Dornblüth & Sohn Small Seconds Medium 99.1 M

There's still value to be found in modern independent watchmaking, and we're not sure there is a better value proposition in the entire horological world right now than Dornbluth. Much like Nomos or Sinn, the quality and attention to detail for the money compared to its Swiss rivals is no contest, and once you realise just how much handcraft goes into making a Dornbluth you'll be astounded at how it is possible to buy one at their retail prices. They really should be applauded, though based on current wait times for ordering a new piece, they clearly have a very loyal fan base of collectors who understand and respect the high level of work they are achieving.

The typically straightforward naming of the Small Seconds Medium 99.1 contains most of the info you need to know, in that it is the small seconds version of the calibre 99.1 equipped models, which in itself is a smaller version of the traditional Dornbluth Calibre 99 pieces. The steel case measures in at 40mm and 10mm in height, with a 1.6mm sapphire anti-reflective crystal on top. 

Within it lies a sterling silver dial with a grained, silky matte finish. This particular piece was optioned with the engraved dial, which means that every indice, letter and line that would usually be pad-printed onto the dial are carved in using a Pantograph, a mechanical device of levers and arms that allows the dial blank to be blown up to 800%, to which it is then hand-engraved by the Dornbluths. These engravings are then hand-filled, creating a deep, crisp finish, and a beautiful sense of depth. The sub-dial at 6 is also a completely separate piece of silver, adding further depth to the dial. This is then topped with hand polished and properly heat blued hands.

The party piece is out back, with the beautiful manual wind Cal 99.1 with a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. It started life as an ETA 6498, but you'd be hard pressed to tell that anymore. In fact, 80% of Dornbluths components are manufactured in-house in this series. The first thing you notice is the new three-quarter plate, which is striped, hand beveled and then coated in rose gold. It also features a hand-engraved balance cock, hand burnished swan-neck regulator, screwed gold chatons and a reworked winding system. Not only that, but it also includes a hand-polished ratchet spring, with double solarisation on the crown wheels. A lovely thing to behold, and a joy to wind. See what we mean about outrageous amounts of handcraft for the money?

To finish it off it's mounted to a blue 'gator strap with steel deployant buckle, and also includes a brown Dornbluth strap for a more casual look.

This particular watch is a one-owner piece, was delivered locally in November 2024 and presents in TZ 'Mint' condition. Case shows no signs of wear that we can see, other than perhaps the very lightest of swirls on the polished surfaces under extremely close inspection. It's as close to new as you'll find. Please see images for full condition details.

Straps are near-new, and the buckle shows minor desk dive marks.

Remains under manufacturers warranty until November, and all functions operating as they should.

Includes outer box, inner case, guarantee papers dated November 2024, cleaning cloth and brown Dornbluth strap.

RRP is $11,425 AUD with the engraved dial option, and roughly an 18 month wait as each watch is produced to order. Save yourself some dollars, and a bunch of time with this as-new example.

Brand: Dornblüth & Sohn

Model #: Medium 99.1

Circa: 2024

Style: Dress

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case details: 40mm

Bracelet: Dornbluth 'gator with Steel Deployant, Dornbluth Brown Suede

Movement: Manually Wound Cal. 99.1

Dial: Silver

Hands: Steel

Paraphernalia: Outer box, inner case, guarantee papers dated November 2024, cleaning cloth and calfskin Dornbluth strap

TZ Grading: Mint

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see below for details.