Quick facts
Description
Damasko was founded in 1994 by Konrad Damasko in the small Bavarian town of Barbing, Germany. Before producing complete watches, the company operated primarily as a materials‑engineering specialist, developing hardened components for aerospace and industrial applications. That expertise found its way into watchmaking via a long‑running supplier relationship with Sinn, for whom Damasko produced hardened steel cases throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. Only after that partnership ended in 2002 did Damasko begin producing watches under its own name. From the outset, the company remained deliberately small and family‑run, with virtually all machining, hardening and assembly carried out in‑house.
What Damasko became best known for is its use of ice‑hardened steel, a nitrogen‑enriched martensitic alloy hardened to a surface hardness far beyond conventional 316L stainless steel. The practical effect is straightforward: cases are highly resistant to scratches, dents and corrosion. This is not a cosmetic treatment but a structural one, applied throughout the material rather than as a coating. As a result, Damasko watches have a reputation for ageing unusually well. Even heavily worn examples often appear close to new, with little visible marking compared to watches made from ordinary steel. I’ve had several in my own collection, including a DA-36 a couple of times.
The DS‑30 is a three‑hand pilot watch with no unnecessary complication, housed in an ice‑hardened steel case with a matte dial and high‑contrast Arabic numerals. The design is intentionally functional, prioritising legibility and durability over styling cues. On the secondary market, DS‑30s often stand out for their condition: despite clear signs of use, the case surfaces typically remain remarkably intact, underlining the real‑world benefit of Damasko’s hardened steel rather than just its theoretical advantage.
Condition and performance
The watch is in excellent condition. I’d struggle to differentiate with a brand new watch.
Supplied on a Damasko black leather in very good condition. Their straps are also brilliant - superbly comfortable and the buckle matches the ice-hardened case.
Comes boxed with owner’s manual and original invoice.
Timegrapher: Approximately -2 seconds per day.
Strap options
Please send us a message if you would like any other strap option.
We also offer 10% off our straps and bracelets listed on our sister site, Ward Hoard, in Accessories purchased alongside a watch.
Simply add the accessory to your basket and use STRAP10 or BRAC10 at checkout on Ward Hoard.
Specifications
Questions
If you have any questions about this watch or strap options, or would like to reserve it, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
Quick facts
Description
Damasko was founded in 1994 by Konrad Damasko in the small Bavarian town of Barbing, Germany. Before producing complete watches, the company operated primarily as a materials‑engineering specialist, developing hardened components for aerospace and industrial applications. That expertise found its way into watchmaking via a long‑running supplier relationship with Sinn, for whom Damasko produced hardened steel cases throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. Only after that partnership ended in 2002 did Damasko begin producing watches under its own name. From the outset, the company remained deliberately small and family‑run, with virtually all machining, hardening and assembly carried out in‑house.
What Damasko became best known for is its use of ice‑hardened steel, a nitrogen‑enriched martensitic alloy hardened to a surface hardness far beyond conventional 316L stainless steel. The practical effect is straightforward: cases are highly resistant to scratches, dents and corrosion. This is not a cosmetic treatment but a structural one, applied throughout the material rather than as a coating. As a result, Damasko watches have a reputation for ageing unusually well. Even heavily worn examples often appear close to new, with little visible marking compared to watches made from ordinary steel. I’ve had several in my own collection, including a DA-36 a couple of times.
The DS‑30 is a three‑hand pilot watch with no unnecessary complication, housed in an ice‑hardened steel case with a matte dial and high‑contrast Arabic numerals. The design is intentionally functional, prioritising legibility and durability over styling cues. On the secondary market, DS‑30s often stand out for their condition: despite clear signs of use, the case surfaces typically remain remarkably intact, underlining the real‑world benefit of Damasko’s hardened steel rather than just its theoretical advantage.
Condition and performance
The watch is in excellent condition. I’d struggle to differentiate with a brand new watch.
Supplied on a Damasko black leather in very good condition. Their straps are also brilliant - superbly comfortable and the buckle matches the ice-hardened case.
Comes boxed with owner’s manual and original invoice.
Timegrapher: Approximately -2 seconds per day.
Strap options
Please send us a message if you would like any other strap option.
We also offer 10% off our straps and bracelets listed on our sister site, Ward Hoard, in Accessories purchased alongside a watch.
Simply add the accessory to your basket and use STRAP10 or BRAC10 at checkout on Ward Hoard.
Specifications
Questions
If you have any questions about this watch or strap options, or would like to reserve it, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
Image 1 of 39
Image 2 of 39
Image 3 of 39
Image 4 of 39
Image 5 of 39
Image 6 of 39
Image 7 of 39
Image 8 of 39
Image 9 of 39
Image 10 of 39
Image 11 of 39
Image 12 of 39
Image 13 of 39
Image 14 of 39
Image 15 of 39
Image 16 of 39
Image 17 of 39
Image 18 of 39
Image 19 of 39
Image 20 of 39
Image 21 of 39
Image 22 of 39
Image 23 of 39
Image 24 of 39
Image 25 of 39
Image 26 of 39
Image 27 of 39
Image 28 of 39
Image 29 of 39
Image 30 of 39
Image 31 of 39
Image 32 of 39
Image 33 of 39
Image 34 of 39
Image 35 of 39
Image 36 of 39
Image 37 of 39
Image 38 of 39
Image 39 of 39