Contemporary Swiss watchmaker De Bethune debuted a new black zirconium version of the DB27 today.

The De Bethune DB27 Titan Hawk JPS is offered in a large yet thin 43 mm x 9 mm case in polished black zirconium, with a microlight decoration on the middle case. (“Microlight” is a form of decoration unique to De Bethune, which improves on traditional guilloche to produce unique visual and optical effects.)

De Bethune’s signature case and lug design are present, and the DB27 feature the company’s ergonomically designed short patented floating lugs in black brushed zirconium with polished yellow grade 5 titanium inserts and ogival tips.

Driving the time only hours, minutes, and seconds hands is De Bethune’s in-house caliber AUTOV2 which was first introduced in 2018. The 4Hz automatic movement has 217 components, 29 jewels, and a power reserve of 60 hours. The movement uses De Bethune’s titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts that improve the quality of adjusting the rate, which was patented in 2004. The balance spring has a flat terminal curve and is the subject of another De Bethune patent from 2006. The balance bridge traverses and is fixed at two points for optimum performance. Finally, the oscillating weight is in titanium and white gold, to optimize aesthetics and performance.

The multi-level dial, which includes guilloche work features a black microlight decoration, a chapter ring with Roman numerals in gold, and a minutes circle with Arabic numerals in gold placed around the rim of the dial. The center seconds hand is gold-plated, as are the tips of the skeletonized hour and minute hands.

The De Bethune DB27 Titan Hawk JPS (Ref. DB27V2JPS) has a water-resistance depth rating of 30 meters, is paired with a black canvas textile strap with leather reinforcements, and is available in a limited-numbered edition. Retail is $60,000.

 

Photos by De Bethune.