his one..I have to get. it is priced too reasonably! a perfect pair with a certain Patek.

Dec 05, 2009,16:57 PM
 

The Emperor finish, a traditional polish, can be so damned impressive that one will not look again at "another" traditional big brand. Ever.

After this, it will be simply emotional responses to mechanical sculptures like MB&F and more DB classic works..such as the DB Dream 1.

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A look at De Bethune - the De Bethune superthread

 
 By: SJX : December 5th, 2009-07:19
In early December, David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet were in Singapore to present the latest creations from De Bethune. I first profiled De Bethune in 2007 when I was deeply impressed after visiting them at Basel ( click here for my Basel report of that ... 

Part I: De Bethune dinner

 
 By: SJX : December 5th, 2009-07:26
Held at the Four Seasons hotel and hosted by retailer The Hour Glass, it was a wonderful chance to listen to David Zanetta explain the technical innovations of De Bethune who presented the 19 “innovations, inventions and patents” of De Bethune. The presen...  

Looks yummy

 
 By: BluNotte : December 6th, 2009-06:20
And glad everyone had a wonderful time Cheers Stephen

Part II: Presentation of De Bethune technical innovations

 
 By: SJX : December 5th, 2009-07:29
This is a copy of the presentation given by David Zanetta, detailing the various innovations created by De Bethune, most of which is the result of Denis Flageollet's genius. Some of the notable slides include the one detailing the evolution of the De Beth...  

Stunning technology. LOVE it. [nt]

 
 By: VMM : December 5th, 2009-10:28
No message body

Part III: De Bethune DB25 Moon Phase in rose gold

 
 By: SJX : December 5th, 2009-07:37
The original DB25 automatic, which I like tremendously, could be accused of being plain. This version features the trademark spherical moon phase of De Bethune. The DB25 Moon Phase is available in rose or white gold, and two movement finishes: a conventio...  

so unique .so beautiful.

 
 By: Tony A.H : December 10th, 2009-12:44
thank you. Tony

Part IV: De Bethune DB25 Moon Phase in white gold

 
 By: SJX : December 5th, 2009-08:46
The stunning blue dial is heat treated titanium with solid white gold studs pressed into the dial for the stars. Close examination of the dial reveals it is not a consistent blue colour throughout, instead it contains varies shades of blue and even bronze...  

his one..I have to get. it is priced too reasonably! a perfect pair with a certain Patek.

 
 By: bernard cheong : December 5th, 2009-16:57
The Emperor finish, a traditional polish, can be so damned impressive that one will not look again at "another" traditional big brand. Ever. After this, it will be simply emotional responses to mechanical sculptures like MB&F and more DB classic works... 

You killing me with this

 
 By: Quan : December 5th, 2009-19:19
great report, have been to ION twice they just hypnotize me, I just love this DB25 the finishing just on par with the top 2 big brand Thanks JX

Part V: De Bethune Dream Watch 1 with matte dial

 
 By: SJX : December 5th, 2009-08:52
The Dream Watch 1 is offered in several dial variations, including this sandblasted titanium finish. The fine and even finish of the dial is amazing. This version is actually fairly subtle, the other version pictured here with the polished dial is a riot ...  

regulation..

 
 By: didwlgh : December 12th, 2009-17:36
SJX, thanks for the AMAZING pictures. I did not even notice the difference between the matte/polished titanium versions until I saw your fascinating macro shots. With regards to self-regulation, I believe URWERK started offering it before De Bethune, star... 

Part VI: De Bethune Dream Watch 1 with polished dial

 
 By: SJX : December 5th, 2009-08:57
Polishing titanium to a glossy sheen akin to that of white gold is difficult; that is why polished titanium cases are so rare. But because it is so difficult, De Bethune decided to make an entire dial – composed of multiple pieces – out of mirror-finished...  

My choice for a pairing with either a Dufour or an Opus 5

 
 By: bernard cheong : December 5th, 2009-16:53
So I bought one. The amazing thing is...I didn't notice this watch before. This is one disadvanatge of having TOO many watches coming at me all at one time. However, the DBD broke thru this night, with out any problem, and I did not need any persuation. I... 

Congrats Bernard!

 
 By: ArthurSG : December 5th, 2009-20:09
Sitting beside david that night must have worked! LOL!

My Absolute favorite DeBethune now!

 
 By: ArthurSG : December 5th, 2009-20:09
This futuristic piece is so magical! And the movable lugs! The finish! Next year is gonna be tough with this in the top 3 of my cognitive set!

Major drooling.....

 
 By: Indohorology : December 14th, 2010-12:34
Any info about the pricing?

The Dream Watch 1

 
 By: SJX : December 15th, 2010-00:52

Part VII: De Bethune Dream Watch 3 tourbillon

 
 By: SJX : December 5th, 2009-09:06
And finally my absolutely favourite-st watch, the Dream Watch 3. This watch contains the world’s lightest tourbillon. The escape wheel, hairspring and cage of the tourbillon are silicon, giving the whole tourbillon a weight of only 0.18 g. It is also the ...  

I LOVE DB!!!!

 
 By: Mostel : December 5th, 2009-10:07
Thanks!!!! SPECTACULAR. I may have some reservation with the cases.... on these models, but in general, I am just blown away by DB's work, and I am certain I could get past any small reservations... WOW!!!!

I am in awe!!!!

 
 By: moc : December 5th, 2009-10:48
De Bethune is by far the most innovative independent out there.Their watches are stunning!The use of new tech solution is really groundbreaking.The new DB 25 MP is a dream.My own dream watch!Yours,Mo.

Amazing...

 
 By: Rob : December 5th, 2009-14:48
photos and writeup that portray a rising star in the entire sphere of haute horology, one that seems on pace to outshine all contenders, mainstream brands included. That DW3 is looking particularly delicious. Look forward to seeing these in the metal hope... 

Very good quality and fine pieces.

 
 By: ling5hk : December 5th, 2009-16:10
In fact, they are much better than a lot of other high end brands and the independents. Regards Ling

Electrical storm.

 
 By: VMM : December 6th, 2009-04:44
Overdose for my brain cells and neurons, too much beauty in such a small cage. The case design it's not my fav but in terms of movement, WOW! Stunning timepiece and pictures, thanks for sharing. Vte

Great thread, SJX!

 
 By: dxboon : December 7th, 2009-00:54
Thanks for all the work you put into this thread. It was a great read! I have tons of respect for De Bethune, and the DB26 is a true dream watch for me. I love the way De Bethune marries incredible technical innovation and a forward-thinking viewpoint wit... 

stunning...

 
 By: didwlgh : December 12th, 2009-17:38
a tourby like this merits a high quality video!!

I dont see too many tourbillons without an exhibition back..

 
 By: doubleup : January 9th, 2010-14:13
I suppose all the beauty is in the front. These watches have really grown on me, did not care for them until I learned about the self adjusting mechanism and materials. Great finishing, unique watches IMO

Outstanding write up . . .

 
 By: Craig LA : December 5th, 2009-16:49
When I speak with industry insiders about which independants they most respect, De Bethune is among the two or three most often mentioned. Their watches are innovative and advanced in both technology and design, yet also incorporate traditional elements t...  

Craig! The DB15 was what caught my eye from DB but...

 
 By: ArthurSG : December 5th, 2009-20:12
... having seen, held and felt the DW1 on my wrist.... this is clearly my favorite DB now. It is very different in look, feel and function to the DB15 no doubt but given my extremely scarce resources, I think I can only settle for 1 DB at some point in ti... 

astonishing

 
 By: aldossari_faisal : December 6th, 2009-07:08
simply astonishing, another independent with an extraordinary work.

DB15 and DB17

 
 By: tcl28 : December 17th, 2009-22:23
whats the difference between this 2 ? any pictures to show ? txs, cheng

Just a different design

 
 By: SJX : December 18th, 2009-01:47
The DB17 has a wider bezel than the DB15. You can see photos on Magnus Bosse's excellent article here: www.ornatus-mundi.ch - SJX

Thank you for sharing SJX!

 
 By: AllThingsWatches : December 5th, 2009-16:51
DeBethune pieces are out of this world! I love that blue titanium sky dial! Wow, killer.

I am a fan!

 
 By: Massi : December 5th, 2009-18:06
Dream Watches, Digitale, Perpetual calendars. You name it, I love it. I am completely taken by this brand: the concept, the design and the execution are, to me, outstanding. I wish De Bethune all the best in getting the recognition they truly deserve. Tha... 

Massi.. if ever

 
 By: ArthurSG : December 5th, 2009-20:19
gentlemen from Italy and Singapore agree in totality, it is over the DBs. I thin of all the independents so far, DB has left me with the strongest and most favorable impression! And this more so given David and Denis aren't the most marketing eloquent peo... 

Indeed....

 
 By: Massi : December 6th, 2009-04:13
one of the appeals for a De Bethune (not the major one, but still relevant) is that David and Denis are not marketing people, they are not even close to the many marketing gurus in the industry. David is a connoisseur of watches and the history of watchma... 

LOL... I was at

 
 By: ArthurSG : December 6th, 2009-05:17
Atelier on Thurs following the dinner doing the exact same thing. I was also fortunate enough to talk to David and Denis again that afternoon as well and also heard David share some of his views on watches with, to quote SJX whi I believe quoted David, a ... 

You've outdone yourself this time my friend!

 
 By: ArthurSG : December 5th, 2009-20:06
Exceptional and sincere coverage I feel. Thanks. Thanks also to The Hour Glass, David and Denis for indulging the lucky few with this event! I came away from this event with the perception of DeBethune as probably the most innovative manufacture at presen... 

And that is exactly why...

 
 By: SJX : December 5th, 2009-23:21
you must buy one. - SJX

Brilliant!

 
 By: Gary G : December 5th, 2009-22:34
Thank you so much for this thorough and informative post and the wealth of photos! I agree that $50k is a pretty steep price for a time-only watch with moonphase, but this might just be the one... All the best, Gary G

Thank you! Wonderful write-up, SJX! [nt]

 
 By: KIH : December 6th, 2009-08:30
No message body

stunning watches and great pics thanks SJX

 
 By: G99 : December 6th, 2009-14:01
i think that they are all pretty stunning but if i had a chance i'd have the dream 1 polished Ti dial with that beautiful solid silicon escape wheel. it looks a different colour at every angle and i dont think i'd ever tire of looking at it. best Graham

Thank you for a wonderful thread

 
 By: Topcat30093 : December 7th, 2009-01:49
I didn't know a lot about this brand. But I do now. I do like the DB15 for its everyday practicality.

Since 2004, DeBethune has come a long way.....

 
 By: MTF : December 7th, 2009-05:48
SJX, Thanks for the mega-thread that I have finally read after being away from reliable Internet access. Back in 2004, some of us saw both DeBethune watches and Mr Zanetta for the first time during 'Tempus I' and 'PuristS International Gathering of The Tr... 

An expansive writeup. Unfortunately they not on my list...

 
 By: Ronald Held : December 7th, 2009-07:15
due to cost and size.