A superior chronograph line based on the Damasko chronograph calibre C51 is heralded with the DC8X series. A major development objective was to significantly increase the readability of the chronograph functions. Here, the historic Lemania 5100 movement acted as a role model. The main focus of the new line is on the technical realization of a springing 60 stop-minute display from the centre. Thanks to this new, patented design, it is possible to record stop times even more easily, accurately and quickly. It offers two key advantages: 60 minutes, instead of the usual 30 minutes, are counted in a hand revolution and the allocated minute-stop scale can be seen across the full face diameter.
The DC8X's bead-blasted case is made from Damakso's special patented ice-hardened nickel-free stainless steel. This steel offers good corrosion resistance, and can be tempered up to 64 HRC/800Vickers which is four times the hardness of every other steel currently used in the watch industry. And this ice-hardened steel is used for the entire case, bezel, crown and pushers.
The hardened bezel is rotable in both directions and features a hardened bezel insert - scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant. The black bezel insert is treated with Damasko's patented DAMEST coating for added strength and scratch resistance. Precise positioning of the bezel is achieved by the use of three exact ceramic ball bearing elements submerged in specially made grooves. The scale on the bezel ring is not printed, as is conventional practice, but lasered in-house and filled with white multi-component paint. This prevents abrasion or chipping of the paint in the long-term. There is a sealed luminous bilight at the 12 o'clock position filled with a special red colored Luminova™ compound. The DC8X series comes with a 12-Hour dual-time bezel. A uni-directional 60-minute bezel is also available upon request.
The watch is powered by a 27 jewel Damasko in-house manufactured chronograph movement C51, Reglage in TOP performance, with 50 hours power reserve. This automatic chronograph movement is specially regulated and tested by Damasko to high precision in five positions. It is shockproof according to DIN 8308 and anti-magnetic according to DIN 8309.
All gaskets used in the case are made from Viton™ which offers a premium chemical resistance and is superior to most other materials used in the watch industry. The case has a screwed case back and is water resistant to 10 bar / 100 meters. It also features curved lugs for a more comfortable fit on various wrist sizes. A scratch resistant flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment ensures maximum readability of the dial in all lighting conditions. The matte aviator style dial has white minute indexes with a trapezoid-shaped index marker at the 12 o'clock position. The white hour markers are coated with a Luminova™ C1 Grade X1 compound. The hour and minute hands are also coated with Luminova™ C1 Grade X1. The seconds hand is painted in a matching white or highlight color. Another impressive fine detail to the dial is the date window which is located in an offset position at 4:30 and color coded to match the dial color. This ensures maximum visibility of the date with minimal visual interference from the hands.
The knurled screw-down crown and pushers use the patented DAMASKO crown and pusher system and can be used under water without any problem. The crown and pushers are hardened, screwed down and triple-sealed for maximum protection. In its screwed-down state, the setting stem is disengaged from the crown, ensuring that no pressure, impacts or vibrations are passed on to the piece. The patented DAMASKO lubricant cell supports the crown and pusher shafts and provides them with a fine film of lubricant, which lasts for many years.
Every Damasko watch with a solid case back features an important technical detail that is not obviously visible yet has a major effect on its accuracy under harsh conditions – the integrated anti-magnetic cage. Very few mechanical watches are equipped with this feature. The inner anti-magnetic cage provides anti-magnetic protection to 80,000 A/m or 100 mT.
A very comfortable black leather strap with contrast stitching and a signed bead-blasted buckle is included with the watch.