Description
EXCLUSIVE – Dirk Dornblueth Signature 99.1 M
Why is this piece so special?
The 99.1 calibre in this one-off, special edit is signed by Dirk Dornblueth and features a subtle, silver dial upgrade with engraved and filled 3,9,12 numerals. Only one of these pieces is manufactured each year!
Dornblueth & Sohn’s Medium collection has been designed for lovers of the classic Calibre 99 models who prefer a smaller case size. By reducing the case diameter to 40mm, the designers have succeeded in retaining elegance while ensuring comfort and wearability for slimmer wrists.
The Calibre 99.1 movement has been re-engineered to fit the slimmer case so as to retain all its functionality and beauty.
Although the classic models has an understated aesthetic, this special owner’s edit has been further minimalised with a reduced numeric display. The charming matt, ship-clock-silver-finished dial features only the numerals 3, 9 and 12 which are milled and filled in black to deliver a crisp-looking dial with excellent contrast for optimal legibility.
The dimensions of the smaller case complement this pared-down design quite well, affording an elegant and balanced look on the wrist. An extra point of interest on this piece is that it is a special design not normally delivered by Dornblueth which adds to its charm, value and collectability.
To further differentiate this piece, the calibre has been signed by master watchmaker Dirk Dornblueth, adding to its value as a heritage hierloom. Without a doubt, this timepiece delivers both elegant lines, appealing aesthetics and the superior finish and functionality we’ve come to expect and admire from Dirk and his team of skilled craftspeople.
The Caliber • After some time, the two master watchmakers found that the calibre 99.0 with its small subsidiary second needed a somewhat more harmonic face. The pure design of the Cal. 99.0 was supposed to be continued nevertheless in the dial. Different issues had been in consideration, but the increasing of the small “second” played the favourite role. With the help of a long-standing friend of the family the new face of Cal. 99.1 was born.
Movement • Details of the movement Cal. 99.1: diameter: 37 mm • height: 4.4 mm • 20 rubies • oversized eccentric second display, indirectly driven below the train by means of an intermediate gear, with friction spring and cantilevered second pinion • power reserve 50 hours (+/-5%) • 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour • rosé gold plated three-quarter plate with yellow gold hand-graving of manufactory name and serial number • Geneva stripe finish • retracing ratchet • double sunburst finish on the crown wheels • engraved signature ‘Dirk Dornblueth’ plate.
Case • solid nickel-free stainless steel, polished / burnished, double screw union • diameter: 40 mm • height: 10 mm • 1.6 mm sapphire glass on top, slightly domed and anti-reflected inside • screwed sapphire glass base • oversized crown with embossed manufactory name
Dial • sterling silver with the grained, silky matte finished surface of historical deck watches • 3,9, 12 numerals and indices milled and filled with black • oversized eccentric second display at “6 o’clock” with single edge
Screws • flat polished, heat-blued with bevelled edges • Glucydur screw balance with Nivarox-1-Spring • swan-neck fine adjustment on the hand-engraved balance cock
Hands • steel, hand-polished and heat-blued
Strap • high-quality leather, hand-stitched • stainless steel pin buckle
