For Denis Flageollet, the co-founder of De Bethune as well as its master watchmaker, innovation is the guiding principle of his watchmaking efforts. 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.

V1 of the DB27 Titan Hawk debuted in 2012, with V2 introduced in 2018 with substantial technical and aesthetic updates. The removal of the date wheel and the incorporation of center seconds streamlined the aesthetic composition of the dial, while the “arrow head” date motif was fixed towards 12 o’clock as a nod to De Bethune’s avant-garde and futuristic designs. Most spectacularly, the semi-closed caseback of the V1 was replaced by a fully transparent sapphire display caseback, allowing the expertly hand-finished movement and highly technical details to be observed at leisure.

With a superbly realized salmon dial and enviable, like-new condition, the present DB27 is numbered “005” and offered with its full complement of original accessories. Only 22 pieces were ever manufactured and fitted with a salmon dial, making this configuration highly desirable amongst collectors.