MTR
8909
Can it really be scratched so easily?
That is one of the main questions for me.
I have done a little research (but I am not a physicist!).
The name diamond-like-carbon means that the layer is as scratch-resistant as diamonds.
DLC or Diamond Like Carbon is a different way to use the PVD process. The main difference being that instead of spraying on a group of metals, DLC uses a form of carbon. Once the carbon is blasted onto the surface, it is cooled down extremely quickly, somewhat similar to how synthetic diamonds are made.
DLC aka diamond-like carbon coating is only a few microns thick.
The unit of hardness given by tests is known as the Vickers Pyramid Number (HV) or Diamond Pyramid Hardness (DPH).
With the DLC coating steel can be further hardened to 3,000 HV or maybe even more than 3,000 HV.
The hardened austenitic stainless steel used in watch cases (316L or 316L VM) has just 200 - 240 HV.
So.... ?
Dear watch friends, I ask for your advice!
Yesterday my AD called me and offered me a BP Fifty Fathoms with steel and PVD coating. It is the model 5015-11c30-52a with the very special number 888. The watch was hardly worn. I took a look at it in person today, it is in excellent condition and feels...
New material
DLC is new to me. I know Rado ceramic is also scratch proof. Why i haven’t bought one, and i am going on buying non scratch proof watches is a good question. The answer is probably that it is good to have some secure handling for a product, rather than bu...
I wonder how
resistant and reliable DLC coating really is? What happens if you drop the watch? For example 20 cm on the table or 1,2 m on the floor? It never happened to me but it could one day. What happened to me from time to time that I knocked some of my poor watc...
It happened awhile ago
when my Tissot falls 1 m to the floor. On a blue Monday morning.
I have a Breitling Chronomat with DLC since eight years ....
... and certainly never saved it from the challenges of everyday life. It is one of my favourite vacation watches: The case shows no visible scratches. However, there are two tiny specks where the coating was perforated by apparently a sharp or pointed ed...
Did you
think it was ceramic when you bought it? That had been my first impression before I did some research. Best Thomas
I exactly knew it was a coating treatment.
And like any coating, it can be scratched.
Can it really be scratched so easily?
That is one of the main questions for me. I have done a little research (but I am not a physicist!). The name diamond-like-carbon means that the layer is as scratch-resistant as diamonds. DLC or Diamond Like Carbon is a different way to use the PVD proces...
That were also my thoughts
when I first realized that the watch case is not ceramic but DLC. But in the meantime I’ve also read many positive things about DLC. It seems to depend how it is produced and combined with the steel case. I have read somewhere that the quality of DLC used...
Dark Knight
Hi, As a long time owner of the so called dark knigt, I am not a neutral source. For sure I do not treat my watch well and never had any issues with the coating. If you are not fully convinced, wait jntil you are... ...
Your personal experience
is very helpful, xxcesar. Are there activities you haven’t done respectively won’t do with your Dark Knight? Best Thomas
No
For me a diver like this one should have to stand all tool type challenges - never paid any attention on where to take or not to take it. It feels less vulnerable than a polished steel to scrateches, but of course if you try hard enough you will be able t...
I have exactly the same attitude when
it comes to using a watch. Without trying hard to damage it. Thanks a lot for your input, xxcesar! Best Thomas
Why I hesitate is that
I don’t want to think about what I am allowed to do with the watch and what not. It has to be a reliable companion in all circumstances. That’s also the reason why I hesitated to buy a wonderful Panerai with a composite case. Best Thomas
A stunner!
I have been curious about this iteration of the FF recently, and I find it super cool! There is a thread here in the forum where by searching "Dark Knight" you will come across a technical description of the durability of the finish by esteemed Blancpain ...
Thank you, dear Alex!
This is indeed very helpful!! I have to confess that I didn’t know that the watch is called “Dark Knight”. So I searched the web using the reference number but didn’t get very much information. Cheers Thomas
Love the watch
Depends on how you wear it...safe queen fine but...ceramic definitely superior material...but it is a stunner...ugh tough choice...
Hmmmmhh
As far as I know just the Bathyscaphe models have ceramic cases. Is this correct? Best Thomas
Thank you, Henrik!
I have seen that you own or at least have owned the Dark Knight. What is your personal experience? Many thanks in advance Thomas
I have seen the DLC flake off on this model ...
This is a watch that I've also desired for quite some time - but I have seen a couple scenarios where the DLC would flake off... Nothing major, but if you look around online you'll find some photos of it. I'm sure you could always get it re-coated if it h...
Thank you for your very important information.
Since it is not a "100%" watch (=a watch I like 100%) and I am not convinced about this DLC coating (look and longevity) I will pass. Cheers Thomas
I am looking at one of these…
Like the Panerai Fiddy you helped me with, I find it unique.
Hi Ted, thanks for your PM! ☺️
I took another look at this – admittedly – unique model. Yes, it's special, but the watch still doesn't appeal to me enough to change my initial opinion. I am very curious how you will decide. Cheers Thomas