Mk II Stingray Update: Stingray 50
The first sample dials arrived earlier this month. The dial needs a minor adjustment but the quality of the print and lume look very good. The date window was stamped using the wrong specs so the date window is too far away from the center of the dial and the window itself is a hair too big. Those issues will naturally corrected before mass production. The current view of the watch somewhat minimizes the misalignment. The design itself is one of the most readily identified with the vintage Blancpain “Fifty Fathoms” name and was featured on a number of military issued pieces in a wide range of different case styles in the 60s and 70s.
I placed the date window at 4.30 because it minimizes the impact on the symmetry of the overall design. While purists would argue that the original design didn’t feature a date display I feel that utility has to take priority. The final date wheels will be black with white text to further tone-down the date window. One of the primary reasons that I chose to have the text printed vertically is so that left-handed customers or those that choose to wear their watches on the right hand will have an easier time reading the date. I have heard from a number of left-handed customers that they generally dislike the traditional 4.30 date window orientation because it is awkward to read from the right wrist.
“Stingray 50″…no this isn’t a typo and you aren’t seeing things. There are two bezels for the Stingray that will be almost identical except for one detail. The bezel insert for the Stingray 50 bezel is smaller in diameter than the 60 but the bezels are the same overall diameter. There have been so many different “Fifty Fathoms” that I couldn’t really pick just one style that I wanted to work with so I choose a sample of three vintage styles. I had calls from customers to work with the “big-bezel” version, hence the 60, but in my humble opinion the very first bezel version from 1953 is the most elegant. So despite is similarity to the 60 I decided to offer this version as well. If the 50 and 60 bezels cause too much confusion I will only offer the more popular of the two after the pre-orders are completed.
In a few days we will begin taking pre-order deposits for the Stingray on the main Mk II site. Since there are still a few items outstanding, such as the hands and other options, those interested won’t be asked to select any options just to purchase a “place-in-line” so to speak.
The final hands for this dial will be arriving in February so I will post another update once those are in. I literally just received the first trial run of the acrylic inserts and after I have a chance to experiment with them I will report back on the feasibility of this option. In the meantime let me know what you think of the way the project is shaping up!
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Looks really nice Bill. Can’t wait to see how it looks with the hand sets.
Mike S.
Comment by Mike S. — January 26, 2007 @ 12:12 pm
It’s looking good Bill: is this an auto or a quartz?
DW
Comment by David Woo — January 26, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
Auto, ETA 2824-2
Comment by admin — January 26, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
SCREW DOWN CROWN?
Fantastic watch!
Comment by CHAD — January 26, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
Yes absolutely a screw down crown
Comment by admin — January 26, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
Oh yeah! This is great. I hope I am first in line to preorder. The “50 bezel” looks fantastic! I really prefer that vintage look over the big bezel design, and I certainly hope it makes the cut (if not I may have to negotiate for the purchase of the prototype bezel).
The dial looks crisp and very true to the original. The date window adds a nice utilitarian value; although, some purists may argue it doesn’t have a place on such a watch. Personally, I am thankful for the option and much prefer it not taking up space over an hour tick-mark. 4.30 is the best placement in my opinion.
I am eagerly awaiting some pictures of the acrylic insert (if it is a feasible option) and the hands.
A profile shot would be nice. Considering you like your new camera setup, I don’t think those will take too long at all.
Are any other case versions in the works?
Thanks again, Bill.
You have done it again.
Comment by TacWatches — January 26, 2007 @ 5:00 pm
I know its too soon to ask about production and delivery, but what are your very rough estimates?
Comment by TacWatches — January 26, 2007 @ 5:08 pm
Forget about the delivery question; I saw the answer while staring at the picture.
For those that overlooked that as well it is June 2007.
Comment by TacWatches — January 26, 2007 @ 5:11 pm
fixed bars option ?
Comment by kent — January 26, 2007 @ 5:51 pm
Sorry no fixed bar version for this one. On the MMT we tried that and it turned out to be impractical.
Comment by admin — January 26, 2007 @ 7:21 pm
Hi Bill, it is looking good! I’ll probably go with bigger bezel. Will there be option for date at 3:00? (as AS 1700 most likely going in)
Can’t wait to see hands and other dial options!
Tim
Comment by Tim(PMWF) — January 26, 2007 @ 7:34 pm
It looks very good to date. However, the crown looks a bit off. I can’t place why, but it just does.
Great project, and I got dibs on 22 and 27!
Cheers,
Rafael T
Comment by Rafael T — January 26, 2007 @ 7:37 pm
Super watch Bill! I can’t wait to see all of the options so I can get my order in. Well done as usual!
Regs,
Todd
Comment by Todd — January 26, 2007 @ 7:55 pm
A REALLY MARVELOUS WATCH!!!
- But I (we) hope you will offer the new Dials in “sterile” Versions like those are available for the Quad´s too!
Go ahead Bill
All the best…
- Dieter -
Comment by Dieter — January 27, 2007 @ 2:15 am
Looks great, Bill, although the script to the left is too blurry to read.
What is the lug spacing?
Comment by Paul — January 27, 2007 @ 5:37 am
Will there be an arcylic crystal option?
Regards, John
Comment by jchan — January 27, 2007 @ 7:04 am
Hey Bill, looking good.
Comment by Peter Atwood — January 27, 2007 @ 10:03 am
Handsome design, Bill. I concur in the desirability of a “no date” option. If I don’t wear a mechanical watch continuously, then not having to re-set the date means less wear on the movement, and less hassle for me. Count me in for one, please. Could I reserve either 17, 43, or 317 (if you make that many)?
Best of luck on this project.
Alan B.
Comment by Alan B. — January 28, 2007 @ 1:12 pm
Love the watch! Really like the case and that dial/bezel combo is outta site!!!
Any chance you’ll be offering this one w/o a date window? I personally find dates on autos to be more of a nuisance than a convenience–following the watch’s inevitable wind-down, I’ve reset enough dates incorrectly (AM/PM-wise) that I’ve confidently given out the wrong date on numerous occasions. I would have been better served by be being forced to check elsewhere for the date…I know, not an issue if this is my “ONLY watch”, but I don’t even know what *those* words mean!!!
Comment by David — January 28, 2007 @ 7:25 pm
Bill you continue to offer the kinds of watches that appeal to me- you are a mind reader! I am definitely in, keep up the good work! I like the idea of high quality hommages.
Comment by Rob — January 29, 2007 @ 7:49 pm
Bill, the Stingray is a superb piece of work! Functional, understated, clean. Can’t wait to pre-order.
Comment by Mike — January 31, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
!!! Please offer a “sterile” Dial !!!
1000 Thanks
Comment by Alex — February 4, 2007 @ 7:32 am
Bill,
I need serial number 45 to match my Quad 10 and MMT. Looking forward to ordering.
Thanks,
Mike
Comment by Mike — February 6, 2007 @ 3:07 pm