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2014 ,the year that consolidated DE BETHUNE as the "exit"brand
De Bethune is a brand that captured many watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs attention and admiration throughout the years. 2014 has been a stellar year for the brand,we are always spoilt by De Bethune,the brand used us to multiple innovative creation for every new collection but I think that the current new collection is ,if it was ever possible, a step above.
ANY brand,at any stage of their life,even in "anniversaries"could claim an incredible year with just half or a third of the amount of creations De Bethune dishes out "every"year and that alone could be the only reason to just love this brand unconditionally.
I won t get carried away with rivers of compliments towards the vision of mr Zanetta and the genius of mr Flageollet,but if I have to sum up why I think that De Bethune is THE "exit brand" I would explain because:
-The design of every watch has its own personality,every creation is recognisable at a glance with so much quality oozing fem every angle.
The stylistic approach is always strong but elegant,groundbreaking but classic at the same time,no unnecessary writing anywhere,sometimes not even the brand name can be found and that is a sign of extreme class,there is no need to claim anything.
All the above is a +++++ for any watch purist,basically even if strong creations DB watches retain a big dose of understatement
-the technical side matches if not surpasses the design,well I can t decide really….patent after patent De Bethune established itself as a remarkable brand….the charm of the design is backed up by the awesomeness of beating hearts.
Nothing is too much,no gimmicks or pyrotechnics no automaton trickery but just horologerie at its best.
-new calibers:almost for every watch there is a new caliber for its purpose.
-finish:every creation is finished to a point that it gives emotions to anyone ready to be moved by it.A lot of new solutions for dial finishes,guillochet patterns,hands design and finish.
Some watches take off to another dimension like the "imperial fountain"set but even the "regular"production is breathtaking from the more classical creations to the more modern conceptual ones.
-the concept of every watch is always apropos,no racing cars,no machines on the wrist,no sculptures or artefacts,just sublime watches.
-no marketing wizardry or testimonials which ,at least to me,always are a downside……just a cool brand to follow.
All the above makes me love this brand unconditionally.
But enough of words now lets have a look at this years offerings from De Bethune
2014 collection includes:
New creations:2amazing new chronographs,a digital jumping hour watch,enamel dials DB25,dream watch 5,A marine chronometer(not officially out as yet though)…
New variations on existing models:3 astonishing new version of the DB25 qp,a black cased DB27,a new version of DB28 tourbillon dead seconds.
The DB28 maxichrono is a work of wonder,the dial is to die for ,the co-axial hands are a beauty to see in action and such a clever solution.
The DB28 maxichrono is a work of wonder,the dial is to die for ,the co-axial hands are a beauty to see in action and such a clever solution.
The mono pusher is integrated with the crown at 12 ,so easy to use.
Stunning dial design and layout.
….and the movement….seriously enchanting...
Also in titanium,I find this version more subdue and sober…maybe a bit too much.
DB29
Stunning dial design and layout.
….and the movement….seriously enchanting...
Also in titanium,I find this version more subdue and sober…maybe a bit too much.
DB29
No name no fuss,just this clean superb dial...
Just magnificent the movement is just incredible….
the officer case is just a touch of class,MAXI chrono MAXIMUM understatement…..
Just magnificent the movement is just incredible….
the officer case is just a touch of class,MAXI chrono MAXIMUM understatement…..
A model from a couple of years ago received 3 incredible variation…..
Slate grey for max elegance and sobriety..
A RG version with slate dial and gold numerals and hands….
A RG version with slate dial and gold numerals and hands….
It oozed richness and opulence…wow!!! what a watch...
…and then ,my favourite…RG salmon dial in a platinum case….now this would be MY ultimate watch…..
…and then ,my favourite…RG salmon dial in a platinum case….now this would be MY ultimate watch…..
My personal favourite this year...
The wonderful movement(6days power reserve)….
We are meant together…...
The wonderful movement(6days power reserve)….
We are meant together…...
Beautiful jumping hour watch,the case here is slightly deeper than a normal DB28 due to the caliber and the complication...
Just beautiful..
The movement..
2 beautiful "grand feu" enamel dial offerings……quite unexpected from De Bethune but the outcome is very very charming….
DB 28 tourbillon dead second…
with a anthracite plate for more contrast with the rehaut…
the tourbillon is hypnotising...
DB27 with a new zirconium case and lugs…
DB27 with a new zirconium case and lugs…
I mentioned before,even more trendy offerings like black cased watches are treated with a great deal of attention,no pad,dlc or any other coating…but treating Zirconium till it blackens…..pure class…
this watch is really working for me...
Thats it for now,…
I hope you liked the report,more than ever I consider De Bethune THE "exit "brand…when you reach it you reached the very top of the modern horological tree.
thanks for watching…
Mo
More posts:
2014 ,the year that consolidated DE BETHUNE as the "exit"brand
De Bethune is a brand that captured many watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs attention and admiration throughout the years. 2014 has been a stellar year for the brand,we are always spoilt by De Bethune,the brand used us to multiple innovative creation for ...
A wonderful hymn
Many thanks for your wonderful presentation of this year's offering. Such creativity for such a small company. And this, year in, year out. I feel very privileged owning some of their watches. I wrote it before, maybe not on this forum. De Dethune is horo...
Thanks ztirual…I am glad we share the same admiration for DB
you mentioned you have "a few"of their watches?? Please share them with us….. Thank you for your nice words by the way… Mo
Dear Mo
Thank you for your nice words and for your invitation. I do not post much on Pspro. Too long to explain... I'll send you a pm.
Thanks a lot Mo
The return of the Maxichrono looks fantastic... but the enameled are absolutely stunning. Killer piece right there. One the most beautiful De Béthune imho with the recent DW5. Thanks a lot.
You should see them in metal cisco
the enamel is stunning…..a very elegant proposal from De Bethune… If you like DW5,well….you better fasten your seatbelt……I am sure you will be surprised soon… Mo
De Bethune is quite unique in watchmaking
2 great men, associated in a very efficient project to say the least. You know Mo I fully share your admiration for the brand. I often have something to regret in that complex watchmaking world as it deals closely with Luxury. But this brand doesn't do it...
I was waiting for your reply Mark...
As a fellow DB enthusiast and owner…. Yep a stellar year,the 2 Chronos steal the show I think,how could not they,but my fav remains the QP…even if I swore I would only own one…. I agree with all you said….when high watchmaking and Luxury are mixed togethe...
It feels good to sell our saul to a brand...
without the feeling something's might be wrong or not "genuine". The DB25 QP was my favorite DB at the beginning...before they launched every year new hit machines, starting with the DB25 T Jumping Second. The QP has a very balanced dial with the 2 window...
Its difficult to see everything else objectively ….
I am still struggling,I am trying to get it out of my head but….those enamels have great potential….imagine in the future… I lost count of DB creations since I loved the brand…..just mind boggling… C mon Mark,hold on my friend…we are in this together.. Mo...
Breathtaking; I am stunned!
Mo, Excellent pictorial report, DeBethune has been a brand which has grown on me over the past few years; especially considering the beautiful pictures you have posted of yours.. This year was absolutely jaw-dropping in every sense of the word. The daring...
OH. MY. GAWD!
It's like every other brand just vaporized and there is only DB now. Madness-inducing. I thought the Ti Maxichrono was THE ONE but... The slate QP is like a shot the collector-vein. Thanks for a spectacular report Mo.
Your welcome Mostel...
Indeed if you visit de Bethune booth in a watch fair,you have that sense of all the rest…vaporising away,as you said…You would be contempt enough.. Qp slate dial a stunner!I agree Mo
Hi Colton...
Well yes,I have to agree that the QP slate dial is just stunning,all of them are really….The guillochet pattern has to be experienced live,that dial is just perfect:the three layers,the gold infused star shaped holes around the moon,the moo phase,the hand...
Thanks Mo!...
Remarkably clear 'in the field' photos - we are spoiled by your great coverage. Now, if you could just persuade the boys to send a slate dial QP down here for a very long-term PR 'loan'... :-) Cheers, pplater.
I will talk to them pplater….
I am sure they can arrange something….and the salmon dial to me…… Thank you my friend for the kind words…looking forward to seeing you again soon Mo
Thanks for the review; can you define "exit brand" for me
Haven't heard it before and from your article can't fathom what it means. Even Google was no help? Thanks Cazalea
Its a term die-hard watch aficionados don't know...
as it means: your very last time piece you acquire. The that defines you as matured. Or as totally satisfied. Which marks your exit from watch collecting. Understand the term now ;-)? Cheers, Magnus
Elaborating on Magnus answer above...
well basically,when you will reach the end of your horological journey,after you started with your "entry"brand(breitling for me….for many I supposeRolex ,JLC etc…..), you will find THE watch or THE brand that will sum up all you like in watch collecting…...
Does it still count...
...if you obsess about having multiple De Bethunes? Although I have to say I can already die a happy man even if my DB27 is the last watch I ever own! (",)
Well I am a collector first, and a watch collector secondarily, so
For me the only imaginable "exit brand" is a long pine box in a long black car. :-) I have not owned a deBethune although I have handled, tried on (bid for) and lusted after many of them. But since I'm not going to do the lawn or work on my car wearing on...
None worse ...
It has become an obsession ... A tribute and a lust that knows no end .... None , I say .... none ...
Mo you hit the nail on the head. DB is churning out both technical
marvels and aesthatical beauties, in the current industry it seems difficult at the time to have these elements at the same time No need to say that I'm wighing the price of an arm and a leg for the Digitale and the enamel piece :-)
I know a place where you can get a good price...
for a good condition limb…..I am handling the hacksaw now……after all I don t need my left foot! gosh there are at least 3 or 4 watches I would like to get from them…. Glad to see you even briefly in Basel Alex….I will be in GNV soon…. Mo
I have proof that you are good with the hack saw! I have
This image on the wall in my office :-) ...
Oooooo that one….
Yes I look menacing ….but you know I am sweet after all….. ha ha ha Mo
"exit" brand?!
My dear Mo, I don´t agree if you mean that this is your last watch - no matter which one you choose. This won´t happen, for sure :-) First of all, I think it was a big mistake for not arranging another appointment after Geneva :-( I didn´t expext that muc...
Exit???? well lets say i would like to dwell here for a while..
Noone is leaving the building yet ,but if I had to choose a way out ,this will be the one… Yes Oliver,I was not expecting more novelties this year,but with DB there is always a novelty….look out for more to come. The price of the DB28 chrono is CHF 166…I ...
Fantastic watches!
The DB28 Maxichrono will be hard to resist once I see it. Thanks so much for the report, Mo!
Brilliant and comprehensive post Mo!
Thanks for taking the time to share these pics and for your comments. BTW a great pleasure meeting you finally in Basel, loved seeing the Finnish watchmakers arm candy at dinner! Cheers, Tim
A pleasure to have met you too Tim..
hopefully again soon.. Thanks for the kind words… Mo
As my life wasn't
miserable enough without your post :) :) Amazing pictures great text...text that can be written only by someone "living the brand" Kudos my friend and Kudos to DB for all their work and coherence during last decade as you said not writing your name everyw...
I know I could cause some pain here...
yes indeed….its a painful brand. Can t wait to meet again and show you my new baby… Mo
Do you know
that Zagreb is number 2 on top 10 destinations in 2014 and is much cheaper than Paris? ;) So..... Best D
Wonderful report!
It's been years since I've been over here and I had lost track of the DB brand. Big mistake on my part! These pieces are stunning. Thank you for the fine photos and report. Dan
Nice report Mo!
I may have missed Basel... but I can see the full offerings on your report. Need to have a full de-brief next we meet. I still think the new digitale and the grey QP we saw in Geneva are the ones that stand out to me. The Maxi-Chrono tourb is amazing and ...
i'm very late on this...
...topic! well, what can i say? your pics and enthusiasm taken my breath away. I am overwhelmed with pleasure. a spectacular brand, underrated, I have to follow up with a lot more attention. Thanks for sharing everything! ciao, chris
Careful Chris...this is dangerous territory.....
very hard to judge other watches after DB.... Mo
