Domed Sapphire Project - Production and Ordering Updates....

[iinsic]

In researching the possibilities for a fitted bracelet for this watch project (IMHO, the most important undertaken by O7), I have come up with a few suggestions:

1) A flat-link bracelet would work best because: a) it goes well with the proposed design; b) there are more OTS versions available; and c) they are more readily available in tapered versions.

2) Given that the standard watch case will have a full polish (and DLC versions will be sandblasted), it would make more sense aesthetically to produce a flat-link bracelet with PCLs. The polished links will complement the polished case and make the watch less of a "tool" watch and more of a multi-use timepiece. For those who want a tool watch and a flat finish, they either can buy the standard watch and have it brushed by any competently-equipped watchmaker or jeweler, or they can buy the DLC version (I am assuming that, if O7 has to have the cases sand-blasted before the DLC application process, the same could be done with the bracelet; or the DLC watch could be offered only with a strap).

3) The least expensive clasp would be a simple OTS foldover fliplock clasp with safety, with a fold-out dive extension. This could be enhanced by the use of a side-push-button deployant release (as on the current O7 buckle). Even better would be a ratcheting clasp with side-push-button release and a separate, ratcheting dive extension (as is available on certain Doxa, Boschett, UTS and other watch models).

This proposed watch, matched with a tapered bracelet as proposed above, will be a stunning piece, comparable in appearance and quality to the Doxa 4000T sapphire or even the IWC Aquatimer. For Doxa fans who love the 4000T sapphire but can't handle a small clock on their wrist, the 42mm size will be perfect.

I know MOQs on an additional component like a matched bracelet complicate an already complicated process in bringing this new watch out (already delayed into late-Spring '11), but this addition could transform the new watch into a sought-after and coveted piece.

FWIW,
Rob

[Guido Muldoon]

A bracelet wouldn't be a bad idea as an option but my polished case version will be worn on a high quality black alligator strap with a polished thumb nail buckle.

[iinsic]

I suspect many who bought the watch with the bracelet at some point would also have a leather strap. I know I would ... it really makes it truly "dressy." However, a matching bracelet with PCLs is also dressy and, more important, makes the watch more utilitarian as a diving watch (from the dive boat to the board room, as it were).

To offer this watch, with a high-lume dial and bezel, only on a leather strap limits the potential market somewhat. Ditto for rubber only, since that is more casual or tool related.

IMO, starting out on a bracelet and offering leather and/or rubber straps as options maximizes the potential appeal of the final product (although, as already observed, the DLC version will appeal mostly to those who really want a tool watch, with which a rubber strap will go quite nicely).

[MitchSF]

Thanks for the comments. We are looking into a bracelet option, but one will not be available with the first production run. First we will make sure that we can get domed inserts on a continuing basis. The MOQ for quality bracelets is very high now, much higher than that for cases and other parts. From our experience with other models, only about 25% of our customers want bracelets, most preferring leather and rubber.

Mitch

[iinsic]

Thanks for the comments. We are looking into a bracelet option, but one will not be available with the first production run. First we will make sure that we can get domed inserts on a continuing basis. The MOQ for quality bracelets is very high now, much higher than that for cases and other parts. From our experience with other models, only about 25% of our customers want bracelets, most preferring leather and rubber.

Mitch

Well, as I said earlier, I definitely would want a quality leather strap to wear with this watch, so getting one of the first production run with a strap is a no-brainer.

That said, it would be even more of a no-brainer if you could promise us the option of purchasing the bracelet, when offered, at the purchase upgrade price rather than the usually higher accessory price ... given that those who want a bracelet would have ordered at the outset had it been available.

As an aside (by way of explanation of why I only use bracelets and not rubber in the water), my brother and I got our dive certification at the same time back in the late 1960s. To celebrate, our father gave each of us a new Omega Seamaster on a rubber strap. It was my proudest possession until the strap broke while I was boating a blue marlin off Cape Hatteras in the late 1970s, consigning my beloved watch to the briny deep. I've owned many watches since that time, but I never have stepped away from the shore with a watch on a rubber strap - only on a steel bracelet. Once bitten, twice shy and all that ... FWIW.

Cheers,
Rob

[Dennis Smith]

Hi Mitch,
Looking really fantastic! Great project. I might be in for a stainless version with white.
I'd be interested in a bracelet as well.
One note...
I've noticed in pics of the Bradley with domed sapphire insert the bezel numbers look magnified, and too large in a bit of a silly fishbowl way. That being the case you might want to make the bezel markings a bit smaller than normal so they wind up looking the right size under the magnification of the sapphire.

[MitchSF]

Hi Dennis, we discussed that issue. The production sample will use slightly smaller numbers, for that reason. We'll see how it looks.

Mitch

[wmf]

Great looking project. Any projected price yet?

[Vegard]

I'll gladly pay the extra $50.

+1 It looks amazing on the drawings and a double dome sapphire is needed on this watch.

[MitchSF]

If we use a double dome crystal, WR will go from 300m to 200m, and the price of the watch will increase by about $50. We'll see after the sample is made.

Mitch