two time zones + date
Reading the functions
The arrows next to the watch above allow you to show different time zones and dates. Reading Oechslin’s date display becomes intuitive after a short time on the wrist.
First time zone
The hands display the first time zone.
Second time zone
The number inside the open hour hand indicates the second time zone. The timezone disk in the center is adjusted so that the difference between the two time zones is displayed at 12 o’clock. If the second time zone is ahead (for example, +3 hours), you set this number at 12 o’clock. If the second time zone is behind, you subtract from 12, and set the result at 12 o’clock. Both time zones are designed as 12 hour indications. It is assumed that whether the second time zone is ahead or behind the first is known.
Date
The 30+1 holes around the perimeter of the dial display the date. The 10 minute markers serve as reference points. For example: the marker indicating 30 minutes also shows the 15th day of the month (30÷2=15). These 5 day markers allow for the date to be read at a glance and after a short time, you can recognize the date intuitively.
Power reserve
The small circle beneath 12 o’clock is the power reserve indicator. Full power (60 hours) is when the dot is beneath the rightmost 12 o’clock marker. Empty is when the dot is beneath the leftmost 12 o’clock marker. The disk rotates counterclockwise.
Hour and minute
The exact minute can be read using the date holes, which are spaced at 2 minute intervals. Holes mark even minutes and gaps odd minutes.
Second
Just above the 6 o’clock marker is a seconds disk with a milled excentric dot. This disk shows the watch is running.
Mechanics
The following parts were designed by Ludwig Oechslin specifically for two time zones + date. They are manufactured in Switzerland by Helfenstein Mechanik AG and, like all ochs und junior parts, are backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Direction gear
- Gear wheel
- Timezones disk
- Date disk
- Module board (titanium provides the right elasticity for the spring visible on the left side of this part, which holds the timezone disk in place)
- Dial
- Hour hand (learn more)
- Minute hand
- Seconds disk
- Power reserve indicator
The base movement is the Ulysse Nardin UN-118.
Two functions in one crown position
Oechslin’s two time zones + date watch contains a mechanism that allows two of the watch’s functions to be set in the same crown position. You can set the timezone by turning the crown counterclockwise in position 1, and the date by turning the crown clockwise in position 1. The direction gear which enables this is fairly common in watchmaking. Ingenious, however, is the way it’s used in this situation, and how the two functions interact with each other. The timezone disk is controlled by the date disk. Changing the direction of rotation while setting the watch causes the direction gear to slip out of its coupling, and cancels the connection between the timezone disk and date disk. Force is therefore only applied to the timezone disk during adjustment. While the watch is running, no additional gears interact with the timezone disk, thereby assuring optimal power transition from the base movement. The titanium spring holding the timezone disk in position is integrated directly into the module board, which greatly simplifies assembly of the function. Oechslin’s two time zones + date watch thus contains a mechanism that combines and connects functions, yet also separates them.
Overview
Ludwig Oechslin’s two time zones + date watch brings you a perfect blend of function and elegance. A unique hour hand simultaneously displays two times (zones) at one glance, and an circular date spiral is better readable and intuitive compared to a traditional date window.
Two time zones
Conventionally, a second time zone is displayed on a subdial or via an additional hour hand. Oechslin’s innovation shows both time zones on one special hour hand. How it works is simple: if the second time zone is ahead of the wearer’s (for example, +6 hours), this number is set on the timezone disk at 12 o’clock. If the second time zone is behind the wearer’s, this number is subtracted from 12, and the difference is set at 12 o’clock. As the open hour hand passes over the timezone disk, the second time zone is displayed proportionally within its frame. Oechslin’s solution increases the feeling of connection between the time zone of the wearer and the second time zone. Several examples are available on the interactive watch.
A more practical date display
Oechslin’s two time zones + date watch uses the same analog date spiral as his radical 12-part perpetual calendar. Oechslin’s solution makes the date readable from farther away than even a large digital date window, and it leaves the time as the primary information, read with a quick glance. Its 30+1 date perforations are arranged in a gentle spiral, easy and intuitive to read. An interview with Oechslin describing his unique date display can be found here: Ludwig Oechslin on date displays.
Further information
Dimensions
42mm x 12.5mm (incl. crystal)
Weight
76.4g in titanium (incl. leather strap and buckle)
119.1g in sterling silver 925 (incl. leather strap and buckle)
Water resistance
100m in titanium, 100m in sterling silver 925. Both models are fit for almost any situation in daily life.
Case
2-part case designed by Ludwig Oechslin. Available in grade 5 titanium or sterling silver 925; additional materials upon request. Visible machining marks. ochs und junior watches require no movement ring due to the extremely small manufacturing tolerances on the case. Available exclusively with a solid case back.
Base movement
Ulysse Nardin UN-118 with 60 hours power reserve. Manufacturer: Ulysse Nardin SA / Le Locle / Switzerland.
Crown
Screw-down crown designed by Ludwig Oechslin in grade 5 titanium or sterling silver 925. Manufacturers: Pibor SA / Glovelier / Switzerland and Helfenstein Mechanik AG / Alpnach / Switzerland.
Buckle
Designed by Ludwig Oechslin for 22mm watch straps with no loops. Visible machining marks. Grade 5 titanium or sterling silver 925, additional materials upon request. Manufacturer: Helfenstein Mechanik AG / Alpnach / Switzerland.
Watch straps
We offer over 80 possibilities, which you can explore in our straps pages: sturgeon, textile, leather, suede, rubber.
Sapphire crystal
The sapphire crystals are manufactured by Stettler in Lyss / Switzerland. Both sides are treated with anti-reflective coating by Econorm in St-Imier / Switzerland.
Reading the time in low-light or dark conditions
For optimal readability our watches are coated in Super-LumiNova X1, manufactured by RC TRITEC in Teufen / Switzerland. Super-LumiNova is always applied in conjunction with a color pigment. All Pantone colors are available, but the brighter the color, the better the luminosity. Super-LumiNova shines green (the option used by ochs und junior) or blue, on special request. The Super-LumiNova coating is applied by hand by ochs und junior, or for dials with a color application by Cador in Eimeldingen / Germany and by Monyco in La Chaux-de-Fonds / Switzerland.
Swiss made
The ochs und junior two time zones + date watch is entirely manufactured in Switzerland. The Ulysse Nardin UN-118 base movement is manufactured in Le Locle. Each watch is hand-assembled and regulated at the ochs und junior workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Lifetime warranty
A lifetime warranty covers all parts invented by Ludwig Oechslin, and the entire watch is covered by a 2-year guarantee. ochs und junior’s small scale and direct sales model allow it to offer uniquely fast and competent service.
Designed by ochs und junior
Watches in the two time zones shop are designed by ochs und junior. Individually manufactured, they have the potential to become classics.
Custom-made
Ludwig Oechslin’s rigorously simple designs, the fact that we individually manufacture our parts, and the direct contact we have with our clients enable us to offer the highest possible degree of customization. The customizer shows many possibilities.