In his latest video review, watch collector, enthusiast, and reviewer Peter Kotsa makes a strong case for a brand he believes is one of the most underrated in the industry today: Damasko. Focusing on the Damasco DK22, Kotsa takes a deep dive into the incredible, and often unseen, technology that he argues sets this brand apart from the competition.
Follow along as Peter Kotsa explores what makes the Damasko DK22 a standout timepiece.
A Focus on Hidden Innovation
Kotsa seems genuinely impressed by Damasko’s commitment to functional, robust engineering. He highlights that the brand, over its 25-year history, has amassed over 100 patents for innovations like its ice-hardened stainless steel, silicon springs, and lubricant-free escapements using nanotechnology coatings.
A key feature he praises is the watch’s practical design; for example, the movement allows the owner to change the date at any time, even around midnight, without any risk of damaging the mechanism—a detail he finds incredibly useful.
The DK22: A Refined Tool Watch
The review centers on the DK22 model, and Kotsa is full of praise for its specifications:
- Perfect Sizing: The watch features a 39mm case with a remarkably slim 10mm height, which he describes as an “absolute delight on the wrist”.
- Robust Materials: The case and bracelet are not standard steel but are crafted from Damasko’s “U-boat” (submarine) steel, which he notes is “tough as nails”.
- In-House Movement: Kotsa is enthusiastic about the sapphire exhibition caseback, which displays the Damasco A26-2 in-house caliber. He notes it’s a top-grade automatic movement, regulated to six positions for excellent accuracy.
Standout Features You Can See and Feel
Beyond the internal tech, Kotsa singles out the watch’s bracelet as a triumph of design. He praises its “fantastic articulation” for comfort and is particularly impressed by the use of hex screws for the links. He notes this system is far superior to others, as it prevents any slipping or stripping during adjustment and doesn’t even require Loctite.
A Nuanced and Honest Look
While Kotsa’s review is overwhelmingly positive, he does offer a few minor, nuanced observations:
- The Dial: The watch uses “Old Radium” Super-LumiNova for a “faux patina” look. While he admits he’s not always a fan of this style, he found that it worked very well when he swapped the watch onto a different strap, highlighting its versatility.
- The Clasp: He praises the bracelet’s comfort but notes as a personal preference, he would love to see a future version with a tapered bracelet (from 20mm down to 18mm or 16mm) for an even more refined feel.
- The Crystal: The double-sided anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal provides excellent legibility, though he notes it can be a “fingerprint magnet”—a minor trade-off he experiences with his own Sinn watch as well.
The Final Verdict
Kotsa concludes by stating he is “highly impressed” and that the DK22 is a “solid, really well-built watch with an exceptional level of refinement”. He argues that at its price point (around $3,190 AUD), the watch is “more than justified” by its technology, comparing it favorably to his own Sinn 856 and calling it “a lot more watch”.
His final word? Damasko offers “incredible value”, and he strongly encourages enthusiasts to discover the brand before it inevitably becomes more mainstream.
You can watch Peter’s full, in-depth review here:
