Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New De Bethune DB27 Night Hawk for EsperLuxe
A celestial reinterpretation of the DB27, with a darker, more personal tone.
Over the past decade, the De Bethune DB27 collection has served as the independent brand’s most restrained yet highly technical expression of its watchmaking credentials. Introduced in 2012 with the Titan Hawk, later refined in V2 form and multiplied through editions such as the JPS or green dial variants, the DB27 has consistently combined lightweight titanium construction, patented floating lugs and the in-house AUTOV2 movement in a more approachable format.
The new DB27 “Night Hawk” created in collaboration with EsperLuxe – a renowned retailer of independent watches in Sudbury, Massachusetts – is yet another expressive and customised interpretation of the model. It retains the fundamental design of the DB27 but offers a distinctive dial execution.
The 43mm case of the DB27, with a thickness of 9mm, is crafted from Grade 5 titanium with alternating polished and brushed surfaces. True to De Bethune’s identity, it features the brand’s patented floating lugs, here presented as short, flame-blued titanium elements with a matte finish. These articulated lugs remain central to the wearing experience, adapting to the wrist. The case middle is decorated with the brand’s signature microlight pattern. Double AR-coated sapphire crystals protect the dial and showcase the movement. Water-resistance is 30m.
The dial created by EsperLuxe truly distinguishes this “Night Hawk” edition from previous DB27 models. For the first time in this collection, De Bethune introduces its “Starry Sky” motif in flame-blued titanium. The celestial display maps the night sky corresponding to the date and place, marking the beginning of the EsperLuxe partnership in 2021. Surrounding this central disc is a classical chapter ring with Roman numerals, and a peripheral minutes track with Arabic numerals. The poetic centre and the structured outer dial display coexist just fine; mirror-polished, two-tone (blued with silvered tips) hour and minutes hands with a central seconds hand complete the display.
The familiar AUTOV2 calibre, visible through the sapphire caseback, powers the De Bethune DB27 “Night Hawk” edition for EsperLuxe. This in-house automatic movement, composed of 217 parts, beats at 28,800 vibrations/hour and offers a 60-hour power reserve. It incorporates several proprietary technical solutions, including a titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, designed to optimise inertia and thermal stability, and the brand’s patented balance spring with a flat terminal curve. The oscillating weight, made of titanium and tungsten, is engineered for efficient winding and maintains visual coherence with the rest of the movement.
The De Bethune DB27 Night Hawk for EsperLuxe is worn on a blue fabric strap, closed with a titanium pin buckle. An additional bespoke strap is included with the purchase. Production is limited to 10 pieces plus one prototype; the price is USD 70,000, and the watch is available from EsperLuxe boutique, physically and online. For more, visit esperluxe.com and debethune.ch.
