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The future lies in doing better, not in doing more”, said David Zanetta during the prize-giving ceremony of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2011.
And that has been the ideology of De Bethune since its inception in 2002, when an avid collector David Zanetta partnered with a 4th generation watchmaker and inventor Denis Flageollet to create a brand that today is one of the pioneers of the 21st century watchmaking landscape.
Denis Flageollet’s quest to obtain the most stable, lightest balance wheel while maintaining the highest possible level of inertia lead to a few incredible creations, such as the titanium and platinum annular balance wheel (20% lighter than the normal one), and then the even-lighter silicon and white gold balance wheel – which formed the basis for De Bethune’s hi-beat tourbillon regulator, making it the lightest-ever tourbillon carriage weighing only 0.18 grams!
They also invented the titanium / platinum balance, Triple-Parachute system for shock absorption, balance spring with flat terminal curve and winding speed regulation system, among several other innovations.
An independent watchmaker based out of L’Auberson, in Valee de Joux, De Bethune has approximately 30 employees, and probably half of them work in the R&D section alone. Given the small number of watches that the brand produces annually (approx. 150 pieces), that is a huge R&D team.
It is one of the handful brands that can be labeled as truly independent producing their in-house regulators (which are otherwise mostly outsourced) to fit in their in-house calibres.
The De Bethune DB28 Tourbillon, reference DB28TRS8ZN, is a remarkable timepiece that redefines the boundaries of traditional watchmaking with its avant-garde design and technical mastery. Part of the iconic DB28 collection, this watch embodies De Bethune’s signature style while showcasing its innovative approach to horology.
Crafted in rose gold 5N, the 42.6mm case features a sleek profile with a thickness of just 9.20mm, ensuring both elegance and comfort. The patented floating lugs, made from mirror-polished black zirconium, adapt seamlessly to the wearer’s wrist, enhancing ergonomics and wearability. The black mirror-polished steel dial is a masterpiece of minimalism, featuring an anthracite minutes ring, black hour ring, and hand-polished stainless steel hands. At 6 o’clock, the ultra-light 30-second tourbillon, crafted from silicon and titanium, takes center stage, showcasing De Bethune’s technical prowess.
The watch is powered by the DB2019 calibre, a hand-wound mechanical movement composed of 282 parts. This movement incorporates several patented innovations, including the self-regulating twin barrel for a 5-day power reserve, a silicon annular balance encircled by a white gold ring, and the De Bethune balance-spring with a flat terminal curve. The silicon escape wheel and the ultra-light tourbillon further enhance precision and efficiency. The movement is beautifully finished with a ruthenium plate adorned with “Côte De Bethune” and hand-polished steel components.
De Bethune – bio
Created in 2002 by David Zanetta, a collector of vintage timepieces and art, and Denis Flageollet, a genius watchmaker who started his career restoring vintage timepieces and developing extremely complicated movements for others, De Bethune has gained a reputation amongst collectors as one of the originators of creative contemporary independent watchmaking. Since its creation, De Bethune has given birth to 30 in-house calibers, a dozen patent registrations and over 18 world premiere innovations. An amazing track-record for such a young brand.
