This is a really great overview that has significantly helped convince me why I'd prefer Damasko's in-house over their ETA editions. Especially loved the animation to explain its functions and innovations over competitors.
Marc, you never need to apologise for "long" videos. Your educational approach is great and I enjoy the longer ones personally. Thanks for the education on the new movement!
Great new movement. I like the Seiko system simplified for autowinding! Very nice. but the price! ouch! I'd grab one if it was say 200 more then the ETA version. but I understand they are tiny company and its expensive to do what they have done. All the best to Damasko excellent quality timepiece.
The price increase is a tough one to swallow, but it is quite understandable why Damasko (and others such as Eterna) have created their own movements now. Seiko's "magic lever" invention for bi-directional self-winding is brilliantly simple. Glad to see it's been implemented in the Damasko movement as the ETA mechanism, now also used by Sellita, is more complex with more moving parts, and costlier to make. It's my hope Damasko can substantially bring down their price for the in-house movement models. Otherwise, they're not going to sell very many of them compared to the ETA 2824-2 models. In practical owner usage, there's nothing very significant to differentiate them in daily performance. The ETA 2824 family has been an outstanding workhorse for decades with very high long-term reliability and durability.
Fun to see the new A26 movement, Marc. Thanks for taking the time to explain it. Damasko makes great watches. I had a DB5, but it might be time for a DK30.
The increase in cost is worth it to me to have an in-house movement. There are not many watchmakers that have their own movements. This sets these watches above many others, especially at this price point and given Damasko's already impeccable reputation for reliability and durability. I will be placing an order for the ocean model on your site today Marc.
Their inhouse movement sounds amazing. I do not understand people wanting an inhouse movement, just to say they have an inhouse movement. It only means something to me if it is better than commonly available movements. Damasko has clearly achieved that superiority. Great video Marc! Happy new year!😍
I’ve been daily wearing my Damasko DA44 for months on the bracelet that I got from Long Island watch. The watch has been tremendous and the fit is perfect!
You did a better job explaining this then Damasko did. I think I prefer the way Oris added performance to their new movement, but I can see the value in Damaskos movement.
This is one of the most honest brands! What you get for your money is incredible! And that's compared even to Seiko. Genuine, modern design, absolutely genuine metallurgy, in house movement, and not massively overproduced. Metallurgy on these are incomparable better than Swiss or Japanese "butter" steel. If you want to wear a watch every day, and you don't have servants to do manual things instead of you, don't buy AP, PP, even Rolex, because when they loose their perfect finish, they will not be AP, PP...any more. So, Damasko is elegant, luxury watch that can replace your g-shock. I only wish that they do not become Nomos.
Man, I do love your vids! You just identified exactly what's wrong with my one 2824 clone watch! Oh, and seeing Damasko's new winding module gets me all excited. At first I was put off by the updated price, but now I get it!
Good video. My concern with a small manufacturer having their own movement is servicing. I have a watch from one of the premier Swatch Gp brands and can take it to various places where I live to get it serviced but I would imagine the options are limited for a brand like Damasko. It would be interesting to hear what people with actual experience of servicing this type of movement think?
Thank you for another excellent video. Honestly, the watches didn't do much for me, but I'm glad I stayed for the movement. First because you explain why they tell you to avoid hand winding an ETA2824 (and other ETAs as well? I hear Valjous don't have the same problem.). Then for explaining the Magic Lever. Why has ETA never corrected the problems that have been around for decades? Do Sellitas have the same problem with the winding system?
Great explanation of the different movements (ETA, Seiko and Damasko), just a shame the Damasko powered one appears to be about 50% more expensive than the ETA version. As you say though, Damasko should be congratulated on developing their own movement.
Great comparison, Marc! I absolutely love my DS30 and their in-house movement just made an already outstanding watch even better. It may be time for me to upgrade in a different color variation. On a similar note, I’ve noticed that there aren’t any videos floating around displaying the new DS3X steel bracelet on either the DS30 or DK30. Would love to see a video on that. Thanks!
I know this doesn't have to do with the video but my islander (isl-18) arrived a few days ago and I absolutely love it! It's my 1st watch and I am SOOO glad I went with L.I.W big fan of the channel and I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. ⛄🎄
I have a DS30 Ocean as well, but with a blue seconds hand. I bought it used, not sure why it has the blue second hand, anyway one of my favorite watches. Buying now with the in house would be hard for me to pay the upcharge.
Thank you for your review as it has shedded more light on what you are paying the extra money for .The DK 30 Damasko in comparison to the DS 30 Damasko . I have only recently been looking at German watches specifically the Sinn 556 , however this is 38 mm & a basic ETA movement & I have at least a 7 inch wrist . Where as the Damasko DK 30 is a 39 mm more robust & a great movement by the sounds of you have explained . I could see buying the Damasko DK 30 however I have a question ??? What would you say , would be a similar watch in swiss in terms of price & movement . I ask you this as it is CLEAR that you know your stuff & your opinion would be appreciated , thanks again for your review I was glued to the screen as a watch movement is as important if not important as the look of the watch.
Not bad! A bit plain but an ideal no-nonsense all-rounder and the blue with the black date window looks great! I still prefer my Hamilton 38mm Khaki field watch with the H-10 movt and on a bracelet...Cheers, Marc and have a safe New Year.
Thanks for another excellent video Marc ... not a lunch & learn ... definitely a great tutorial. You turned me on to this great company a few years ago Marc and I’ll be forever grateful as I have a few in my collection now and they are some of my very favorites. I’m hoping these new models with the new in-house movements drop down in price a bit in time. I very much appreciate your approach to sharing and educating the watch enthusiast community Marc!!!
Nice episode. Been considering a damasko for my next watch. This new movement is a big deal in my opinion. Very cool. I definitely would pay a premium for an in-house movement. The architecture of the movement and finishing are pleasing to the eye.
Cool explanation of the movement and changes. The price premium is steep considering the lack of practical improvements such as a longer power reserve or being antimagnetic. Does anyone know if this movement is made in Germany? They don't say on their website that I can see so I am guessing not. If thats the case I would pass, if it is then it is more interesting. Just always wished companies like Sinn and Damasko used German movements.
The marketing claims implied that Damasko intended for their in-house movements to be truly manufactured in-house, on premise, at their factory. Given the use of common interchangeable parts with ETA and Sellita, I would assume that they would purchase common parts, and manufacture only those parts which are unique to their movement. I would be shocked if Damasko trusted the movement assembly process to a contractor. Their stated long term goal has been to become a fully in-house watch maker utilizing German labor and materials as much as possible. They have been incrementally moving in this direction for a few years now, by modifying ETA movements for their higher end watches.
Really nice that they use hardened steel for the winding gears. It’s kind of ridiculous that eta uses brass. No wonder why that eta movement breaks if you hand wind it everyday. Great upgrades, but the price is a lot higher.
The movement is anti-magnetic according to DIN 8309. According to the DIN 8309 (Deutsche Industrie Norm - German Industry Norm), an anti-magnetic watch must resist a magnetic field of 4,800 A/m (Ampere per meter) or about 60 Gauss and have a maximum deviation of 30 seconds per day. horologyzone.com/watch/watch-school/anti-magnetic-watch.html
Probably still around the 4800 a/m (60 gauss) of the ETA. No silicon balance spring in the A25/A26. That would have sent this movement over the top for me, but it would have also increased the price significantly more than they already have.
Thanks for the review. Very little out there on the A26, so this really helps. Have ordered mine. I'm in the EU, there is a four week lead in time. Cheers.
Wanted a DK 30 Matte Black but your site doesn't have one... Only the Ocean blue. They could do better with the DAMASKO on the rotor, by coating it GOLD. Just my two cents Marc, which color would you pick? Ocean Blue or Black?
Great video Mark and goes a long way to justify the cost differential. Damasko should be well pleased with that explanation. I'd be happy to pay the difference.
3 года назад
Thanks for the detailed explanations, super useful! Do you know how precise the Damasko movement runs?
Thanks for the lesson in watch movement design!!! I love learning about how these things work. It helps to understand what you are wearing on your wrist! Great video as always Mark!!!
I could not break mine ! So I thought go heavy so I took my dozer and ran over it ! Needless to say I lost my track ! Excellent German quality ! Tough as a panzer !👍👌
Marc, do you if the new movement is more accurate? If so, I would think they could offer some kind of an upgrade for existing clients. I love my ETA DS30, but might be tempted if they offered that. Thanks for another great video!
You hear in-house, but when you actually see what they have done it's definitely worth the premium. They had durability in mind which shows they take pride in their work. Why i love Sinn's overengineered watches too.
Really good review Marc I adore damasko for their excellent technologies used on the materials, so you think it's a more refined movement then the nomos within the same price range?
Great video - thank you very much for the insight. Any news on whether a chronograph in house is on its way? I'm planning to buy a DC58 but would happily wait (and pay more) for an in house version.
Neat watch! Good explanation of the differences in the new movement. Not sure I'd spring for it- not enamored of the aviation look, but as a watch, very clean and innovative.
I love everything about the watch the exceptions of the dial and hand design. I think this watch with in house, case, with sinn 556I hands and dial would be perfect.
DS30 was already kind of my grail watch. This is better. I'm also glad that I'm not forced to buy a bracelet. I find all metal bracelets equally worthless.
Happy holidays. Damasko at this new price point vs Sinn? Sinn might have an ETA movement, but there is a greater chance you can get that fixed without having to send it to the manufacturer.
God damn! This watch and the bracelet... almost perfection! I just wish they had a diver model. Right now they have one but it's not really the one i am looking for.
Great video and thanks for the info on the movement. I saw the Seiko style winding movement when you turned it over. That and the full bridge are great additions to a solid movement.
Hi Mark. I asked you about the Seiko SRPD31 a few/couple months ago (if you remember which I doubt you do😅 )and you had said you couldn't get one in. I don't know if you handled one of these but I managed to get one for Christmas and wow for a 43 mm watch it wears very small. Well on me anyways. My only grip is that the way its curved on the back only the hard lux crystal makes contact with your wrist and it kind of "sticks" in place. Its not to annoying though especially if you don't want the watch to move too much on your wrist. So if you get a chance to carry these I think you should consider it. Its defiantly something different from the dearth of other similar models Seiko has out there.😅
Marc, Could the DA47 get the movement upgrade in the near future? I have been putting off my order with the current economy, now I'm extra glad I did; bracelet is out of stock as well. I know you are not a fortune teller. I will wait for a update video like this one. I hope you have time to read this. Best, D. From Stl.
At 2:12 you called one of them an impostor S30 but didn't elaborate on it. Was it a fake S30 movement or an older movement that the DK's are replacing?
I think they are going the same path as Sinn, and Nomos with having a premium on their in-house movements, but they make it also more unique. I feel Damasko has to make a color scheme that is only obtainable with the in-house, otherwise for most people ETA is a better choice for servicability.
Hi Mark, since you are an authorized dealer of Damasko's watches, do you happen to know why you can't see anymore all the DAxx series on their website? Are they discontinued? P.S. Just got a DA44 from your store and it's amazing. It's so good that I'm already looking for a second Damasko watch. Thank you!
If you also add the bracelet, you're looking at like 2400 $2,500. I would call that a bargain. Lots of AR coating, a watch and a bracelet that are going to hold up and look like new......years from now, and a in-house movement. There are certainly some Swiss and Japanese companies that would be charging you five grand for this watch! Lol
Another interesting and insightful video, Marc, thanks!! I am curious if you or anyone else knows: Did ETA themselves fix any of the flaws in the 2824 when they released the 2892, or has the Swatch group fixed them as they've revised the movements over the years?
I own 2 Sinn watches, U1 U2 and a 104 Limited edition and also a Glashutte Original SeaQ Panorama Date... I want a Damasko but prefer bracelets but $ 600 bucks is a bit steep. My wrist is 7.5" and most leather and Hirsch Robby straps are too short.
Same specs, the price is higher, it’s not easy convincing people for justifying this move in my opinion. Maybe this modifications are finally not so good with time... maybe. This day, in-house mouvement are a trendy thing this days ;)
Very interesting. A very nice movement. However, I don’t know if it’s worth the premium. I think they made a good decision by not going for an increased power reserve. An increased power reserve is only good if your watch sits. Sitting crown up without full power reserve my cause accuracy issues. What good is a long power reserve if the watch is going to have to be reset anyway. I’m curious how much of this movement is actually made in Germany. The more parts that are actually made in Germany, the more justifiable the price increase would be. I personally think it’s too much of an increase, plus it’s still in-proven in the real world. How the hold up over time in the watches that are actually being worn is more important than there lab tests.
I think many of the parts are made in Germany at Damasko. They need to address their lack of information on their English website, but there are some older videos of the Damasko manufacturer process on RU-vid
Hi Marc, you won't believe what happened. I put my ISL 28 on sale in used market to check how it performs and guess what I sold it above your retail price. Of course, it was in France and the sold price was equal to the tax paid landed cost of ISL 28. I am sure there is a big market for Islanders in Europe. Do you intend to open up a store in here? I guess the major concern is the after sales support. Cheers,
