Dufa or Deutsche Unrenfabrik is known for making watches based on the Bauhaus style.
The number of manufacturers that create minimalist watches continue to grow every year but Dufa is able to retain its identity and popularity by releasing innovative and intriguing packages that other watchmakers fail to think of.
With the development of the DF-9024-03, Dufa has yet again revolutionized the way we look at minimalist watches.
The Dufa AALTO AUTOMATIC DF-9024
The Dufa DF-9024-03 measures 42mm wide and 13mm thick.
It’s not that slim but it’s just the right size for an everyday watch you can casually wear in the office.
The watch weighs only 80 grams which makes it comfortable sleep under the cuff wearer.
But it’s not too light that you’ll feel like wearing something cheap and fragile.
The stainless steel case houses a minimalistic dial protected by a mineral crystal.
It has a beautiful exhibition case back which enables you to see the inner workings of the timepiece.
The watch is tightly sealed to make it water-resistant up to a depth of 30 meters.
The Dufa DF-9024-03 has been fixed with a genuine leather strap in a khaki color which is secured in place with a strap buckle.
The strap measures around 20mm wide which is just the right width for a casual watch.
Dufa DF-9024-03 is covered with 2 years international warranty.
Specs
MOVEMENT: Japan Automatic Power Reserve with Day Date Month
CASE: Stainless Steel
CASE DIAMETER (mm): 42
CASE THICKNESS (mm): 13
CASE SHAPE: Round
CASE COLOUR: Stainless Steel
DIAL COLOUR: Grey
BAND: Genuine Leather Strap
BAND COLOUR: Khaki
BUCKLE: Strap Buckle
BAND WIDTH (mm): 20-18
WATER RESISTANCE: 3ATM
WATCH WEIGHT (g): 80
WARRANTY: 2 Years International
Design and Movement
Dufa is a watchmaker known for its Bauhaus-style watches so it’s no surprise that the Dufa DF-9024-03 features a more outgoing design on the AALTO modal.
It has a simple dial with small Arabic numeral hour markers on the curved edges.
The thin hour and minute hands and the blued seconds hand all conform to the minimalist style of the watch.
A power reserve indicator at the 12 o’clock position that reminds me of a progress bar, under the DUFA brand name.
On the 9 o’clock position, the day window can be found.
On the opposite side at the 3 o’clock position you have an abbreviated month window.
On the 6 o’clock position, the date window can be easily located.
The muted dial stay true to the Bauhaus style exhibiting a complex functionality and elegance in a minimalistic fashion.
The modified Miyota 9100 automatic movement is responsible for the sweeping second’s hand and It boasts a power reserve of at least 40 hours which is on par with those found on more expensive automatic watches.
The Dufa DF-9024-03 is the accessory for those who need a utilitarian watch that combines the elegance of minimalism and the functionality and reliability of a tool watch.
On The Wrist
You’re probably thinking this is not a watch you’ve ever seen before and that’s exactly what I thought when I first saw the DUFA AALTO.
With a 48-hour power reserve bar, day, date and month with a Japanese Miyota movement, its seriously an impressive piece for the value of money.
Now If you are a fan of NOMOS then I think its fair to say that Dufa has done gone the extra mile and have done a wonderful job at pushing the boundaries of your traditional Bauhaus design.
Its simple, casual and elegant but it offers a new take on the Bauhaus style while staying true to its origins.
While this watch is a stunning piece packed with a complicated movement, you are going to need a watch winder to keep it going when you are not wearing it.
See if you are anything like me and you are constantly on the go and juggle a few different watches throughout the week.
Then setting the watch’s date and time functions every time you come back to it may be a pain.
However its no way a bad thing, I love setting my watches because it gives me the chance to bond with the piece.
But when I do take my DUFA AALTO Automatic watch out with me its a special treat.
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons to consider in owning a Dufa DF-9024-03:
Pros
- Looks more expensive than what it actually costs
- Day-date complication makes it a highly-functional timepiece
- Inexpensive Bauhaus-style timepiece
- It has a 2-year international warranty
- Power reserve of at least 40 hours
- Water-resistant up to 30m
Cons
- the date on the 6 o’clock is hard to read at times
Conclusion
Priced in the $650 to $730 range, the Dufa AALTO Automatic DF-9024-03 offers is a strong contender to other minimalist and Bauhaus styled watches.
Many other brands dont go as far as to feature a day-date complication that maintains clean and modern design that manages to exhibit personality – a factor seldom seen in minimalist watches which look almost exactly the same, regardless of the brand.
All in all, it’s hard not to be impressed by the Dufa’s AALTO Automatic DF-9024-03 because it truly is a piece that would remember.
If you’re looking for a minimalist watch you can wear on either formal or casual occasion, this model should be at the top of your list.
I’ve placed my bets, this is not the only DuFA I own and my other review can be found here.
If Dufa keeps up with their progression and stay true to their watchmaking I would not be surprised to see them on the top of the best Bauhaus watch brands.
➡️ Get your DuFa AALTO Automatic Power reserve series here
