Dirk Dornblueth Delight

[learningtofly]

I remember about three years ago I was commenting on another forum that amongst the mid-range watches that would make a nice change from the more usual fayre Glashutte Original and Dornblueth had to be amongst the leading contenders. Since then I've managed to handle/enjoy/own quite a few of the former, but I have to admit that Dornblueth fell off the radar slightly, aside from when I saw some of the amazing photos that have been posted by the likes of Jocke and others. Anyway, I seem to have settled on the 42mm mark as a size that I rather like of late so when someone I know from TZ-UK listed his unworn 99.1 for sale I thought it might just fit the bill as a light-dialled all purpose watch that was also very different from anything I had.

The Dornblueth 99.1 comes in a 42mm case (manufactured by a supply partner who's identity is a closely guarded secret, and who is not a supplier of cases to any other watchmakers), with a height of 11.5mm (in other words, it's a substantial watch); the slightly domed sapphire crystal is AR coated on the underside. The movement starts life as a Unitas 6498 but Dirk modifies it to such a huge extent that it's not surprising many people assume it to be in-house. There's a long list of parts that are replaced - I was trying to hunt down some info on this from Mike Stuffler on WUS, but couldn't find the post that I wanted and first read a couple of years ago. In any event, the movement's a manual wind, beating at 18,000vph and providing a 50 hour reserve. The three-quarter plate is hand engraved in yellow gold and plated in rose gold, with a Côtes de Genève finish. Other nice touches are screwed gold chatons, blue heated screws and a swan neck regulator, and overall the quality of finish is simply superb.

I was lucky in that the seller had originally ordered applied blue Arabic markers to match the gorgeous handset, and the movement plate is free of any personalisation. The only thing it doesn't have is the quattro arret function to hack the movement, but at another €460 or thereabouts it's not exactly a cheap option. All in all, I'm absolutely delighted, and whilst I haven't (yet!) managed to get close to the quality of Jocke's photos here are a few that didn't come out too badly. As always, I'll try to take some more when I'm less rushed.

[Cru Jones]

very nice, tony. so clean & crisp, and i like the blue. congrats!

[Alfredo.]

Looks stunning!

[mikea]

Beautiful!

[themast]

Nice write up and excellent pictures!

Glashutte Original and Dornblueth are always under my radar. Like the style of both.

[Malak]

congrats. Dornblüth is very good.

[sierra11b]

Own the same watch but in Rhodium and love it:

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=289484
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=291046

The dial really has a lot of different looks in various light. I love when the light catches the breguet bluing just right that it looks dead on blue glass:

[learningtofly]

Thanks as always, guys - very happy with this one!

[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

Great looking watch.

[HogwldFLTR]

Spectacular looking watch for certain.

[dysondiver]

very simple and very smart.

[drhr]

Beaut! Dornblueth puts out some very nice stuff . . .

[paverman]

That's a great looking watch. The movement finishing and overall appeal is right up there with some of the big boys.
It looks like it comes with a high quality strap as well, any comments on that aspect?

[bdex75]

Awesome piece, congrats. Great watch for the $$. I am a big fan of anything out of Glashütte. I have had GO's in the past and have a Nomos now. I always keep a German in my rotation.


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[learningtofly]

Thanks again, all. Regarding the strap, it actually came on a gorgeous black alligator, but I have a suit/watch/belt/shoes rotation going on (yes, really) and I needed it on brown! This strap's from my Portuguese, which I prefer on black :)

[sierra11b]

Originally Posted by paverman

It looks like it comes with a high quality strap as well, any comments on that aspect?

I purchased two straps from Dirk... Both Shell Cordovan in Whisky and #8 with signed deployants.

[mailman]

That's a sharp watch Tony