De Bethune DW5 Seeking Perfect for Only Watch 2023

The DW5 SP is a one-of-a-kind forged piece, the metal of its case specifically made from the iron ore found just a stone's throw from the De Bethune manufacture.

This unique watch comes from the depths of time, its dial and spherical moon made of ferrous meteorite created in the crucible of the universe. For its case, Denis Flageollet got as close to nature as possible, seeking to rediscover ancestral iron and steel-making techniques. He forged the various parts from a magnifying glass of metal made in his own blast furnace. The patterns on its surface come from the different parts of his metal preparation, which he forged together.

Denis Flaegollet created this mass of iron and steel from iron ore harvested at L'Auberson. He roasted it, crushed it into powder, reduced it through the glowing charcoal of his low furnace to obtain a mass of metal, then forged it into a compact material close to the shape to be machined. The operation took several weeks to complete, and the research took many months. For this unique timepiece, the De Bethune team created a tourbillon movement that can be admired on the back of the watch.

Technical specifications

De Bethune DW5 Seeking Perfect for Only Watch 23

Reference: OW23

One-of-a-kind model for Only Watch 2023 auction

Case

• Material: Damascus iron and steel from Auberson iron ores (hand-forged case)
• Dimensions: Length: 58 mm / Width: 47 mm
• Thickness: 16 mm
• QR code engraved on the back of the piece giving access to unique information for the future owner
• Blue sapphire cabochon on crown

Dial 

• Blued meteorite dial
• Spherical meteorite moon
• Transferred hour and minute discs

Movement

• Calibre DB2149
• Diameter: 30 mm
• Number of parts: 356
• Number of jewels: 35
• Power reserve: 4 days, ensured by a self-regulating double barrel Innovation De Bethune (2004)
• Specificities: Titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, optimized for temperature changes and air penetration Innovation De Bethune (2016)
• "De Bethune" balance-spring with flat terminal curve De Bethune patent (2006)
• Silicon escapement wheel
• Spherical moon-phase indication with a precision of 1 lunar day every 1112 years De Bethune patent (2004)
• Ultra-light 30-second De Bethune tourbillon in silicon and titanium De Bethune innovation (2008)
• Frequency: 36,000 vibrations/hour

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds with tourbillon on the back
• Moon phases

Strap and buckle

• Extra-supple alligator leather bracelet, alligator lining
• Pin buckle in polished grade 5 titanium

Estimate

• CHF 220'000 – 270'000
• USD 242'000 – 297'000
• EUR 226'600 – 278'100

For more information, please visit onlywatch.com and debethune.ch