I couldn't find a dedicated 'Damasko appreciation' thread so I'm bumping this to share my thoughts on my new DS30 that I got from SC recently. After wearing it for a week solid, I am very impressed. I was worried that may it be too similar to my MarkXVIII but it's sufficiently different to justify keeping both.
The Good
-Timekeeping from the ETA 2824-2 is exceptional at less than +1 secs per day so far.
-The 39mm case size in this type of pilot's watch design is perfect for my 7 inch wrist
-I love the hue of the submarine steel. It has a luster that elevates it from being dull
-The submarine steel appears to be genuinely scratch resistant. My watch was over 12 months old but there isn't a scratch or mark on it anywhere. I also did a hamfisted strap change where I dragged the spring bars against the lugs. On any other stainless steel watch there would be marks all over the lugs but I'm pleased to say that the case of the DS30 remains pristine.
-The florescent yellow seconds hand and date wheel really works and provides a welcome splash of colour to the otherwise monochrome dial.
-The leather strap that it comes with is very good quality and the white details really work.
-Absolutely zero chance of attracting the wrong attention when out and about.
The not so good
-The colour of the florescent yellow hand is impossible to match exactly on straps. Nonetheless I have a black on yellow Barton Elite Silicon incoming for this.
-There isn't much space between the supplied strap and the case such that the strap rubs between the case in between the lugs and wears the leather down. Apparently this is a common Damasko problem.
-I've started experimenting with straps much much earlier in ownership than usual with this watch. I hope this isn't an indication that I may get bored with the simple design. Time will tell.
Here's a shot of it whilst enjoying yesterday's sun...