De Bethune - The 2021 New York Watch Auction New York Saturday, December 11, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: De Bethune
    Year: 2015
    Reference No: DB27ZS8
    Movement No: DB.G.003.050
    Case No: No. 016
    Model Name: "Titan Hawk"
    Material: Zirconium
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. S233, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Zirconium De Bethune pin buckle
    Dimensions: 43mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by De Bethune Certificate of Origin and Warranty dated 15 December 2015, instruction booklet, travel case, presentation box, and dust cloth.

  • Catalogue Essay

    For Denis Flageollet, the co-founder of De Bethune as well as its master watchmaker, innovation is the guiding principle of watchmaking. Rather than simply modifying or improving traditional techniques, he takes a precise mathematical and scientific approach with regards to the technical process, case and movement architecture, and finishing of each of his watches. All this results in some of the most visually striking and masterful products in contemporary horology. Since its inception in 2002, De Bethune has given birth to over thirty in-house calibers and a dozen patent registrations, constantly debuting new and exciting innovations.

    Combining elements of the DB25 and DB28, the present DB27 “Titan Hawk” in zirconium - a scratch proof and incredibly difficult to work with metal - is deceptive in its simplicity. Though it only displays the hour, minutes, and date, there is far more to this watch than meets the eye. The dial, with its layered surfaces and concentric circles, provides a playful complement for the black matte case. The case features a spring-loaded floating lug system enabling the watch to adapt to any size wrist for ease of wear. The movement is a marvel of finesse and technology, including many of the De Bethune in-house developed innovations, like the patented self-regulating twin barrel, silicon and white gold balance, the balance spring with flat terminal curve, the triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system, the titanium/platinum oscillating weight, and the silicon escape-wheel which can be admired via the porthole in the back. The watch also boasts a six-day power reserve.

    Fittingly, only 27 pieces of the DB27 were made in zirconium, a material used in protective cladding for nuclear reactor fuels due to its high resistance to heat. Thus, only very few opportunities to own and enjoy this timepiece exist, and the current, pristine lot in absolutely new, unworn condition with all of its original accessories, is sure to excite the forward-thinking and adventurous collector.

Σ148

Ref. DB27ZS8
A very rare and technically impressive zirconium wristwatch with central date, six-day power reserve, certificate, and presentation box

2015
43mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$15,000 - 25,000 
CHF13,900-23,100
€13,300-22,200
HK$117,000-195,000

Sold for $119,700

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

New York Auction 11 - 12 December 2021