Vogard Datezoner Baselworld 2011 Report

 



The small company of Mike Vogt has become well-known for its clever mechanism for a world-time watch. It permits to set the hour hand by rotating the massive bezel, and to synchronize it by this with any desired time zone.

This year, Vogard presents its first chronograph, of course combined with the unique time zone/world time mechanism. What makes the chronograph called “Datezoner” so special is its date indication, which is synchronized with the world time display.  For any given time zone, it is thus possible to read not only the time, but also the date. This is important if the referenced time zone lies across the date border.


This synchronisation is the the result of a massive development effort: AHCI master Andreas Strehler designed a special sync wheel, that lies in an inclined layer and connects the time zone mechanism with the date wheel.


I personally like that the date indication is not placed somewhere in the middle of the dial - as is so often seen on oversized watches. Instead, Vogard decided to present it as some kind of pseudo big date: the even days of the month are printed in smaller size onto the inner circle of the date wheel, while the odd day numbers are printed very large, onto the outer section. So even if the presbyopic watch owner should have no problems to decipher the current date. Additionally, the date window perfectly matches the watch’s generally bold design.


The permanent second is executed as a small revolving disk, that works more as a function control, rather than a subject of accurate reading. The chronograph is based on the well-known Valjoux 7750, however in an unusual configuration.

The winding crown is located at 6, which unfortunately makes it necessary to use specific straps. After realizing, that the classic Valjoux 7750 has been rotated by 90 degrees, the unusual layout of the “Datezoner” looks more familiar again. Yet Vogard invested a lot of own know-how and manufacturing competence into the watch: producing the bridges, wheels and pinions for the world time mechanism is an effort that should not be underestimated, not to mention the time- and money-consuming development. I like this unusual watch very much; it is an attractive travel watch with large dimensions (48mm diameter); yet these do not appear artificially inflated, at least. And due to the fact that there is no winding crown at 3, that could painfully dig into the back of the hand, the “Datezoner” is not uncomfortable to wear.

The case consists of titanium carbide, and several attractive dial variants are offered.


Besides the “Datezoner”, Vogard also presents a very nice ladies’ version of the time zone watch without chronograph. The revolving bezel is kept in a natural metal surface, with the markings for the daylight saving time being indicated by diamonds. I like especially the way how the Roman numerals reproduce the font of the company logo. Presumably unwanted is the wrong Roman numeral at 6, which in fact is the 4. Hopefully, Mr. Vogt gets the cost of the dials reimbursed from the dial supplier ...


Finally, there are a few other worldtimer watches, such as the “Radiator F1”, clearly influenced by the formula 1 motorsports: Its dial shows a radiator grid, through which the mechanism can be seen operating. The 43mm case is treated with titanium-carbide. On the bezel are the names of the major racing circuits.


The “Licensed Pilot” has a bright blue dial, a separate 24 hours hand, and lists the time zones as IATA codes of airports located therein.


For those who - like me - are not familiar with these codes, the “Licensed Pilot Bluecity” has a more legible ring with city names, but keeps the highly attractive blue outfit.



This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2011-04-18 04:35:38 This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2011-04-19 13:27:22 This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2011-04-20 00:34:07