Dornblueth & Sohn Calibre 99.6-M Mondphase Engraved Silver Dial

The Dornblueth Calibre 99.6 M Mondphase follows in the footsteps of the popular Calibre 99.2 with its sweep seconds display at 9 and a power reserve indicator at 3. 

With the Calibre 99.6 M Mondphase, however, Dirk managed to add an ornate moonphase display without adding bulk to the movement.  In fact, the Calibre 99.6 M Mondphase is only 40 mm in diameter and 10 mm tall.

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The oversized analog sweep seconds display at 9 perfectly balances the power reserve indicator that lies on the opposite side of the dial.  A sweeping moonphase display is at 6.

Near the center of the dial, you'll find a numeric indicator for the eight phases of the moon:

1. New moon
2. Waxing crescent
3. First quarter
4. Waxing gibbous
5. Full moon
6. Waning gibbous
7. Last (third) quarter moon
8. Waning crescent

The moon goes through twelve phases every year. After a new moon, the moon waxes for 14 days, then slowly comes out of the shadow to create a half moon. 

The half moon gradually turns into a perfectly round disc, then the full moon bathes the earth in its pale light at night. Without delay, the moon then wanes, only to hide in its shadow again after about 29 ½ days.

Flip the watch over and you'll notice that everything is here - 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).

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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. 

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The dial is made in house, including the engraving process. We can count on one hand the number of watches we've actually seen with dials produced using this technique.

This watch features a brushed and polished nickel-free steel case and the crown is signed D. Dornblueth, as is the tang buckle. Power reserve is 50 hours.