D.DORNBLÜTH & SOHN 04.0 (ST) November 2009
As described in my 04.0 (RG) Review, the series 04.0 is quite special within the D.Dornblüth & Sohn range. This piece, one of but 60 produced in stainless steel, is also amongst the very few which were delivered with a bespoke dial and hands configuration. My concept was to create a “stealth” Dornblüth, in an understated, somewhat monochromatic format similar in its overall aesthetic to my favorite platinum-cased model produced in larger scale by a world renowned Glashütte-based manufacturer.
The dial is configured in the classic “sterling silver with the grained, silky matte finish surface of historical deck watches”. Rather than the standard printed black hour numerals, they are done in applied, polished sterling silver (also called “appliqués”). The seconds numerals and “railroad” minutes and seconds markers are printed black. Central to my “stealth” concept, highly polished stainless steel hours, minutes and seconds hands replace the more typical heat blued versions.
The Midi’s stainless steel case specifications include: 38 mm diameter; 10.9 mm height; 1.6 mm sapphire glass on top, slightly domed and anti-reflected inside; screwed sapphire glass base; and an oversized crown (typically specified on the 99.x models) with embossed manufactory name. The bezel has been polished to coordinate with the dial appliqués and hands.
This “stealth” 04.0 Midi, as adapted, is a unique and superlative example of the wonderful experience I enjoy in working with Dirk Dornblüth, a true master watchmaker, who is as delighted to please his customers as we are to wear his fine work!
The 04.0 caliber is based upon a small cache of antique movement parts produced in Germany by GUB. Largely reworked and augmented with other parts (some manufactured in-house) by D.Dornblüth & Sohn, it bears these attributes: 29.4 mm diameter; 3.8 mm height; 18 rubies; power reserve 36 hours (+/- 5%); 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour; rose gold 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; flat polished, heat-blued screws with beveled edges; Glucydur screw balance with Nivarox 1 spring; swan-neck fine adjustment on the hand-engraved balance cock.
I’ve mounted this 04.0 on a black alligator strap with contrasting silver stitching. Notice the way the gorgeous “silky matte finish” sparkles in the November Southern California sunlight:
