De Bethune

Established in 2002 by visionaries David Zenetta and Denis Flageollet, De Bethune is renowned for its avant-garde designs. At the forefront of their creations stands the iconic DB28, recipient of the prestigious Aiguille d’Or award at the 2011 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). The brand has consistently delved into a futuristic aesthetic, evoking celestial and space-inspired themes. This inclination culminated in the 2016 release of the DB28T "Kind of Blue" timepiece, an homage to the profound and cosmic hue. This blue holds symbolic significance to the brand, representing concepts of infinity, harmony, and a sense of being both within and beyond itself.

The distinctive "De Bethune" blue was serendipitously discovered by Denis Flageollet, a fourth-generation watchmaker from France, during his experiments to thermally treat titanium balance wheels, aiming to reduce instability. Surpassing 700º Celsius, titanium unexpectedly transformed into this mesmerizing cosmic hue. This distinctive shade has since become a hallmark of De Bethune's creations, notably showcased in their "Kind of Blue" series. In person, these timepieces radiate an unparalleled depth of blue, captivating from every angle. The thermal treatment for "Kind of Blue" extends not only to the case elements but also to the majority of the dial and movement. Consequently, each piece is meticulously studied, as the process must be tailored to its unique form and mass.

The current lot, reference DB28TBMW, is crafted with a grade 5 titanium 43 mm case that is ingeniously affixed with floating lugs for supreme comfort. The dial showcases a distinctive bridge shape, evoking instant parallels with the communicator badge from Star Trek, complemented by a mesmerizing Milky Way pattern at its center. Offered with its complete set of accessories, this watch presents a truly exceptional chance to acquire one of only five pieces produced in this limited edition series.