch of vintage charm to their Porsche 911 SC. The project's success lies in the seamless integration of the Pragotron clock with the car, creating a conversation starter at events and a unique coffee timer at the Unboring Drive Club.
