De Bethune x Urwerk Moon Satellite for Only Watch 2019

A one-off signed DE BETHUNE x URWERK for Only Watch 2019. Expressing the perfection of the celestial order, this unique timepiece is a complex interaction of mechanisms specific to De Bethune and Urwerk – a true fusion of their watchmaking genes.

United we are stronger in the fight against disease. In support of the Only Watch biennial charity auction of unique timekeepers, two great independent watchmaking “Maisons” – De Bethune and Urwerk – joined their creative energies in bringing forth a timepiece that arouses curiosity, focuses attention and touches the senses. From the outside, a case that challenges established norms, fusing the design and function genetics of De Bethune and Urwerk with its floating lugs and the singular vibrancy of mirror polished titanium. Under the hood and curved sapphire crystal, a mechanical universe which amazes us with the one-off URDB01 caliber jointly developed for this very special auction – the crown at 12 o'clock, spherical moon phase, and Urwerk’s signature time indication with the now-famous satellite window in an arc that evokes the sun's curvature.

The collaboration

DE BETHUNE x URWERK is the story of four personalities, Denis Flageollet and Pierre Jacques at De Bethune, and Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei at Urwerk. A story of mutual respect and implicit trust. The meeting of two ultra-creative and independent watchmaking minds, linked by a longstanding friendship, to donate for auction a truly original and highly desirable timepiece in support of the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy. 1 + 1 = 3.

Technical specifications

De Bethune x Urwerk Moon Satellite for Only Watch 2019

Reference: OW19

Unique piece for charity auction

Case

• Material: Polished grade 5 titanium
• Case width: 43 mm
• Thickness: 13.3 mm
• Lugs: Short or long floating lugs in polished grade 5 titanium De Bethune Patent (2006)
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal (1800 Vickers hardness) with double anti-reflective coating
• Case back: Screwed case back in grade 5 polished titanium
• Water resistant to 30 meters (3 ATM)

Movement

• Movement: DB2105
• Type: Mechanical hand-wound movement
• Adjustment: Winding, setting the time and spherical moon phase adjustment by means of the crown (3 positions)
• Diameter: 30 mm
• Number of parts: 336
• Number of jewels: 37
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Adornment: Concave plate covers and mirror-polished barrels bridge Open worked and hand sailed barrels Steel parts beveled and polished by hand
• Power reserve: 4 days, ensured by a self-regulating twin barrel De Bethune Innovation (2004)

Specificities

• Hour satellite indication designed by URWERK with triple base plate in ARCAAP; satellite in aluminum mounted on Geneva crosses in beryllium bronze. Hand painted SuperLuminova index.
• Titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, optimised for temperature differences and air penetration De Bethune Patent (2016)
• "De Bethune" balance-spring with flat terminal curve De Bethune Patent (2006)
• Silicon escape wheel
• Spherical moon phase indication accurate to a degree of one lunar day every 122 years – De Bethune Patent (2004)
• Triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system De Bethune Innovation (2005)

Strap and buckle

• Strap: Extra-supple alligator leather, alligator lining
• Buckle: Pin buckle in polished grade 5 titanium

MSRP: Up for charity auction

Estimate: CHF 140'000 - 180'000

Sold: CHF 300'000

For more info, please visit onlywatch.com or urwerk.com