Been involved with German watches for more than seven years. Damasko watches are really in a league of their own in the tool watch category. If they had Sinn looks they would be way more popular than they are. UTS machining, Ickler cases, Benzinger tooling, etc... There's truly nothing like the German watch world, and as rightfully stated in the video, is second to none.
I'd love to see a video about the big german watchmakers from Glashütte, Lange&Söhne, Tutima, Moritz Grossmann, Nomos, Glashütte Original and maybe Wempe Glashütte. All of these make in-house movements finished to perfection. And maybe the less expensive ones from Glashütte as a bonus, Union, Mühle for example. Some guys are only talking about Lange&Söhne without knowing much about german watchmaking.
One should also mention that the Nomos Tangente, Nomos' first watch, now also featuring an in-house build movement, was designed based on an old design from Lange from the 1930s.
Excellent presentation, clear, concise, interesting, and fact filled. Keep them coming please...............What about a video on square face watches such the Certina DS Podium or the Aeronautec Cube? Would make a nice change to round face watches that everyone is doing even if it is the trend at present? Budget between $500 - $2,500?
All my faves are there Lange, Damasko, Sinn and Laco. The Nomos I feel is a bit more of a left field choice and that model is a tad pricey. Although compared the the 2 Lange's they are a snip! The Damasko and Sinn are my top 2 brands and can't really separate them. The standard of engineering is off the scale for me, my aim now is to own both. A fantastic video Armand, think I prefer German to Swiss.
Great video once again, a very flexible list covering majority of German's fine horology. Would be interested to see another list of maybe "budget" timepieces in your opinion, maybe around the under £500 mark? If you've the time that is!
EmceeChoo i don't know about less than £500, but both junghans and Union glashutte have more budget friendly timepieces and i junghans case the max bill is very iconic while being just above the £500 mark i would think. It's difficult to find mechanical pieces at lower than that price from Germany and Switzerland though (excluding the system 51)
Machismo1983 actually now that you mention it, i believe they have a few pieces around the 600 eur mark yes. All the brands you mentioned do make some good more affordable German alternatives yes.
Brilliant stuff here. I have been recently considering a Laco Original Pilot Watch. Normally, ideally, a 42mm case size would be pretty good for my 6.875" wrist. But, the lugs are so straight and elevated coming off the case, I can imagine it jutting out a bit too much from a number of angles.. especially when viewed at an angle with my hands in front and below me as I normally and naturally would have on a desk working by a computer. This could potentially also leave a larger wrist gap. So, I am contemplating the new 39mm size they just released. It should negate those potentially unsighly visual effects. BUT, I am not entirely thrilled at the fact they also scaled down the lug and strap size to 18mm. I really wished they had kept it 20mm, but I suppose that would not be entirely scaled down proportion correct for the original pilot watch design. I could go with a 42mm case size in their more modern version which is in their Basic Pilot line and it costs significantly less, about half the cost of the Original. The lugs are more smoothed and ergonomically designed and more refined. But, I believe it houses a Miyota movement instead which I sort of prefer less. Not that Miyota movements are bad, quite the contrary, but for this style of watch I would prefer to keep a Swiss movement inside. As such, I would probably look towards Stowa if I were to go with a more modern interpretation of the Flieger design with the more smoothed and profile friendlier lug form. I do really like the idea of maintaining the original flieger design and proportions that Laco offers, but I am uncertain if I should go with the 39mm that probably would visually fit better or just go with the 42mm and risk having the lugs jut out more and just accept that's the way the design is originally... which originally were probably never meant to be worn over bare skin and over a layered arm/wrist such as a jacket of thick gloves. Decisions, decisions...
Since recently become interested in watches it seems that German brands just speak to me more than traditional Swiss major brands. Sinn, Nomos, Stowa all appear on my wish lists. But that Damasko just might have got on it as well. Armand, one German brand I never hear anyone talking about is Dievas. Do you have any opinions on this brand ?
Just watching this again - great vid. What do you or others think about Muhle Glashutte? I think an overlooked brand? Rarely seen, but great quality, value and beautiful classic looks. Engineering of Sinn, style of Glashutte Original/IWC in my mind. I have a Terrasport and it's a great watch.
Not that thy pleasant british voice and your flawless french pronunciation were enough my polyglot friend, you dont even butcher ze german. Congratz. I just attended a weekend seminar at the austrian watchmaker school. The whole bnch just came back from the yearly school trip to Glashütte and even the teachers couldnt stop drooling. Have fun times.
Excellent video as always. Cant fault your choice, although i generally find chronographs quite ugly. I think you've got a fascinating style of presentation personal to you, I'm not sure it would work if anyone else tried it, (Watch Advisor is similar perhaps...). Anyway, in case you welcome suggestions for topics, how about Ultra-slim watches; Van Cleef & Arples watches? Thanks again, Mark
Thank you for the video. I like these Lacos pretty much, but will they hold value? There is this Oris 1919, pilots watch, which was months after the release available with huge discounts at the grey market ...
As illustrated on the Damasko diver, does anyone know the definitive reason why the first 15 minutes (sometimes 20) on diving watch bezels are marked differently.
The bezels on "dive' watches are now all backwards. Originally the bezel was used to count down the remaining time a diver had submerged. The last 15 min are shown those are important in avoiding decompression sickness as the RATE of ascent, and if necessary decompression, time are measured to each minute. Since divers have now become a fashion item, most bezels no longer serve that function. Some manufacturers do provide that option. Some, like Breitling, have their indices able to be relocated on the bezel.
No engraving at 12k? Most if not all Glashutte Original have engraved balance cocks and beautiful decoration. Many at half this price point for the steel versions. Nice video nonetheless
Evveryone interested in German affordable watches should perhaps look for DUGENA ( since 1918) too. They offer Flieger style and more elegant designs too from ca. $400 to $ 1200.-
+Gregory Alonzo: That's a very good question. Marine grade depends greatly upon the manufacturer, however, 316L is the industry standard for watches with a balance of hardness and corrosion resistance. Submarine steel is a form of steel made for the German navy which is extremely corrosion resistant and anti-magnetic. It is also as hard if not harder than 316L. Tegiment is a further process which hardens the surface of the steel itself in order to achieve further scratch and shock resistance.
you probably dont give a damn but does any of you know of a way to get back into an instagram account?? I was stupid lost the password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me!
@Jay Magnus i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Been involved with German watches for more than seven years. Damasko watches are really in a league of their own in the tool watch category. If they had Sinn looks they would be way more popular than they are.
UTS machining, Ickler cases, Benzinger tooling, etc... There's truly nothing like the German watch world, and as rightfully stated in the video, is second to none.
No Glasshutte Original? Something of an oversight I feel...
great video though.
Armand - You are a living horological encyclopedia. Great video - again!
I haven't WANTED a watch since I got my GInault until you showed me the Damasko. Thanks a lot!
I'd love to see a video about the big german watchmakers from Glashütte, Lange&Söhne, Tutima, Moritz Grossmann, Nomos, Glashütte Original and maybe Wempe Glashütte. All of these make in-house movements finished to perfection. And maybe the less expensive ones from Glashütte as a bonus, Union, Mühle for example. Some guys are only talking about Lange&Söhne without knowing much about german watchmaking.
Thank you for an interesting video, Armand! God bless you, sir!
One should also mention that the Nomos Tangente, Nomos' first watch, now also featuring an in-house build movement, was designed based on an old design from Lange from the 1930s.
Really like the my stowa marine, one of my first autos I bought.
I am the biggest Sinn fanboy not owning a Sinn. Still waiting on the day they issue a 36mm tool watch...preferably with UTC...
A video about all the best straps and where to buy would be great.
Excellent presentation, clear, concise, interesting, and fact filled. Keep them coming please...............What about a video on square face watches such the Certina DS Podium or the Aeronautec Cube? Would make a nice change to round face watches that everyone is doing even if it is the trend at present? Budget between $500 - $2,500?
Always well done, well researched and very informative.
All my faves are there Lange, Damasko, Sinn and Laco. The Nomos I feel is a bit more of a left field choice and that model is a tad pricey. Although compared the the 2 Lange's they are a snip!
The Damasko and Sinn are my top 2 brands and can't really separate them. The standard of engineering is off the scale for me, my aim now is to own both. A fantastic video Armand, think I prefer German to Swiss.
I could wear a 55mm Laco...on my leg!
Thanks for the video...great group of watches.
They make Mercedes Benz and Miele too you know! Great video, all great watches!
Great video once again, a very flexible list covering majority of German's fine horology. Would be interested to see another list of maybe "budget" timepieces in your opinion, maybe around the under £500 mark? If you've the time that is!
EmceeChoo i don't know about less than £500, but both junghans and Union glashutte have more budget friendly timepieces and i junghans case the max bill is very iconic while being just above the £500 mark i would think. It's difficult to find mechanical pieces at lower than that price from Germany and Switzerland though (excluding the system 51)
Does Stowa have anything in this range?
Laco has it's marine chronometer style one.
There is definitely Steinhart too.
Machismo1983 actually now that you mention it, i believe they have a few pieces around the 600 eur mark yes. All the brands you mentioned do make some good more affordable German alternatives yes.
Junkers and Graf Zeppelin make some interesting designs for a good price. A very nice antique aesthetic
Great Explanation!
Great video 👍. IMO I would prefer Stowa over Laco.
Very pleased with my classic marine Roman manual. Good view of the movement and like their personalised choice
Brilliant stuff here.
I have been recently considering a Laco Original Pilot Watch. Normally, ideally, a 42mm case size would be pretty good for my 6.875" wrist. But, the lugs are so straight and elevated coming off the case, I can imagine it jutting out a bit too much from a number of angles.. especially when viewed at an angle with my hands in front and below me as I normally and naturally would have on a desk working by a computer. This could potentially also leave a larger wrist gap.
So, I am contemplating the new 39mm size they just released. It should negate those potentially unsighly visual effects. BUT, I am not entirely thrilled at the fact they also scaled down the lug and strap size to 18mm. I really wished they had kept it 20mm, but I suppose that would not be entirely scaled down proportion correct for the original pilot watch design.
I could go with a 42mm case size in their more modern version which is in their Basic Pilot line and it costs significantly less, about half the cost of the Original. The lugs are more smoothed and ergonomically designed and more refined. But, I believe it houses a Miyota movement instead which I sort of prefer less. Not that Miyota movements are bad, quite the contrary, but for this style of watch I would prefer to keep a Swiss movement inside.
As such, I would probably look towards Stowa if I were to go with a more modern interpretation of the Flieger design with the more smoothed and profile friendlier lug form. I do really like the idea of maintaining the original flieger design and proportions that Laco offers, but I am uncertain if I should go with the 39mm that probably would visually fit better or just go with the 42mm and risk having the lugs jut out more and just accept that's the way the design is originally... which originally were probably never meant to be worn over bare skin and over a layered arm/wrist such as a jacket of thick gloves. Decisions, decisions...
Since recently become interested in watches it seems that German brands just speak to me more than traditional Swiss major brands. Sinn, Nomos, Stowa all appear on my wish lists. But that Damasko just might have got on it as well.
Armand, one German brand I never hear anyone talking about is Dievas. Do you have any opinions on this brand ?
Steven Williams that Damasko is a Sinn case. Check out the U2. That’s the real deal.
Very good video, thanks
Just watching this again - great vid. What do you or others think about Muhle Glashutte? I think an overlooked brand? Rarely seen, but great quality, value and beautiful classic looks. Engineering of Sinn, style of Glashutte Original/IWC in my mind. I have a Terrasport and it's a great watch.
Wonderful German watch review!!! Too bad I could never afford the last 3
Great but how can you do a video on the best of German watchmaking and not include Glashutte original. Or Muhle Glashutte .
Just ordered this--- I can use a nice "do it all" quartz in the collection. Now to find a couple of good straps for it.
Not that thy pleasant british voice and your flawless french pronunciation were enough my polyglot friend, you dont even butcher ze german. Congratz. I just attended a weekend seminar at the austrian watchmaker school. The whole bnch just came back from the yearly school trip to Glashütte and even the teachers couldnt stop drooling. Have fun times.
You forgot one of the best Brand out There: Glashutte Original (and some other independent watchmaker)!!!
Excellent video as always. Cant fault your choice, although i generally find chronographs quite ugly. I think you've got a fascinating style of presentation personal to you, I'm not sure it would work if anyone else tried it, (Watch Advisor is similar perhaps...). Anyway, in case you welcome suggestions for topics, how about Ultra-slim watches; Van Cleef & Arples watches? Thanks again, Mark
Any opinion on Schaumburg watches? They make some nice and affordable skeletons
Thank you for the video. I like these Lacos pretty much, but will they hold value? There is this Oris 1919, pilots watch, which was months after the release available with huge discounts at the grey market ...
Very good.
As illustrated on the Damasko diver, does anyone know the definitive reason why the first 15 minutes (sometimes 20) on diving watch bezels are marked differently.
The bezels on "dive' watches are now all backwards. Originally the bezel was used to count down the remaining time a diver had submerged. The last 15 min are shown those are important in avoiding decompression sickness as the RATE of ascent, and if necessary decompression, time are measured to each minute. Since divers have now become a fashion item, most bezels no longer serve that function. Some manufacturers do provide that option. Some, like Breitling, have their indices able to be relocated on the bezel.
No engraving at 12k? Most if not all Glashutte Original have engraved balance cocks and beautiful decoration. Many at half this price point for the steel versions. Nice video nonetheless
Which is betterand more solid in the bezel and crown?
The sinn u1 or the damasko dsub2 ?
Would love a vintage looking laco type b
Evveryone interested in German affordable watches should perhaps look for DUGENA ( since 1918) too. They offer Flieger style and more elegant designs too from ca. $400 to $ 1200.-
I am a bit confused. Could you please explain the differences between 316L, Marine Grade, Submarine, and Tegimented Steel. Thanks
+Gregory Alonzo: That's a very good question. Marine grade depends greatly upon the manufacturer, however, 316L is the industry standard for watches with a balance of hardness and corrosion resistance. Submarine steel is a form of steel made for the German navy which is extremely corrosion resistant and anti-magnetic. It is also as hard if not harder than 316L. Tegiment is a further process which hardens the surface of the steel itself in order to achieve further scratch and shock resistance.
That Damasko dive watch case was clearly made by Sinn. Basically a U2 case. Submarine steel, bead blasting etc. All Sinn.
No demasko actually used to make cases for sinn up until a few years ago.
lee gryson I’m not sure if Sinn or Demasko made it but it is clearly the same case.
Great video as always mate! You must put a lot of work into each one and it really shows! keep up the great work!
you probably dont give a damn but does any of you know of a way to get back into an instagram account??
I was stupid lost the password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me!
@Cason Ryder instablaster =)
@Jay Magnus i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm.
Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Jay Magnus It worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy!
Thanks so much you saved my account!
@Cason Ryder happy to help =)
I am a fan of Aquadive, I am sorry they did not make your list.
Pretty big jump from those others to the triple split. G.O. might have been in order
Must also mention small watch producers in Germany like Kavantsmann and h20
What's the intro music?
How about affordable German watches?
No Glashütte Original? and Stowa over Laco!.
No Glashutte Original???
All of my grail watches are German. When it comes to watches, its Deutschland Uber Alles.
where is Glashutte Original? very disappointed
First !
you put the price too high
No Glashutte Original??