A Visual Chronicle of De Bethune DB-27 Titan Hawk 2012 - 2021
Ten years of horological innovation, imagination and evolution
De Bethune is a top-notch independent watchmaker who is regarded as a likely future F.P. Journe by some seasoned collectors and by my own ad hoc research. Similar to F.P. Journe’s long running entry-level Chronomètre Souverain, De Bethune keeps refreshing its entry level DB-27 Titan Hawk line with variations in dial designs, case/strap materials and color schemes, delighting the De Bethune lovers.
Titan Hawk v1 was launched in 2012 to celebrate the young brand’s 10 year anniversary. The signature design elements include the crown at 12 o’clock, futuristic floating lugs and the use of grade 5 titanium as case material. In-house caliber S223 powers the hour, minute and date function with an impressive 6-day power reserve. In 2018, a major revision with a new dial design and new movement was launched. In this V2 model, a central second hand was added while the date function was dropped. The case back is completely visible now, as compared to the partial view of the V1 model. Let’s start the visual journey together to experience the 10-year innovation, imagination and evolution of this stunning product line.
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The first model in a silver dial with blue hands was launched in 2012 to showcase De Bethune’s unique design language - elegant, classic yet futuristic.
The case back was presented in an unusual design highlighting proudly the balance wheel and the escapement encompassing advanced technology invented by De Bethune.
A version of dial in deep blue color was released shortly after, followed by a black dial and a salmon dial. In De Bethune’s reference number scheme, S1, S2, S3, S4 and S8 stand for silver, salmon, blue, green and black, respectively.
Update: on Nov 5, 2022, #14 of the DB27S2 salmon dial series (just like the one above) was sold for CHF107,100 at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XVI.
In 2015, De Bethune released a special version of DB-27 with Zirconium case and pin buckle. Zirconium is a scratch-proof metal and very difficult to work with. There were only 27 examples made with the reference DB27ZS8. In the Geneva Watch Auction XI held June 27-28, 2020, a timepiece of this model with case #13 (see below) was sold for the final price of CHF43,750 (about $49K).
A very special example of DB-27 with blued titanium and Eastern Arabic numerals was released in 2017. The engraving on the case back shows “DB 27 Ti Piece Unique Dubai”. This would be the among the very last pieces made for DB-27 version 1. At the Geneva Watch Auction XV May 7-8, 2022, it fetched CHF 226,800, a record for any DB-27.
A new chapter for DB-27 Titan Hawk started in 2018 with the launch of DB-27 version 2. The dial design was updated but the key design elements remained such as the minute ring with Arab numerals and the hour ring with Roman numerals. The moving “arrow head” of the date indicator was replaced with a fixed “arrow head” that resembled the Star Trek symbol. As a person who enjoys tracking the timing accuracy of the timepieces, I would prefer the second hand to a date function. Another innovative feature stayed in V2 - the floating lug system that offered both wearing comfort and a stylish look. The first two members in V2 lineup are the silver dial model and the blue dial model, as seen below.
A collaboration in 2019 with Fort Aero, a private jet company, produced an intriguing timepiece. The dial is exactly the same as the blue DB-27 V2, but turning over, we see a rotor that looks like a jet engine turbine with very realistic-looking propellers. Five pieces were planned but eventually only one piece was produced, making this a extremely rare “piece unique”.
I’m the lucky owner of a DB27 V2 in salmon dial, the very first unit in this color series. Please check out my review on this watch by clicking either of the two pictures below. For some reasons this model has never been shown on the De Bethune website, which makes it more mysterious and special. The timing accuracy was tested by me to be around one second per day - you just cannot ask for more.
We would not expect De Bethune to miss out the “green party” that has been gaining steam in 2021. A 10-piece DB-27 in green dial and green canvas strap were released in early 2021 and quickly sold out. The dark green watch would be an excellent companion on the wrist for hiking trips or adventure travels.
The next addition to the DB-27 family is the unique piece “DB-27 La Romanée 1865” (Reference n°: cs234), created by a collaboration with the Baghera/wines. A burgundy dial on which a multitude of small white gold pins have been inserted one by one with great delicacy recreating the constellation that overlooked “ La Romanée ” on the day of the grape harvest of September 12, 1865. An exceptional vintage that made history. On the back of the watch, you will find a compendium of De Bethune’s technical innovations as well as the inscription “La Romanée 1865”. This timepiece was auctioned off in April 18, 2021 with a price of CHF 97,600.
The latest release in the DB27 line is the “UAE Hawk”, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of UAE. This 7-piece limited edition adopts a dial design from one of the faces of the “Kind of Two Tourbillon”. Notice the striking “50” in sand color at 10 o’clock. Seven watches were made for this exclusive offering as there are seven emirates forming the UAE.
DB-27 Titan Hawk was launched in 2012 to celebration the 10-year anniversary of De Bethune’s founding in 2002. Ten years passed since then as the world moves towards 2022. It has been a fantastic ten years for DB-27 Titan Hawk as we browse through this remarkable visual chronicle. We can be sure that DB-27 will continue to evolve as the artisans at De Bethune keep up their relentless pursue for technological and artistic excellence.
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