The $38,000 Leather iPhone Wrap Offers Remnant of the Past

By P. Joseph

With wrist watches on the decline and pocket watches almost consigned to history, one creative-thinking watch-maker has attempted to reverse the trend by merging old and new.

Luxury Swiss watch-maker De Bethune has designed a mobile phone case that also features an eye-catching pocket watch.

The $38,000 case, which is made of luxurious chestnut brown full-grain alligator leather, can be used to encase a smartphone – not only helping to protect the handset but also offering a full functional alternative for checking the time.

Designed by David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet, the idea was sparked amid reports showing that consumers are increasingly eschewing traditional watches and instead using their mobile phones for time-keeping purposes.

The hand-wound mechanical pocketwatch is powered by DB 1024 caliber movement and offers a 6-day power reserve. It boasts a hand-guilloché dial and flame-blued steel hands.

De Bethune, which was founded in 2002, says that customers will be able to adapt the case to the next generation of iPhones.

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By P. Joseph