The 2012 Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome DT Vintage 1946 chronograph is basically a refinished version of the 2011 D&S Grand Dome DT (ref. GDOM-ST-BKS-LS) model.
However, the refreshed version features an even more appealing vintage-styled dial with almost the same set of vertically aligned sub-dials. While the original with its glossy and carbon-fiber-style surfaces was more high-tech, the new version has a certain Patek Philippe aura about it.
Well, in fact, the new finish of the dial is the only difference between the “base” and the Vintage 1946 version. Upon rereading the sentence, I would like to note that it is actually the dials that make models from the Grand Dome collection look so gorgeous among hundreds of “standard” ETA 775x-based chronographs: with its pair of sub-dials stacked along the vertical axis of the dial, the watch stands out from the rest of the pack with their more traditional dial layouts.
I am also extremely fond of the color scheme. As you can see on a fragment of a high-res image placed a couple of paragraphs below, the new piece features a calmer, ivory-and-olive color for the dial nicely accented by guilloched patterns on the counters.
The circular chronograph sub-dials at 12 hours (a 30-minute counter accompanied by a Day and Day of Week indicator) and at 6 o’clock (a 12-hour counter combined with a moon phase display) are finally replaced with barrel-shaped ones that match the shape of the elongated body.
Even the steel chapter ring was removed and replaced with 10 diamond-shaped hour markers accompanied by a finely printed minute track that also allows you to measure time intervals with accuracy up to 1/5th of a second.
The inner ring indicates the current date and does its job extremely well.
Like the previous iteration, the timekeeper is powered by a modified version of the well-known ETA Valjoux 7751 movement (it is basically the same cal. 7750 work-horse with a full calendar module.)
Besides rearranging its sub-dials, the Swiss watchmaking specialist has also extensively redecorated it with all main elements rhodium-plated and the oscillating weight hand-engraved.
There is also a finely executed Les Ponts-de-Martel (Dubey & Schaldenbrand S.A.’s home village) coat of arms on the movement, also done by hand.
The Grand Dome DT Vintage 1946 will be officially displayed next month during the upcoming Baselworld 2012 trade fair.
See also: Louis Moinet Geograph Limited Edition
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Dubey & Schaldenbrand
Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome DT Vintage 1946 specification
Price: $13,300 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA Valjoux 7751, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 25
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Movement decoration: Hand-engraved, rhodium-plated, blued, and polished screw heads
Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph, date, day of the week, moon-phase
Power reserve: 48 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Tonneau
Dimensions: 52.00 mm x 37.00 mm
Dial: Ivory-toned
Hour markers: Diamond-shaped, steel
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Padded black alligator leather with folding clasp in steel
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective coating
Back: Sapphire