Dreadnought GMT

[swanbourne]

My thoughts are once again turning to the DN GMT and I have a few questions which need answering.

Many would like it to be in Ti and many would like PVD. I don't think Ti takes PVD too well, so that would need two versions.

Secondly, although Fricker already has the tooling for the DN, the same tooling can't be used if made in Ti because of the different manufacturing methods. If it needs a new tool, then how about a new shape?

Bracelet? Fitted rubber?

Comments appreciated.

Eddie

[Crusader]

I am all for Titanium, but no longer advise PVD. Black watches are much less wearable.

As this will be an aviation watch (sort of, at least in my eyes), I would recommend to retain the antimagnetic inner case, and else to make it as flat as possible.

Judging from the Damasko comments, people will want a bracelet (with extra links for the BWC-guys), but of course I am happy with lugs that will take nylon comfortably.

[Fullbreakfast]

Just to be awkward, my vote would be for steel / no PVD...

[John Spies]

it seems that the bead-blasted scratches a little easier. Thanks for asking though!

I forgot to add a comment re: bracelet. At the risk of taking a lot of crap, I have always favored an oyster-style band. The thicker and heavier, the better! Just me....

[swanbourne]

One of the design features I'm still undecided about is the bezel. Because this is a dive watch AND a GMT, there will be occasions when a coundown bezel is appropriate and occasions when a 12/24 hour bezel is. So, the possibilities are:

Combination countdown/12 hours bezel insert (possible too busy?)

Quick-release bezel asssembly with two bezels supplied (countdown & 12 hour)

Screw-in bezel insert which can be changed over.

If any of you technically-minded guys has any suggestions, let's hear them.

Eddie

[John Spies]

at any rate, it sounds like the all-time, all-purpose watch. I am in for sure!

[doug darter]

Hi Eddie,

I'd not be too sure if I'd buy one if it was PVD. Brushed Ti would be my material of choice, but given that there might be a swing towards steel, I'd prefer steel.

Big watches, that weigh too little, always feel odd to me.

Screw in bezels can be a pain if the threads get crossed, so I'd go for the interchangeable bezel.

The alternative would be to fit a slightly wider bezel, with both 60 min, and 12 hr scales.

[redmonaco]

Just to be awkward, my vote would be for steel / no PVD...

seconded (or is that thirded?)

[tonyv]

Unless you use one of the hardening techniques like say Duratech (Citizen) it would scratch too easily. Also it is never very satisfactory to have a heft looking tool watch have all the heft of a box of 20 B&H

I certainly think if you colud perhaps split the bezel you would have a workable solution. Anything that involves removing bits, normally means for me losing bits!

I'm really excited at the concept, count me in for sure, Eddie.

Cheers

Tony

[milwatch126]

Hi all,

Ti for sure Eddie,
if the the same original spec´s to be held as DN.
24 hour fixed Ti bezel numbers deeply inset Pvd if possible !Except lume piont ,spot at 24.
Ofcourse that being that the GMT hand is not fixed. I would also not have the Hour,minute,second hand all different colour, all hands black and the GMT hand and the hour hand the same lume just different lume colour than the others.

Nato strap only and fixed bars to hold up the SAS owners and ex service persons ,LOLs

Regards
Michael.
spelling etc due to Karu!

[Nalu]

My thoughts are once again turning to the DN GMT and I have a few questions which need answering.

Many would like it to be in Ti and many would like PVD. I don't think Ti takes PVD too well, so that would need two versions.

Secondly, although Fricker already has the tooling for the DN, the same tooling can't be used if made in Ti because of the different manufacturing methods. If it needs a new tool, then how about a new shape?

Bracelet? Fitted rubber?

Comments appreciated.

Eddie

Although it will be expensive to re-tool for a different case, I think Ti would be ideal. Either way, a new case is in order. There should be a familial resemblance, but it should not be the same case - too much room for the Dr. Frankendreads out there.

Definitely a bracelet.

[philipp]

Hello Eddie,

my choices would be TI and bracelet.

For the bezel I am not sure... I would prefer a "one for all" bezel but if this would look to busy I would go with the quick-release version.

Kind regards Philipp

[Nalu]

One of the design features I'm still undecided about is the bezel. Because this is a dive watch AND a GMT, there will be occasions when a coundown bezel is appropriate and occasions when a 12/24 hour bezel is. So, the possibilities are:

Combination countdown/12 hours bezel insert (possible too busy?)

Quick-release bezel asssembly with two bezels supplied (countdown & 12 hour)

Screw-in bezel insert which can be changed over.

If any of you technically-minded guys has any suggestions, let's hear them.

Eddie

Agreed, a combination bezel is too busy.

I don't know enought about QR bezel technology (if such a beast exists) to know if the two-bezel option is a good one. It would have to be reliable - wouldn't want any fly-aways

Ditto screw-in inserts.

I thought some of the mockups with dual bezels were not too shabby. Anyone have these images available? Maybe ask Tyler if he has any ideas left over from the UDWF C3? As I recall, a couple of his designs were quite good.

IMO the DN GMT should be to the DN as the Z8 is to the 507 and as the '05 Mustang is to the '64 Mustang. Reminiscent and with certain resonant design notes, but with an updated, more modern overall look.
Carried forward:
- date at 6, white on black
- dial markings/batons/lume

My main concern is trying to put 4 hands on the DN dial. With the DN hands, the dial is quite 'full'. Throw a GMT hand in there and you've got a cornucopia. Any consideration to using other hands? *ducks and runs*

The next step then could be a way-retro DN Regulator!

[Nalu]

Unless you use one of the hardening techniques like say Duratech (Citizen) it would scratch too easily

Duratect is less a hardening technique than it is an alloy of Ti that includes Ni to toughen it. Since the alloy can hardly be proprietary, I'm not sure why more watchmakers don't use it.

[Dave W]

Eddie,

Thanks for asking our opinions on this matter.

I would not mess around with the sucessful formula of the Dreadnought. The DN has proven itself to be an icon and I really don't know of too many watches that are a sought after as the DN. Not a bad prescription for more watch sales, I would reckon. So, my suggestions would be the following:

1. Material - Stainless Steel, and I would attempt to do a finish on the steel that was as scuff and mar resistent as possible. I have a few Ti watches and they can develop scratches and marks very easily, no matter how careful you are. Frustrating if you are trying to care for a timepiece. I personally do not see the appeal of a PVD watch at all.

2. Bezel - I would do a 24 hour bezel and pointer in the same fashion as Rolex does their GMT. There is a reason that this set up is so popular, it works well and and it is very easy to read the second TZ.

3. Bracelet - DN style Stainless bracelet with a strap option.

Best Regards To All,
Dave