I'm of the opinion that Damasko watches benefit from a splash of color. For a while I had both the DA44 as well as the DC56. The DA44 has a red seconds hand and some red on the dial, the DC56 was monochromatic. After a while, every time I looked at the DC56 I wished it had a bit of color, like the DA44. The DC56 got sold, and the DA44 is one of my most worn watches.

Couple that with the fact that the DA36 is THE iconic Damasko design. DK36 all the way. In fact it's a watch that I'm debating picking up myself at some point.

 

DK36 for me. The white on gray washes the gray out a little bit to my eyes. The contrast of the white on black makes it super legible. I also think the black would look better on a variety of straps.

I’m not sure about the yellow second hand with the bracelet, but it would look really good with a yellow-accented Hirsch Ayrton.

 

I agree about the splash of color, so for me I'd want to add an orange seconds hand, but if the monochromatic look is what you're going for, then have at it! I bought the DS30 a while back and still love it. I'm really not sure about a bracelet for this watch. It's excellent on a strap.

I have no issues with the ETA movement in mine, though if I was buying today, I'd also be considering the DK22

 

This is a tough one. I voted DS30 on bracelet. All Damaskos should come on bracelet, just because it's the right thing to do! I'm personally not a fan of the grey dial DS30 though, as it washes out the dial for me and makes it more difficult to quickly read the time.

Unlike others, I don't care about in-house movements. The fact that the DS30 has an ETA 2824 is a plus for me since it can be serviced by any watchmaker.

 

DK36 for me. Highly legible, simply more interesting to me from this list.

I have the DA46 on bracelet. It's one of my Top 5.

 

Would love a bracelet for my DA-46...

 

Very different dials, the 30s vs. the 36. It seems from your post you really prefer the aesthetic of the 30s dial, and since you won't be glancing down at your watch daily and saying, "Ah, what a lovely magnetic cage," I think you'd be happier w/ the ds/dk30.

I voted dk36 cuz that's one of the most perfect dials, IMHO.

 

Many thanks for all the comments, really helpful to get other perspectives.

As I've seen and handled the watch with grey dial I am sure that although legibility is indeed slightly worse than for the black dial option it's still miles ahead of many other watches.
There is still lot of contrast between the hands and the dial, I guess even in bright sunlight there should be no real problem to read properly the hour - so this does not worry me so much.

I am tempted by the A26 movement due to all the improvements done by Damasko; having said that I have no issue with reliable and proven ETA 2824-2, ease of service is a definite advantage.
The bracelet is nice, no doubt about it, build like it can withstand anything the world throws at it, yet it is expensive indeed. I think a hybrid strap or a canvas will work very well with the watch as well.

I've tried DK22 and as nice as it is - it's just not my cup of tea:

I am in the hobby long enough to know that you buy not the spec but the watch as a whole - so you just have to love the whole package.
But I can't help it, I just love gadgets I got the device to demagnetize watches on my own but knowing that I don't need to be so careful is nice.
With all honesty if Damasko would come up with an antimagnetic DK30 with a grey dial I would just go for it - who knows maybe 2024 will bring an Si version of A26.

 

Pilot watches went from just legible, to now resembling an actual airplane gauge. Not sure why it needs to look like it’s on the dash of a Cessna, but if it is, it probably should take the look all the way and be black.

 

OP, the use of submarine steel provides pretty good anti-magnetic protection in and of itself, though not quite to the level of iron cage versions.

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/submarine-steel%E2%80%99s-anti-magnetic-case.5075159/

 

OP, the use of submarine steel provides pretty good anti-magnetic protection in and of itself, though not quite to the level of iron cage versions.

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/submarine-steel%E2%80%99s-anti-magnetic-case.5075159/

Thanks for sharing, interesting thread 👍

DS30/DK30 is made out of austenitic stainless steel (submarine steel) while DA36 is made out of martensitic steel. In terms of properties:

Austenitic stainless steel is the most common type of steel. It has high ductility and excellent corrosion resistance. It also contains high levels of nickel ( 6-22%) and chromium (16-26%). Austenitic stainless steel is non-magnetic, making it perfect for parts like stainless steel coils. These are used in kitchen appliances and food processing equipment.

Martensitic stainless steel is famous for its strength and hardness, making it perfect for projects that need wear resistance. It has a higher carbon content than other types of stainless steel. However, it has lower corrosion resistance. Martensitic stainless steel is commonly used in manufacturing cutlery and tools.

So indeed DS30/DK30 case is less prone to getting magnetized - not sure though how much of a barrier it would be against the movement inside getting magnetized. Both watches are rated as per ISO 764 or its equivalent DIN 8309 norms meaning the accuracy after exposure to magnetic field of 4.800 A/m should remain within +/- 30 seconds of the pre-exposure accuracy. 4.800 A/m is not so much, about 60 Gauss; in addition DK30 has an open case back compromising whatever degree of protection the submarine steel can offer.

DK36, with its iron cage, offers magnetic resistance of up to 1.000 Gauss (100 mT).

Should at any point an Si version of the A26 movement appear it becomes a completely different story although I guess hairspring, balance wheel and pallet fork are not only elements of movement that can get magnetized.

 

Your tone sounds more enthusiastic discussing the gray DS/DK. Between the two I would lean DK30 for the more interesting and unusual movement.

 

Damasko makes great watches so you can’t go wrong. I owned a DS30 and got a bit bored with it eventually. I prefer a stark contrast so I’d vote black dial and the DK36 is more classic Damasko, IMO.

And while I generally prefer a good bracelet, I think these are best worn with a strap. I wore the DS30 on a Watch Steward elastic strap and it was very comfortable.

 

I would vote for the bracelet. I had a DS30 that was excellent, but I did get bored with it quickly. The over-engineered bracelet definitely adds something to the watch. Given the price of the bracelet if bought separately, I should have initially went with the bracelet.

 

I had a DS30 and became bored with it as well. I also owned the bracelet which was comfortable after several adjustments get the fit right. I gote for the 36 with bracelet

 

Would recommend the DS30 over the DK as the latter has some movement issues. I recently had to have mine serviced in Barbing.

 

Can you tell me a bit more on what happened? The idea of the A26 was to eliminate weak points of ETA 2824-2 so mostly manual winding problems.
As it's a new movement some issues might occur and should be rectified, that's what happened with Oris' new Caliber 400 - so I hope for the same with A26.

It's always cool to have an in-house movement, especially one that's supposed to be a step forward, but DS30 -> DK30 price difference equals having the bracelet or not.

 

dk36 for me. although i prefer monochromatic scheme...

 

I’ve owned several Damasko pieces over the years, usually favoring the lume dial variants.

While the 36/37 is an excellent choice, I recently picked up the DK30 and it’s even better than expected. The improvements Damasko made to the venerable 2824 have addressed the most common issues, but also enhanced the overall ruggedness of the movement. Mine has been averaging a daily gain of one-half second. Impressive.

Of all the wonderful choices in the current Damasko catalog, the DK series gets my endorsement, preferably the DK30 as I think the no-date symmetry is ideal.

Mine on the rubber Hirsch Pure strap. For reference, my wrist is approx 7.75” (19.5 cm).

 

I just ordered a DK20 on the bracelet. I’ve previously owned the DC66 on the bracelet, but both watch and bracelet were a bit hefty for my wrist.

Also previously owned a Timeless DB2 which had the vintage lume and blue seconds hand similar to the DK20. The DK20 seems like the perfect mashup size wise with the bracelet, the in-house movement, etc etc.

Currently own a DC58 black that I wear on an MN strap and it’s one of my favorite watches. Honestly, you won’t regret any of the 3 — just weigh out priorities vs cost 🤙

 

I’m partial to the DS/DK30 because I prefer the smaller case size, particularly the height, and the sub steel. I prefer no-date watches, so I’m glad that’s an option with the DK line.

Had the DA36 (gateway Damasko) and later a DB5 Damest, but eventually sold both because they were a tad too big. I’m planning to purchase a DK30 with yellow seconds hand (just sent WatchMann an email about lead time), which will satisfy my appreciation for the 36 color scheme. I may get the DK20 down the road to satisfy my appreciation for the DB color scheme.

 

Thanks to everyone who contributed, there seems to be a clear bias towards one of the most iconic Damasko - DK36. I am still torn although the smaller case (esp. lower profile) of the DS/DK30 tempts me a lot and unless a Si version of A26 appears I will rather go for DS30. Currently I am checking whether Damasko can make a custom DS30 as per my liking... let's see.

 

Let us know on the custom DS30. I like the gray, but think it would look best with a Red second hand. I have the blue DS30 Ocean and a custom DK36 in orange - they both pretty much are my go-to watches and most day's it tough to pick the best one - ha. Pic attached of the DK36 in orange...

 

As per the message from Damasko: DK30 can get a grey dial, DS30 grey dial cannot have the date removed (even if ghost date position is left). Black second hand is no issue for both variants.

 

Good to know - I think the Blue Ocean DK30, with the black date and a black second hand would be sharp as well...

 

I have a D35 white face it lights up in the dark the face stands out. Also a Damasko metal band love it tool look very cool band and watch, matches perfectly.