Porsche might finally do the most obvious thing with its Sport Chrono clock

Let's be real for a moment. There's a definite connection between some automakers and watches. Chalk it up to the whole engineering thing – fine craftsmanship, mechanical symmetry, you know the drill. We've seen watches made from bits of old Ford Mustangs, collaborations with brands like Aston Martin, and of course, there are the Bugatti watches that incorporate miniature engines in them.

Porsche has done its fair share of special watches over the years. The irony of that is Porsche has long had its Sport Chrono clock sitting right there in the dash, staring back at driver and passengers in all its glory. Wouldn't it be great to just take that with you? CarBuzz just found a patent showing Porsche is thinking about that, too – and even more besides.

Lap Timer At The Track, Elegant Watch At The Country Club

You've probably figured this out by now, so let's cut to the chase. Porsche just filed a patent for a removable version of its Sport Chrono clock. As far as patents go, it could be one of the most straightforward bits of legal-speak you'll ever see. Without undue description, Porsche states a version of its clock could be removable by using a "push-push mechanism." Push on the clock, and it springs out so you can take it with you. Insert it back into the dash and push again to click it back into place. But there's a bit more to it than just that.

Porsche's patent makes it clear that the removable Sport Chrono clock has its own internal battery, so when you pop it out, it still works. The patent also states it would be possible "to insert the watch into a compatible mobile holder, for example a wristband or a case, and to use it as a wristwatch or pocket watch." So Porsche doesn't just want you to take it out. The company wants you to show it off.

The Key To Enthusiasts' Hearts... And Also The Car

There's another interesting aspect to this patent, however. Removing the clock for a personal timepiece is neat, but Porsche also describes it as an ignition key. It could connect to the car wirelessly through WLAN or Bluetooth, or via electrical connectors. The latter seems the most logical choice, but however the connection is made, it would insert into the dash and bring the car to life.

Drawings with the patent show the Sport Chrono clock being mounted directly into the dash, or into its more traditional round housing. One curious point mentioned in the patent is that the current clock, which is permanently installed, apparently isn't as snazzy as Porsche would like. "In addition, the attractiveness and value of the watch are limited by the use of cost-effective materials."

Creating something removable, then, would let Porsche overcharge for yet another minor option get a little fancier with materials. Who's ready for 30 different choices of colors, fonts, and accessories for a removable clock?

CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:

This patent feels like one of those no-brainer moments. The connection between high-end automakers and watches has existed forever, and Porsche has even commissioned all kinds of watches that mimic the Sport Chrono clock. Why not have a removable version that you can show off to your friends? Furthermore, this opens up new possibilities for customization. If buyers are willing to spend big bucks on watches, Porsche may as well encourage those buyers to spend big bucks on a snazzy Sport Chrono for the car... and the wrist.

Source: German Patent And Trade Mark Office