Question re: long-term Damasko ownership and service issues

[mattjmcd]

Hello to all:

I've been mulling one of the more popular questions here at WUS ( namely "Damasko vs Sinn" ) and one of the factors I am looking at is long-term servicability. Sinn is not huge, but they are big enough to feel confident that they are going to be around in 20 years, and they have a designated service option here in the USA. Damasko should be good-to-go too, though, since they have less proprietary do-dads like Ar and capsules etc, and the engines are pretty basic.

Am I missing anything here? Does Damasko have a plan for setting up a service arrangement here in North America?

Thanks!

[Watchbreath]

For service, any good watchmaker.

[rationaltime]

Hello to all:

I've been mulling one of the more popular questions here at WUS ( namely "Damasko vs Sinn" ) and one of the factors I am looking at is long-term servicability. Sinn is not huge, but they are big enough to feel confident that they are going to be around in 20 years, and they have a designated service option here in the USA. Damasko should be good-to-go too, though, since they have less proprietary do-dads like Ar and capsules etc, and the engines are pretty basic.

Am I missing anything here? Does Damasko have a plan for setting up a service arrangement here in North America?

Thanks!

Most of the smaller German watch companies do not have service
centers in the US, but may designate an independent watchmaker
to perform service on their watches. Damasko fits in this category.

Damasko does have a designated service option for the USA.
If your watch was purchased in North America, WatchMann
(877-252-6786) will cover warranty service. This includes the
models with "Si" escapement. None of the "Si" watches has come
back for service. However, Damasko proprietary parts can be
sourced from Damasko if needed.

The customer could send a Damasko to Germany, but that could
lead to customs fees and delays. If your watch was purchased
directly from Damasko it is likely to be quicker and cheaper to
work with the factory to have it serviced in the US.

After the warranty period, Watchmann service is still available,
though any good watchmaker should have no trouble servicing
the movement.

Thanks,
rationaltime

[Relay]

For service, any good watchmaker.

Hi,

About a standard 5 year overhaul, would o-rings etc be available at any watchmaker though. Could you use off-the-shelf items?

I see on their site:
Our gasket system and lubrication cell are patented.

Other in-house mods too.

Would it be possible the in-house items be replaced with any ETA 2836-2 spares?

Cheers.

[Watchbreath]

Should be no big deal. My watchmaker services the AS 1673 in my Lucien Piccard and it's been out of production
since 1963.

Hi,

About a standard 5 year overhaul, would o-rings etc be available at any watchmaker though. Could you use off-the-shelf items?

I see on their site:
Our gasket system and lubrication cell are patented.

Other in-house mods too.

Would it be possible the in-house items be replaced with any ETA 2836-2 spares?

Cheers.

[rationaltime]

Hello,

Welcome to watchuseek and the German watch forum.

I don't know how long the Viton O-rings will last, but I think
it should be much longer than 5 years. During maintenance
it seems replacement O-rings are often selected to give the
appearance of a close fit. This method might be used to fit
generic neoprene gaskets. I would be inclined to get exact
Viton replacements from Damasko if needed. I would not
replace the case back gasket just for insurance during
movement service.

The Damasko three hand watches so far use un-modified ETA
2836-2 movements. Parts for those should be available to any
watchmaker. Only the "Si" chronographs have used proprietary
Damasko parts. I don't know, but I guess those parts would
need to be ordered from Damasko or through an authorized
dealer.

It appears the in house Damasko movements have not been
shipping in volume. Presumably a good watch maker could
service those in house movements. We can guess parts for
those would be available only to the dealers.

The availability of Damasko case parts doesn't worry me.
I think most watches I would consider purchasing have
about the same risk.

Thanks,
rationaltime

[Relay]

Hello,

Welcome to watchuseek and the German watch forum.

Thank you!
Been lurking for ages, eyeing the Damasko's ;)

Feel better about purchasing it now. I really like the DA47.

Anyway, off to purchase it through Gnomon Watches in Singapore.

Cheers, Relay.

Edit: By the way, I just found this thread about the Viton o-ring. Still not sure if they actually last longer though :)
Which Dive Watches Use Viton Gaskets or Seals?

[Packleader]

According to this thread:

Damasko DA36 ETA movement,

The current production model of the DA36 three hand watch does have a slightly modified movement: "We use a standard movement at ETA 2836-2. But we change the rotor and use one of our rotors."

Hello,

Welcome to watchuseek and the German watch forum.

I don't know how long the Viton O-rings will last, but I think
it should be much longer than 5 years. During maintenance
it seems replacement O-rings are often selected to give the
appearance of a close fit. This method might be used to fit
generic neoprene gaskets. I would be inclined to get exact
Viton replacements from Damasko if needed. I would not
replace the case back gasket just for insurance during
movement service.

The Damasko three hand watches so far use un-modified ETA
2836-2 movements. Parts for those should be available to any
watchmaker. Only the "Si" chronographs have used proprietary
Damasko parts. I don't know, but I guess those parts would
need to be ordered from Damasko or through an authorized
dealer.

It appears the in house Damasko movements have not been
shipping in volume. Presumably a good watch maker could
service those in house movements. We can guess parts for
those would be available only to the dealers.

The availability of Damasko case parts doesn't worry me.
I think most watches I would consider purchasing have
about the same risk.

Thanks,
rationaltime

[David Woo]

I see Viton used in my line of work, and it is generally considered to be superior in performance and longevity than the normal rubber types:
Viton®

[Lencoth]

I see Viton used in my line of work, and it is generally considered to be superior in performance and longevity than the normal rubber types:
Viton®

Sinn gives a 5 year warranty on their Diapal models that use Viton gaskets, so they can't be that bad .