Unofficial D.DORNBLÜTH & SOHN Weblog

Dornblüth Cal. 99.5

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:51:25 -0800

I couldn’t let the end of 2011 pass without acknowledging the arrival of the newest D.Dornblüth & Sohn caliber!

A notable 18-month collaboration between customer James Partridge and master watchmaker Dirk Dornblüth has yielded the newest iteration on the Dornblüth Central Seconds theme. This one features oversized power reserve and date displays at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock, respectively.

While I’ve yet to find any official announcement, I am aware that this new watch has already been proudly displayed to the public. See James’ thread on the Watchuseek German Watch Forum for his story, as well as Don Corson’s post about Manufakturmesse Baden-Baden on PuristSPro.

Dornblüth Links

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 15:59:52 -0700

I spend a considerable amount of time perusing the internet for all things Dornblüth. As I see this blog as a repository for and conduit to relevant content, I will begin to build herewith a list of my favorite links:

The Official D.Dornblüth & Sohn Website
The Official Gorch Fock I Watch Website

Fora:
Andrea’s D.Dornblüth & Sohn Forum
PuristSPro’s HOrologicalMEandering and AHCI and independent haute horlogerie Fora
TimeZone’s Independent Horology and German Brands Fora
Watchuseek’s German Watches Forum

Posts:
Hartmut Kraft’s famous 2003 interview with the Dornblüths
Knightsbridge’s 2005 post about Owners Feedback
Gerhard’s 2004 and 2007 visits to Kalbe
Guy 67’s “Visit to the House of Dornblüth”
Klod’s exciting post about dial making and the new models announced at Basel 2008
Staiku’s “My honey moon and Dornbluth...”
Tony SC’s “La Lupa: Dornblüth & Sohn 99.2 a fondo”
Jocke’s incredible camerawork in his post about his 99.1
Interview with Y. Chan on the Watch Matchmaker blog
Andreas (eosfan)’s thread Report from visit to Dornblüth Kalbe on 7 May 2011

Dirk Interviewed!

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 15:13:58 -0700

Follow this link to a nice piece on TrustedWatch.TV, whose Adam vor Ort takes us to Kalbe and the D.Dornblüth & Sohn manufacture. It is great fun for me to watch Dirk, who I’ve found to be somewhat of an introvert, squirm his way through the interview. That said, while I don’t speak or understand German, I have no trouble recognizing that Dirk projects authority and displays great pride and enthusiasm about his home, his team and his fine wristwatches.

A Rare Gathering

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:23:58 -0800

There are but 75 D.Dornblüth and Sohn model 04.0s in existence. I own two of them, one in rose gold and the other in stainless steel. For a few days, I had a second rose gold example in my possession. That one is now on its way to its enthusiastic new owner in the Netherlands.

What a thrill it was to lay these very special watches side by side! I regret that I had only my iPhone handy to capture the moment.

A Belated “Prost!” to Dirk and Anja

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:52:48 -0700

I had heard the wonderful news from Dirk himself, that he and Anja celebrated their nuptials last June the 5th! I wish for them a lifetime together full of health, happiness and good fortune!

Just this week I happened upon this blog post by the owner of Amsterdam Watch Company, the official D.Dornblüth & Sohn dealer in the Netherlands. I’m thrilled to share it.

09 Jasmin is "Online"!

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:31:36 -0700

The 09 Jasmin now appears on the D.Dornblüth & Sohn website! There will be only 75 limited edition ETA 1120-based movements assembled by Dirk and his team. I can’t wait to see one of these beauties in the metal!

BASELWORLD 2010

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:01:02 -0700

The watch industry gathers each Spring in Basel, Switzerland to show off its wares. This year, Dirk and Anja attended, carrying exciting news about this year’s novelties from D.Dornblüth & Sohn.

First, a limited edition 34.5 mm ladies’ watch called the Jasmin 09, with a movement based on the vintage ETA 1120 from the 1950’s. The Dornblüths show this relatively diminutive model in three dial/hand combinations (I am particularly fond of the hobnail guilloché pattern they’ve chosen):

Greater than Zero

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:01:02 -0800

In my irrational pursuit to amass examples of every watch produced by D.Dornblüth & Sohn, I’ve recently added the 99.0, which is as wonderful to wear as any other in my collection. I hope you’ll follow this link to view some of my photos and commentary on this anything-but-ordinary timepiece.

Father’s Watch

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:01:02 -0800

These two photos of Dieter Dornblüth’s watch were taken and posted by a Japanese blogger (kudos and many thanks to tee530, who brought this site to my attention).

Is this the one that started it all?

The Dornblüth website brings us back to “....October 1st, 1999, when Dieter Dornblüth celebrated his 60th birthday, Dieter’s son Dirk Dornblüth, already master watchmaker himself, presented a stainless steel wristwatch that he had created all by himself, with its movement based on the legendary Glashütte caliber 60.3. So great was the pleasure that the father revealed the story about his long forgotten plans of an own movement which he had kept to himself for the last 40 years. That same evening father and son started to sketch out the design of a possible base caliber on a paper napkin. This way, the father’s vision from 1959 was brought back to life again.”

According to Dirk, the answer is affirmative!

“That is in fact the timepiece, everything is based on: my father's 60th birthday present I gave to him. That was now 10 years ago (exactly on October 1, 1999), I can not believe how fast the time went by....For the 60.1 I made screwed gold chatons, a swan neck fine adjustment, and an engraved balance cock (which I asked a specialized engraver to help me with). Further I created the hands, a new dial and case. In the movement I improved the barrel fixing.”

For comparison, here’s an original GUB 60.3 movement, which was used as the base for the Dornblüth “Mini” 03.0:

I’m not so concerned about the apparent 60.3/60.1 discrepancy in the story. I marvel at this original, first Dornblüth, which represents the seminal event in the history of my most beloved small manufacture!

“Stealth”

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:01:02 -0800

Nearly one year ago I acquired my second 04.0 Midi from a German collector based in Spain. In marked contrast to the rich colors of the rose gold version already in my collection, this one was to end up with a refined, but much more subdued look. After working with Dirk to specify my personalized design, and the long wait to make my design a reality, I am thrilled to unveil my new “Stealth” Dornblüth!

Regaled with a Regulator

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 18:01:02 -0700

With it’s center sweep seconds pinion bridge and positively luminous in-house engraved dial, the Regulator adds new dimension to the lineup offered by D.Dornblüth & Sohn. I’ve enjoyed wearing my Regulator for six months now. Please view and comment on my impressions within my new Regulator Review.

Facebook Group

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:48:07 -0800

I’ve created a Facebook group called “D. Dornblueth & Sohn Watch Enthusiasts”. It can be a place for us fans of D.Dornblüth & Sohn to network and more closely connect as friends in an alias-free environment. If you’d like to join please follow this link.

The REGULATOR

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:48:07 -0800

During my visit to their manufacture, Dirk and Anja presented me with my long awaited REGULATOR. This new model in the D.Dornblüth & Sohn lineup is spectacular, and it showcases their in-house engraved dial and movement central seconds indicator. My review is forthcoming. In the meantime, herewith are some teaser photographs....

My First Visit to Kalbe

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:48:07 -0800

Along with my oldest son, I have finally made my way to the D.Dornblüth & Sohn manufacture in Kalbe. After so much anticipation, I could not help but to leave my camera aside and do my very best to simply absorb what for me was a truly unforgettable experience. Therefore, I have just these couple of photographs, a new watch, and new, wonderful friendships to memorialize my journey.

Kalbe(Milde) is situated in the Altmark region of Saxony Anhalt, roughly equidistant from Berlin and Hamburg.

After stopping for the [now expected] photo in front of the town’s wrought iron sign, we made our way directly to Westpromenade 7.

When we arrived, we were greeted at the door by the smiling and statuesque Valeria (a Brazilian!), who quickly introduced us to Dirk and Anja. After offering us some refreshments in their nearly completed new showroom, they proceeded to lead us on our tour of their two-level manufacture. There we encountered Klaus, Roswitha, Arike and Gerald. These seven people comprise the in house team at D.Dornblüth & Sohn.

Much has been written and many photos have been posted by Dornblüth enthusiasts who’ve visited the manufacture before me (please refer to some of these listed on my Dornblüth Links page). This improbable place houses a highly professional and diligent (but decidedly not commercial) operation. Watch parts are manufactured, modified and decorated in small batches to exacting standards, using traditional watchmaking tools and equipment. These parts are carefully assembled into Dornblüth calibres by master watchmakers Dirk and Klaus, whose personal bandwidths effectively limit the manufacture’s output.

With great pride, patience and enthusiasm, Dirk and Anja not only explained but also demonstrated many of the manufacture’s assets and operations. Having just visited two major manufacturers in the German watchmaking Mecca of Glashütte the prior day, I could very readily appreciate the vast differences between them. Where the larger, commercial manufacturers have modern machinery and techniques, the Dornblüth team has palpable ingenuity and resourcefulness. The large manufacturers produce seemingly flawless, highly polished product, while the Dornblüth product plainly bears its handcrafted soul.

To wit, our tour ended back in the showroom, where my new REGULATOR was waiting for me! To have this watch presented to me by the team that made it was a truly unique pleasure.

I am so grateful to Dirk and Anja for their generosity during our time together. This was my FIRST visit to Kalbe. It will not be my last!

Holiday Cheers!

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:48:07 -0800

Today I received the 2008 holiday card from the D.Dornblüth and Sohn team, complete with a lovely handwritten note. As I’ve often mentioned, my Dornblüth ownership experience has been as much about my relationship and interaction with Dirk and Anja as it has been about their watches.

In January I will travel a great distance to visit the Dornblüth manufacture. I simply cannot wait to meet those pictured below, and to learn first hand about what, how and perhaps why they do what they do.

I wish you very happy holidays, and I look forward to a all the good things that will come in 2009.

Opening Day!

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:48:07 -0800

In May 2007 I was fortunate to receive my first Dornblüth, a beautiful 99.3. My first 04.0 arrived in June of this year, followed by my 99.2 in July and my 99.1 in September. Suffice it to say that I have the Dornblüth fever!

How many of us have had the thrill of opening these packages? Let’s hear about your experiences.

99.1

Sun, 7 Dec 2008 18:01:55 -0800

My collection of Dornblüths has grown to include a 99.1 in a highly versatile configuration. The finish on this watch’s movement might be the finest amongst them. Check out my Review 99.1 for photos.

Dornblüth and the DREADNOUGHT

Sat, 6 Dec 2008 18:01:55 -0800

In 2003 Eddie Platts of Time Factors created his limited edition of 200 PRS-2 DREADNOUGHT diver’s watches. This is an iconically styled, [arguably over-] engineered, burly model that enjoys a well-deserved, “cult” following amongst tool watch cognoscenti.

Much has been written about the PRS-2 DREADNOUGHT. Please follow these links to some great reviews and sources of information:

Watcharama’s PRS-2 Dreadnought Site
Mark’s Dreadnought PRS2 Review
Dr. Peter McClean Millar’s PRS-2 DREADNOUGHT Website
Time Factors’ Limited Editions

With every PRS-2 DREADNOUGHT came a rating certificate from the house of Dornblüth:

According to Eddie Platts, “Dirk Dornblüth regulated and certified the movements. As a Master Watchmaker, he is authorised to certify movements to chronometer quality under the DIN Standard, which is identical to the COSC Standard.” But Dirk largely disavows his involvement in the project, responding to my inquiries as follows: “Some days ago you asked about some information about the PRS-2 Dreadnought. For this watch I just create the regulation certificate. I never build one of these or made any other input. I know that there are some rumors about that, but I really don't know, where this information is sourced....for the Dreadnought I just regulated these, I did not do something else.”

I am a huge fan of this watch, and I wear mine regularly. It is virtually indestructible and exceedingly legible in all lighting conditions. I am particularly attracted to the asymmetrically large minute hand, which to me is reminiscent of a dominant crab claw.

Here are a couple of quick and dirty photos:

The Dornblüth “Mini”

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:01:55 -0800

Who wouldn’t want a “little” Dornblüth?

When I originally asked Dirk to tell me more about the name “Midi” for his 04.0, he told me he had once made a limited edition smaller, 33 mm version called the “Mini”.

Recently I happened upon Matthias’ posts, which included photos of his Dornblüth 03.0, aka the Mini. According to Matthias, in 2005 Dirk manufactured only 25 of these watches, which are based upon the GUB 60.3 movement (see below). The central seconds indicator is reconfigured to the seconds subdial. I am personally partial to the brilliant perlage pattern applied to the three quarter plate.

Here’s a shot of the dial side of Matthias’ 03.0 with his matching 99.2 as a backdrop:

Beautiful!

Here’s a shot of the GUB 60.3:

The Observation Watch

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:05:17 -0700

Today I attended the ‘House of Lange’ traveling exhibition of A. Lange & Söhne in Los Angeles. This event took place at a spectacular venue, perched above Hollywood with panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin. Present were a number of well known A. Lange & Söhne executives and collectors. It was an interactive event, where I was able to try my own hand at engraving and then polishing under the watchful eyes of some of A. Lange & Söhne’s finest craftspeople. In addition to the complete lineup of today’s (and at least one of tomorrow’s) models and a number of limited editions, there were many historical pieces on display, one of which was particularly captivating to me.

Pictured above is the “No. 205701 by A. Lange & Söhne, ca. 1944, silver-plated case with insignia on the cuvette, movement with UP/DOWN power-reserve indicator, 35 hours power reserve, diameter 48 mm, silver plated dial”

Looks familiar, no?

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:48:07 -0700

It’s Dirk Dornblüth and his team in live action! Follow this link to a CAFÉ TREND page containing a great article and 3:28 minutes of interview and amazing video footage of the D.Dornblüth & Sohn manufacturing process. There are also shots of watches galore, including the new Regulator.

Congratulations Dirk!

Please Comment!

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 18:01:55 -0700

It is my vision that this blog be interactive. I invite your thoughts, questions, comments, links and photographs!

Unfortunately, Apple’s July switch from .Mac to MobileMe has made it very difficult to post comments. It appears this issue is now resolved, especially if we use the MobileMe (and not .Mac) url going forward. So please follow the link below, visit regularly and comment often!

Dornblüth Blog Homepage

My “Big Blue” 99.2

Mon, 1 Sep 2008 17:53:07 -0700

My all-time favorite movie is Luc Besson’s 1988 epic The Big Blue. I’ve recently obtained what might become my all-time favorite Dornblüth, their seminal 99.2 in montego blue. For more on this watch, please visit my Review 99.2.

Minor (Okay, Major) Adjustments to my Midi

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 17:53:07 -0700

Dirk Dornblüth didn’t like the apparent “eccentricity” of my oversized eccentric seconds display within the sub-dial. He insisted that I send my watch to Kalbe for a dial change, and he suggested the raised numerals version. Photos of my 04.0 Midi with its new dial and new, larger crown are posted on the Review 04.0.

BREAKING NEWS: GORCH FOCK I

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:43:02 -0700

I awoke this morning to the following news from Dirk Dornblüth:

“Today we will present a special and limited edition for a very special project.
We have here in Germany a ship, which is called “GORCH FOCK I”. This ship is a sister ship of your American “EAGLE”. But our German ship is in very poor condition and we felt, that we can maybe help to reconstruct it again.

For that purpose we developed this special edition of 75 pieces for this year’s 75th birthday.”

A quick inspection of the dial reveals a 99.1-style seconds sub-dial (with serial number?) at 6 o’clock, a 99.3-style power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, and the “GORCH FOCK I” logo with a silhouette of the tall ship at 3 o’clock. The bezel and crown are ornate and special for this limited edition model and screws are visible on the outside of the lugs. The presentation box contains a gimbal and appears to function as a housing for a classic marine chronometer.

Here's the page about the GORCH FOCK I on D.Dornblüth & Sohn's website: http://www.dornblueth.com/flash.php?p=news&s=gorchfock

Here's the official website of the GORCH FOCK I: http://www.gorchfock1.de/index.html

More details to follow!

A Fortuitous 04.0!

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 16:46:18 -0700

During March of this year, via a “fairy tale” interaction between a gentleman collector and myself, I was fortunate to acquire my 04.0 in rose gold (as a 40th birthday gift from my wife).

I’ve done my level best to capture the essence of this hard-to-find model with my camera and I post my review herewith.

I eagerly await your comments!

Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself...

Sat, 7 Jun 2008 09:33:47 -0700

I am your dornblogger. I’m neither an engineer nor am I a poet. I am by no means an authority on D.Dornblüth & Sohn or wristwatches in general. I am an enthusiast and a novice collector, having taken an interest in fine mechanical wristwatches only 5 years ago. While I was first attracted to the refined likes of A.Lange & Söhne and F.P. Journe, for whom I have great appreciation, I have been completely captivated by my D.Dornblüth & Sohn experience. I respect that the team at D.Dornblüth & Sohn are the experts and owners of this brand, and that there are enthusiasts and collectors in our space who have deep knowledge and experience to offer.

I’m pursuing this [new and wholly unfamiliar] endeavor to blog about D.Dornblüth & Sohn so that together we might learn much more about this brand and those that make it tick. While this is no doubt a personal exploration, I believe this weblog format is designed to encourage interaction, sharing and discourse between those who share my passion. It is my sincere hope that you will publicly comment on my posts and/or email your thoughts and ideas to me in private so that I may continually enhance this ongoing, very organic effort.

Cheers!

dornblogger @ mac . com (remove spaces)

Dornblüth Wrist Shots

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 15:55:19 -0700

Please use this blog’s “Add a Comment” feature (link below) to add yours!

Dornblüth vs. Dornblueth

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 16:37:06 -0700

For those of us who have wondered, here’s an explanation from Wikipedia:

U-umlaut

Johann Martin Schleyer proposed an alternate form for Ü in Volapük but it was rarely used.
A similar glyph, U with umlaut, appears in the German alphabet. It represents the umlauted form of u, which results in the same sound as the letter Ü mentioned in the previous section: /y/. The letter is collated together with U, or as UE. In languages which have adopted German names or spellings, such as Swedish, the letter also occurs. It is however not a part of these languages' alphabets. In Swedish the letter is called tyskt y which means German y.
In other languages that do not have the letter as part of the regular alphabet or in limited character sets such as ASCII, U-umlaut is frequently replaced with the two-letter combination "ue". Software for optical character recognition see it sometimes falsely as ii.