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Appliqué numerals

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1Appliqué numerals Empty Appliqué numerals Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:07 pm

tenpasten



Hi all,
I am very new to the forum (and to the world of watches). I discovered Dornblueth last year during my research around the Stowa Marine Original, which I was about to order until I saw, and instantly fell in love with, the 99.1. I have lusted after one for several months, and
the time has now come for me to place the order. Before I do so, I have one big question and I hope one of you can help me.
I am drawn particularly to the raised numerals in black but have never seen a photo of one. Dirk has been able to send me a shot of a dial with this feature but not a finished piece. Does anyone have one, and even if you don't do you have any thoughts on the use of them. Dornblogger, I know your views from another forum thread but I would love hear from you all.
Many thanks
Peter

2Appliqué numerals Empty Re: Appliqué numerals Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:52 pm

ROUX



Hello !

Here is a view of may own 99.1 with raised numerals.

Enjoy ! Wink

JFK

https://dornbluth.forumotion.com/my-watch-f5/991-t19.htm

3Appliqué numerals Empty Re: Appliqué numerals Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:56 am

Mark



I really like the look of the appliqué numerals and I'm going to order them on my next Dornblueth.

I think I remember Dirk saying that when he first got in the appliqué numerals, he put them on his own watch immediately...

4Appliqué numerals Empty Re: Appliqué numerals Thu Jul 16, 2009 7:20 pm

tee530

tee530

I am far from knowledgable on the subject, but I'll offer my 2 cents in
the spirit of open discussion.

I believe the original "raised numerals" on Dornblüth dials was an
embossed dial (numbers stamped into the metal, much like a license plate,
if your state hasn't switched to those cheap flat ones!) with the raised
areas painted. I don't know if embossing is still available, but
they were superceded by the cut metal applied numerals, which look much
better.

My personal opinion is that the applieds look more appropriate to the black
dial, and to a lesser extent, the montego blue dial. I don't know how
to explain it aesthetically, but somehow with the
dark dial the polished numbers give a lift and dimensionality that
doesn't seem too busy. I think our moderator
has a black dialled 99.x with polished silver numerals which is stunning.
There is also a fan over at ThePurists who has a rose gold cased 04.0 with
a black dial and matching rose gold numerals. Spectacular.

On the other hand, with the silver dial I think the printed black
numbers look best. It's not just the historical connection to
WWII deck watches which had this dial, but also the black printing
gives great contrast against the silver without being raised. The dial
has adequate depth even while flat.

Clearly, though, the applied numerals are a popular design choice, and not
just with Dornblüth owners: take a look at the IWC Portugieser line
for some other takes on the theme.

In fact, (free associating here drunken ) compare and contrast the look
of the IWC watches with designs from A. Lange & Soehne (particularly
the 1815 and the Langematik). Lange's exquisite dials - printed and enamelled -
are flat, whereas IWC likes to use the applied and embossed look. Neither is
the Dornblüth we're discussing here, but you might find one look "sings"
to you more.....

Tom

5Appliqué numerals Empty GREAT Post!!! Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:11 am

dornblogger

dornblogger

Many thanks. I agree, completely!

http://www.dornbluethblog.com

6Appliqué numerals Empty Thanks to everyone Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:57 am

tenpasten



Hi all,
Many thanks for your considered thoughts. After much soul searching and a number of conversations with the Dornblueth team, my wife and anyone who would listen, I have made a decision.
Printed numerals it will be. This will provide the classic, unfussy, refined look I want to achieve as well as delivering a perfect balance to the silver face.
This is not to say that I will not one day own a watch with the appliqué feature - potentially a black faced 99.3, but for now I am happy with the more traditional look for my incoming 99.1.
Once again, thanks for your help and I look forward to sharing some thoughts and photos when my watch is ready - hopefully in October.
Peter

7Appliqué numerals Empty Re: Appliqué numerals Thu Jul 23, 2009 3:20 pm

tee530

tee530

Well, I think that's great. I admit the toughest part is making
these choices without having the actual pieces in front of you
to see.

Hard to imagine there is a bad choice in the whole lot, and
Dirk's ability and willingness to swap out dials in the future
are also nice.

So.... did you give any thought to the enamel dial? Twisted Evil

8Appliqué numerals Empty Re: Appliqué numerals Fri Jul 24, 2009 5:16 pm

Mark



tenpasten wrote:Hi all,
Many thanks for your considered thoughts. After much soul searching and a number of conversations with the Dornblueth team, my wife and anyone who would listen, I have made a decision.
Printed numerals it will be. This will provide the classic, unfussy, refined look I want to achieve as well as delivering a perfect balance to the silver face.
This is not to say that I will not one day own a watch with the appliqué feature - potentially a black faced 99.3, but for now I am happy with the more traditional look for my incoming 99.1.
Once again, thanks for your help and I look forward to sharing some thoughts and photos when my watch is ready - hopefully in October.
Peter

I look forward to seeing the photos in due course!

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