A unique Starry Varius* piece, this watch features several modified features that pay tribute to Stradivarius string instruments. The dial presents four clefs, while the movement and crown have been adapted to incorporate the textures of wood, details like the f-holes found on instruments, and the style of a maker's label in Latin in place of the model designation plate.

This unique Starry Varius is a restrained, yet elegant tribute to Stradivarius string instruments. Initially commissioned by a former professional cellist, the watch holds a few hidden details that string players will certainly appreciate. More broadly, the watches within the DB25 series are distinguished by their more traditional, understated designs, a significant departure from the futuristic and contemporary style of the pieces in De Bethune’s other collections, such as the DB28.

The dial features an understated white chapter ring, with the exception of four clefs - treble, alto, tenor, and bass - placed at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. To invoke the feeling of sheet music, the minute track was brought over from the De Bethune tourbillon, with blue printed numerals replacing the rose gold minute markers. The centre of the dial depicts the Milky Way, with a dusting of golden stars against a vibrant, deep blue background, and is constructed from a highly polished, blued titanium plate.

Meanwhile, the sleek case shape is supplemented with an additional rose-gold insert to the crown, in the style of a scroll found on an instrument scroll. As the scroll on the instrument houses the tuning pegs, parallels can be drawn with the crown of a watch, which winds the entire mechanism. The lugs on the case are also made in typical De Bethune style, with a hollowed design, a piece of delicate architecture that emphasises the technical skill involved in the watch’s construction.

The watch is powered by the DB2005, with the movement featuring several changes in keeping with the watch's theme. The base plate features a black polish, to better foreground the centre plate. With the triangular centre plate now in the spotlight, we see that it is beautifully decorated with signature "Cotes de Bethune" finishing, mirroring the texture of wood, while two f-holes are engraved on the metal. Meanwhile, the centre portion of the shock absorption system has been given a black coloured finish, to mimic a fingerboard, while the balance wheel bridge is rendered in yellow gold, in a similar shade to the De Bethune "Yellow Tones" piece, to parallel the bridge found on the instruments. Finally, the language used for the model designation plate is in Latin, and has been styled in the same way as an instrument's maker's label would be, with "L'Auberson Faciebat Anno 2021", indicating the place and year the watch was made.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this De Bethune Starry Varius Unique Piece will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This unique Starry Varius "Stradivarius" is in excellent condition, having been worn sparingly. The titanium case shows some hairline marks, though no deeper imperfections. The movement keeps excellent time, and all functions are working as they should.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.