De Bethune Ninth Mayan Underworld Watch

De Bethune designed a limited edition of 12 exemplars dedicated to the mystery of Mayan calendar - Ninth Mayan Underworld. Master-crafters from De Bethune have offered their own interpretation of world-changing events, by which 2012 symbolizes the arrival of a new world, the beginning of an era in which our planet and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual alteration.

The new De Bethune Ninth Mayan Underworld watch is strongly inspired by ceramics and stones sculpted by the Mayan scribes. It features dial made of pure gold, hand-engraved by engraving master Michèle Rothen and graced with 31 blued steel inserts. Bluing is s process in which the steel becomes fully protected from rust and obtains particularly appealing deep blue appearance when the steel is fired on a high temperature until it turns blue. Blued screws are one of the hallmarks of high-end watchmaking, typically used to decorate a movement of the watch.


De Bethune Ninth Mayan Underworld Watch

The golden dial features the baktun, a 20 katun cycles of the ancient Maya Long Count Calendar that comprises of 144,000 days. The hours are indicated by the numerals of Mayan numbering system while the inner ring represents the 20 glyphs of divinities, along with animals and sacred objects demonstrating different days of the calendar. The watch features unusual hands made in sapphire crystal and framed with blued steel.

The new De Bethune Ninth Mayan Underworld watch utilizes mechanical hand-wound Calibre DB 2005, endowed with 6-day power reserve. The case is crafted in white gold and features 44 millimeters in diameter. There is an exhibition window on the case-back, which allows wearer to admire the inner workings of this mechanical marvel.

De Bethune Ninth Mayan Underworld retails at 90,000 Swiss Francs.

Author: Marina Milojević
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