D.DORNBLÜTH & SOHN 99.0 (1) ST February 2010
Newly added to my collection is Dornblüth’s Reference Caliber 99.0 (1) ST. This second model within the 99-family followed the 99.2 and, with its small eccentric seconds display, is “reduced to its essentials”.
The dial of my 99.0 is configured in sterling silver with the “grained, silky matte finished surface of historical deck watches.” Numerals and markers are in black print. The small eccentric seconds display is quite legible, if not entirely elegant in its appearance (compared to Dornblüth’s larger seconds displays).
The 99.0’s polished and burnished stainless steel case with double screw union is 42 mm in diameter and 11.5 mm in height. It sports 1.6 mm sapphire glass on top (slightly domed and anti-reflected inside), a screwed sapphire glass base and an oversized crown with embossed manufactory name.
This 99.0 superbly embodies the bare essentials that make a Dornblüth a Dornblüth. Like all of my others, it gives me great pride and pleasure to wear it.
The 99.0 calibre bears these attributes: 37 mm diameter; 4.4 mm height; 18 rubies; power reserve 50 hours (+/- 5%); 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour; rose gold plated three-quarter plate with yellow gold hand-graving of the D.Dornblüth & Sohn 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.
For these photos I’ve mounted my 99.0 on a navy blue D.Dornblüth & Sohn alligator strap with contrasting white stitching and a signed stainless steel deployant buckle.
Notice the way the gorgeous “silky matte finish” sparkles in the February Southern California sunlight.
The Geneva stripes and other details of the finishing on my 99.0’s movement are stunningly well executed.
The rose gold plating glows. Here’s some nice light on the swan neck regulator and engraved balance cock.
