Post by timelessluxwatches on Mar 30, 2016 15:29:06 GMT -6
Timeless has collaborated with the German tool watch manufacturer Damasko to create our first tool watch, the DB1! The DB series will be available in four varieties: the DB1, seen here, the DB2, in black Damest coating, the DB3, which is slightly larger with a rehaut and finally the DB4, the black version.
Before we take a look at a real DB1, let's see the overall lineup. The DB series comes in two basic varieties, the 40mm DB1 and DB2, and the 42mm rehaut models. Just 50 will be made of each. Of course, we will be bringing you an early look of each as prototypes arrive, but today is all about the DB1.
Here it is, the DB1. While this is a finalized version of the watch, it should be noted that this is a non-functional prototype so the fit and finish of the production version will be much higher.
In the DB series, we wanted to capture more of a vintage feel than the original DA36 but we didn't want to lose what made the DA series so unique.
Consequently, we chose to stick with a very brightly colored seconds hand since that is one of the trademarks of the DA36. This one is a light blue and is easily visible, both in terms of being distinguished from the other hands and from the matte black dial.
The minute and seconds hands, however, are more consistent with our vintage theme. Although they're not solid white, their contrast against the matte black dial nonetheless makes them extremely legible, a prerequisite for any good tool watch.
We chose this color for our hands and numerals because it resembles the color of lume from WW2 era fliegers.
One thing we're especially proud of is our commitment to color matched date rings, something we stuck to in our original watch, the Timeless Club. Naturally, that theme continues with a matching day and date.
Another area we're very proud of is the lume. Traditionally, if you wanted to see Damasko numerals at night, you had to opt for their white dials. In our design, however, virtually every element is luminescent, making this one of the most legible black dial watches Damasko has ever produced.
The overall look cannot be said to strictly vintage, thanks to the seconds hand, but it can be said to be distinctly Damasko. The Timeless design elements are in play as well, with the watch being literally timeless and, of course, it has our favorite color in a watch, blue.
Another area we addressed was the strap. As is the theme of the DB1 line, we wanted to do something that combined the elements of vintage and Damasko design. This is our result, a brown strap, made by Damasko. We've always loved Damasko's straps, as they're supremely comfortable, and this new one is no exception. The stitch alternates from tan and black, matching elements of the dial, but I'm especially pleased with the soft, almost velvet feel of the surface.
Despite its vintage looks, the inside is rubberized, making it much more rugged and easier to clean.
As always with Damasko watches, the case is made from hardened steel. As a rule, we don't take off the back of watches we review because they ultimately go out to customers, so we keep them in pristine new condition. But since this is a non-functional prototype, it'll never be sold, and it allows us to take a look inside. Below the watch is the anti-magnetic iron core, which makes these movements highly resistant to magnetic fields. Inside we can pull back the curtain to the watch industry a bit. Many prototypes you see use movements that have the escapement removed. You might wonder why put the other half of a movement in, and the answer is pretty simple: it lets you move the hands and date with the crown for photography purposes. If the watch has a display back, the subterfuge is usually much subtler, but even then, the watches often don't run.
We're very pleased to present our first tool watch design and are very happy to be able to collaborate with our longtime friends at Damasko, truly a great German tool watch maker. Please check out our pre-order page for more information.
