David Candaux DC7 Blue Hawk: Beyond Traditional Watchmaking

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The DC7 Blue Hawk arrived as a statement of singular purpose. David Candaux has constructed a watch that refuses the conventional grammar of fine watchmaking, opting instead for a design language rooted in asymmetry, spatial depth, and the unflinching pursuit of horological balance. Limited to eight pieces, this titanium-cased creation embodies the watchmaker’s obsessive engagement with form and mechanical expression.

Sculptural Depth and Layered Complexity

David‘s approach to the dial defies the symmetry that has long dominated haute horlogerie. The six-layer titanium construction creates what amounts to a three-dimensional canvas, where the interplay of anodised blue surface and recessed elements generates a visual field that shifts with movement and light. The anodised blue titanium provides the foundational statement with rich, saturated tone that echoes the watch’s thematic inspiration, the blue hawk itself.

The dial architecture deserves particular attention, as it represents a deliberate rejection of centring conventions. The hours and minutes display sits off-centre, a gesture toward Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man and the conceptual tension between dynamic asymmetry and visual harmony. This decentring, rather than feeling awkward, generates a sense of intentional imbalance that challenges the eye and rewards contemplation.

The baton indexes sit embedded on a lower plane, inspired by the architecture of CERN’s ATLAS hadron collider. This choice yields an interplay of light and shadow that reinforces the dial’s sculptural intent. Super-LumiNova contours follow these indexes, creating visual emphasis without relying on mere luminescence. The graduated blue ring indicating the small seconds is integrated directly into the tourbillon itself and occupies the 12 o’clock position, where the 30° inclined flying tourbillon commands visual authority.

The minute track runs along the inner periphery with precision, optimised for legibility without compromising aesthetic coherence. The hands themselves exemplify contemporary watchmaking refinement: their openwork centres reduce visual weight, whilst blue Super-LumiNova triangles at the tips echo the dial’s dominant tone. A domed sapphire crystal amplifies the dial’s sculptural volumes, enhancing the three-dimensional effect that Candaux has laboured to achieve.

Titanium Mastery and Inclined Geometry

The H70 calibre represents Candaux‘s technical philosophy realised. Crafted entirely from titanium and inclined at a subtle 3° relative to the case, this movement reflects a deep understanding of this demanding material. The choice of titanium throughout ensures reliability and longevity, underpinned by a notably generous 10-year guarantee, a rarity in contemporary independent watchmaking.

The 30° inclined flying tourbillon comprises just 29 components, a restrained composition that generates striking three-dimensional effect. The anodised blue titanium cage amplifies the depth effect, visually resonating with the pearled baseplate of the visible movement beneath the sapphire caseback. The small seconds, executed in white lacquered titanium, integrates directly into the tourbillon mechanism and represents a design choice that eliminates redundancy whilst maintaining functional clarity.

The movement’s broader architecture reflects Candaux‘s commitment to visual harmony alongside technical excellence. Grained bridges reveal the movement’s gears whilst showcasing hand-finishing of considerable refinement: polished bevels, inward bevelled angles, each detail executed entirely by hand. The movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), with a 72-hour power reserve derived from two coaxial series-coupled barrels featuring fast-rotating characteristics and fixed-flange springs.

The balance wheel, an in-house variable-inertia component, employs gold mean-time screws of 10 mm diameter. The balance spring features a Phillips terminal curve with titanium stud and stud holder, ensuring optimal harmonic performance. Twenty-eight jewels, set in solid molded gold chatons with semi-gloss ruby surfaces, distribute throughout the movement with semi-transparent precision.

The movement’s 35 mm diameter and 6.20 mm thickness sit comfortably within a case designed to accommodate its architectural expression. The entire assembly comprises 189 components, an intricate assembly that demands exceptional skill. The motto “Heart and Mind” inscribes itself within this composition, encapsulating Candaux’s design philosophy: technical mastery coupled with philosophical intent.

Titanium Craftsmanship and Organic Form

The 44 mm case represents Candaux’s first essay in full hand-polishing titanium. Grade 5 titanium, selected for its balance of strength and workability, forms the foundation of a basin-shaped architecture that rejects geometric purity in favour of organic, river-stone inspired contours. The asymmetry at 6 to 12 o’clock contrasts with symmetry from 3 to 9 o’clock, creating a visual tension that mirrors the dial’s conceptual framework.

The hand-polishing process yields a finish of considerable refinement, its subtle light-catching qualities echoing the deep reflections of the anodised blue dial. This finishing represents labour-intensive craftsmanship; hand-polishing titanium demands particular expertise, as the material’s reactivity and surface characteristics resist conventional processes. The result, however, justifies the effort: a luminous, tactile surface that softens light rather than aggressively reflecting it.

The case incorporates curved titanium lugs, their organic geometry following the natural contours of the wrist. The “magic crown,” Candaux’s patented retractable innovation, resides at 6 o’clock, seamlessly integrated into the bezel. This mechanism comprises 31 components in itself, functioning as an independent complication whilst maintaining the case’s fluid, cohesive silhouette. The crown offers three positions: neutral, time setting, and winding, with pressure release engineering that permits intuitive operation without compromising water resistance. It is so much fun to play with it – so there is a real danger to have the wrong time due to forgetting to set it back right…

At 44 mm, the case dimensions represent a substantial presence on the wrist, yet the curved architecture and organic tapering mitigate visual bulk. The case height of 14 mm sits comfortably within contemporary proportions. Water resistance reaches 5 atmospheres (50 metres, 164 feet), adequate for daily wear whilst never pretending to sports functionality. A sapphire caseback with clipped olive at 6 o’clock affords view of the movement, whilst the rear face bears embossed engravings: “Limited Edition,” “DC7,” and “Waterproof 50M.”

The watch arrives on a hand-stitched rubber strap offering a choice of Velcro, folding, or pin buckle and each option is engraved with the David Candaux logo. The strap construction reflects the same fastidiousness evident throughout the timepiece, its tangible quality and comfortable geometry suggesting extended wearability. The organic aesthetic of the strap material complements the watch’s flowing lines and sculptural case form. It feels right on the wrist, comfortable and balanced.

Conclusion

The DC7 Blue Hawk emerges as a statement of independent watchmaking philosophy. Candaux has rejected the commercial imperatives that shape most contemporary fine watches, choosing instead to pursue a singular vision rooted in asymmetry, spatial complexity, and mechanical honesty. The 30° inclined flying tourbillon functions not as decorative spectacle but as the dial’s architectural centrepiece, around which all other elements organise themselves with purposeful intent.

This watch addresses itself to collectors whose sensibilities extend beyond conventional horological aesthetics. It demands engagement with its asymmetrical dial, invites contemplation of its layered compositions, and rewards ownership with the knowledge that only eight examples exist. The full hand-polishing of its titanium case and the restrained complexity of its in-house H70 calibre testify to a commitment to craft that contemporary watchmaking rarely maintains.

The DC7 Blue Hawk does not aspire to universal appeal. Instead, it articulates David Candaux’s singular vision with uncompromising clarity: a vision wherein technical mastery, philosophical intent, and aesthetic courage converge to produce something genuinely rare in the contemporary horological landscape. Since 2017 when I first met David during Baselworld and its 1740 “The First 8”, he continued to impress me with his provocative designs. The “bear” is an excellence symbol and I love find it again and again associated with excellent watches. Besides the great watches, he is, as a person, a great guy that I enjoy meeting with every occasion. So adding a DC watch to your collection adds also a friend to your list.

David Candaux DC7 Blue Hawk Technical Specifications

Ref. DC7-BH – 149 000 CHF

Functions

Central hours and minutes
Small second at 12 o’clock

Movement

Movement dimensions: Overall diameter: 35 mm (16 lines ¼), Thickness: 6.20 mm
Number of components: Movement: 189 components, Tourbillon cage: 29 components, Weight of the cage: 0.40 g, “Magic crown”: 31 components
Number of jewels: 28
Semi-gloss ruby jewel set in solid molded gold chatons
Chronometric power reserve: 72 hours
Barrels: Two coaxial series-coupled fast-rota@ng barrels with a fixed-flange spring
Balance wheel: In-house variable-iner@a with gold mean-@me screws (diameter 10mm)
Frequency: 21’600 vibra@ons/ hour (3Hz)
Balance spring: Phillips terminal curve, Titanium stud and stud holder
Bridges and main plate: In tanium, Straight-grained, hand-polished beveled angles and polished chamfers, inward beveled angles, pearling under the bridges
Movement side: 3° inclined movement rela@ve to the case, Black-polished titanium tourbillon bridge, with hand polished, bevels and angles, Gold plate with engraved and grained number, polished
bevels and moldings, brushed flanks, Yellow gold medallion with “bear head” logo
Tourbillon: Single-axis flying 30° inclined, Inclina@on of the cage by 3° relative to the case 60-second revolution, Titanium and blue-anodized titanium tourbillon cage
Gearing: Sharp inward angles, beveled, diamond-milled on two sides

Case

Asymmetric 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock and symmetric 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock, basin-shaped form
In hand-polished zitanium
Sapphire case back with clipped olive at 6 o’clock
Curved @tanium side lugs
Engraving of “David Candaux” and “Handcrafted” on each side of the “magic crown” on a black lacquered background
Embossed engraving of “Limited Edi@on”, “DC7” and “Waterproof 50M” on the backside
Case dimensions: Caseband diameter: 44 mm, Case height: 14 mm
Water resistance of the case: Water-resistant 5 atm – 50 m – 164 l
Crown: “Magic”, Pressure release mechanism, 3 positions : neutral, time setting, winding

Dial side

In blue-anodized titanium
Multi-level “sandwich”-type construction
Baton hour index, triangular index at 6 o’clock with Super-LumiNova contours, and a minute track, all embedded into lower levels

Hands

Hours & minutes hands featuring a central opening, beveled edges, and a distinctive blue SuperLumiNova triangle at the top, all meticulously hand-polished
Small seconds integrated into the tourbillon, in white lacquered titanium

Strap and clasp