In September of 2016, the monthly giveaway watch on aBlogtoWatch was a Damasko Timeless DB1 watch. The winner was Joe S. from Los Angeles, California, USA, and after enjoying his new timepiece (retail price $1,300), he has given a watch winner review for us to share with you – the aBlogtoWatch audience. Thanks to Joe and all the other watch winners who share experiences with the world. Here is Joe’s review:
Before we start my review of the Damasko Timeless DB1, I’d like to thank the team at aBlogtoWatch, Damasko, and the wonderful people at Timeless Luxury Watches for making this giveaway possible. This watch is a stunner, and I’m still in shock that I actually won such a wonderful prize!
The Damasko Timeless DB1 is a German pilot watch that combines classic German styling, proven Swiss reliability, and some innovative materials. It arrived in a very nice black lacquer box. It’s not ornate, but I’ve seen watches at five times the cost in lesser packaging, and I appreciate the attention to detail. Everything was well presented.
The case is made from nickel-free ice-hardened steel. The color and satin finish also remind me of the Space Grey iPhone. Unlike any phone, the hardened steel will take a lot of punishment. This is a watch that was meant to be worn, and with a 100 meters of water resistance and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, you can wear it in almost any setting.
Aiding the wearability is its manageable 40mm case size. Once considered over-sized (whatever that means), 40mm is almost conservative by today’s standards. My wrists are on the smaller side, and I’m constantly frustrated by today’s larger watches (especially those with longer lugs). In a world where many pilot watches are apparently designed for giants, I’m thrilled to own one that fits like a glove. (If you have a large wrist, don’t fret. The Damasko Timeless DB3 will kick things up to 42mm.)
Inside the case you’ll find the workhorse Swiss ETA 2836-2 movement. Due to the solid case back (appropriate for a pilot’s watch), I have no view of the movement finishing, but I’m extremely pleased to say that this watch is very accurate. Placed flat on its back during the night, my watch is gaining less than one second per day. Incidentally, some watch fanatics may wish for an in-house German movement. I disagree with the sentiment as the 2836 is a solid movement and very easy to repair. Also, an in-house day/date movement would push the DB1’s price well beyond the $1,300 mark. As is stands, the Damasko Timeless DB1 delivers incredible value and accuracy, with timeless looks and top-notch fit and finish.
The dial boasts classic pilot watch utility. You get big, bold numerals and a triangle at 12 o’clock. It’s quickly readable at a glance, and the hands have matching lume and are in perfect proportion with the case and dial markings. I personally love the bright blue second hand. The blue second hand adds a restrained, slightly whimsical quality to the watch, while remaining firmly within the German pilot watch tradition.
The logo sits just above the 3 o’clock crosshair and date window. It’s not too large, not too small, and the color matches the lume precisely. There’s a stereotype about watch enthusiasts that says we hate date windows. And let’s be honest, most date windows are poorly designed and feature mismatched fonts, poor placement, and white calendar disks on dark dials. The Damasko Timeless DB1, however, does it right. The font and color match the dial, and give balance and weight to the logo. The slightly below-center position avoids intruding on the “3″ as well. It’s one of the very best day/date windows I’ve ever seen. I can honestly say that if given a choice between the DB1, and an identical model without the date, I’d chose this DB1. It just works.
The DB1 ships with a thick, robust brown suede strap. It’s very well padded (rubber, I think) and I believe the grain will age beautifully over time.
One small quibble: those with small wrists will discover that the tightest hole on the strap is unusable, as the strap becomes too wide to fit through the buckle at that point. I use the second to last hole, which is as tight as the tapered strap will allow. Luckily, you can easily solve this problem as Damasko offers different strap lengths. If you have smaller wrists, I’d suggest ordering the short strap.
Although a bracelet is available, I prefer the strap. It’s clearly designed specifically for the case, and it matches perfectly. This is a tool watch…not a dress watch or a diver. I don’t see this fitting in well with a conservative suit and tie either. Pair it with a brown leather bomber jacket and jeans or khakis for the perfect ensemble.
As you can tell by now, I’m extremely happy with my Damasko Timeless DB1 Limited Edition. If you’re looking for a modern, reasonably priced 40mm pilot’s watch, this should be at the top of your list. Thanks again to Bilal, Ariel, and everyone involved in this amazing giveaway. damasko-watches.com
