The New David Candaux DC7 Blue Hawk, Sculpting Time Beyond Conventions

Contemporary independent watchmaking thrives on unconventional ideas, but only a few creators dare to shape them with such sculptural poetry and technical finesse as David Candaux. His latest creation, the DC7 Blue Hawk, embodies his philosophy of a masterful fusion of mechanical virtuosity, architectural depth, and visual intrigue.

Building on the vision first introduced with the DC7 Genesis, the third model in Candaux’s collection, following the inaugural DC1 (2017) and the DC6 (2019), the Blue Hawk further pushes the language of asymmetry, light play, and multi-level architecture. While the Genesis distilled the brand’s hallmarks into a slightly more understated form, followed by the DC7 Titanium Green, the Blue Hawk explores deeper contrasts and finishes, yet retains the features that define the DC7 series.

The DC7 Blue Hawk comes in a 44mm case crafted from Grade 5 titanium. It measures 14mm in thickness and is water-resistant to 50 meters. The fully hand-polished finish, an extraordinary challenge given titanium’s stubborn hardness, brings out subtle curves and reflections. The case reveals a basin-shaped silhouette that is vertically asymmetric from 6 to 12 o’clock, yet remains balanced laterally, achieving an organic ergonomics that wears comfortably on the wrist, at least considering its size.

Curved side lugs enhance this natural fit, while at 6 o’clock sits the patented Magic Crown, a 31-component retractable system that stays flush with the case when inactive and springs out when pressed for winding and setting. Framing the crown are two black lacquer-filled plaques engraved with “David Candaux” and “Handcrafted”, a detail that reinforces the brand’s artisanal identity.

The dial of the Blue Hawk plays with light and depth and is a true work of layered horological architecture. Executed in anodised titanium, its central part hosts the skeletonised, hand-polished hour and minute hands, bevelled along their edges and finished with vivid blue Super-LumiNova triangles that echo the dial’s deep anodised hue. Surrounding this central element is an engraved minutes track and recessed baton hour indices, accented by a bold triangular index at 6 o’clock, all anchored within the lower dial structure. The design contrasts with the DC7 Genesis, which featured large Arabic numerals, and the DC7 Green, with its distinctive colour scheme. Here, the baton indices and matching blue palette create a sleeker, more graphic look.

At 12 o’clock is the aperture for the inclined tourbillon. A sloped flange, engraved with the seconds track, frames the tourbillon, while the small seconds display is seamlessly integrated into the tourbillon cage itself: a white lacquered titanium hand traces a graduated ring. Adding further dimensionality, the dial frame appears almost to float, held in place by visible screws, a design choice that reinforces the sense of depth and lightness.

The Blue Hawk is powered by the H70 calibre, the same hand-wound movement that powers the DC7 series, crafted in titanium and inclined at 3° relative to the case. Measuring 35 mm across and 6.20 mm thick, the calibre is composed of 189 components, including the ingenious magic crown system. The highlight is the 30° inclined flying tourbillon, whose single-axis cage, made from titanium and blue-anodised titanium, completes a full rotation every 60 seconds. Beyond its dramatic presence, this inclination serves a practical purpose, improving chronometric stability by better averaging out gravitational effects in multiple positions, as explained by the watchmaker.

Driven by two fast-rotating, coaxial barrels, the calibre delivers a robust 72-hour power reserve and beats at 21,600 vibrations/hour. Finishing remains true to the finest traditions of haute horlogerie, featuring hand-polished bevels, straight-grained titanium bridges, a black-polished tourbillon bridge, and inward angles that attest to hours of artisanal work. Fine details, like ruby jewels set in solid gold chatons and an engraved yellow gold medallion bearing Candaux’s bear-head emblem, underscore the movement’s refinement.

The DC7 Blue Hawk is worn on a supple, handmade rubber strap, available with a Velcro closure, folding clasp, or pin buckle, engraved with the David Candaux logo. Combined with the curved lugs and polished titanium case, this makes the 44mm watch surprisingly balanced and comfortable, despite its visual complexity.

Availability & Price

Offered in eight individually numbered pieces, the DC7 Blue Hawk is priced at CHF 149,000 (before taxes) and is backed by an exceptional 10-year guarantee. It invites collectors into David Candaux’s singular vision, where paradox becomes beauty, asymmetry becomes harmony, and every surface has its own story. For more, visit DavidCandaux.com.