The Dornblueth & Sohn Calibre 99.3 is among Dirk's most complicated watch designs, and features a large sub seconds, power reserve display and date register. Just after completing the final designs on the Calibre 99.2, Dirk knew in the back of his mind that his next watch would feature a date function. After a year of additional development, this model was created.
Now to the technical features. The Calibre 99.3 features a quick set date correction button at 2, a bevel gear differential power reserve indicator at 12 and an oversized eccentric seconds display at 9.
This seconds register is indirectly driven below the train by means of an intermediate gear with friction spring and cantilevered second pinion.
Like all Dornblueth & Sohn watches, the movement design and finish is top notch - 3/4 plate, beveled edges, screw balance wheel, swan neck regulation, engraved balance cock, screwed gold chatons, and blued screws (by flame of course, including the slots).
And now the extras. The name "D. Dornblueth & Sohn, Kalbe i./S.A." is hand engraved and not machine engraved, a virtually rarity on any watch. And all of the decoration (Côtes de Genève and the sunray finish on the crown wheel and ratchet) are all done in-house, by hand.
You'll notice that the movement is rose gold in appearance - this process itself is elaborate. After cutting and polishing the plate, Dirk treats the surface to turn the metal a copper color. After all of the drilling and milling operations are complete, the movement itself is treated with rose gold to enhance the deep color.
The dial is matte black with white Arabic numerals and Glashutte "railroad track" markings around both the dial and subdial.
This watch features SuperLuminova on both the dial and hands for excellent visibility at night, along with a brushed and polished nickel-free steel case (the crown is signed D. Dornblueth, as is the tang buckle).
Power reserve is 50 hours.
This watch ships on a black calf leather Dornblueth strap with Dornblueth tang buckle.