Independents
and I’m not referring to the price tags at all. What I am referring to is the audacity of the composition and almost limitless imagination rendered into jaw-dropping, ground-breaking, thought-provoking design. Design which sits on a wrist and says… “Hey there… you there… don’t look anywhere else, ju
and I’m not referring to the price tags at all.
What I am referring to is the audacity of the composition and almost limitless imagination rendered into jaw-dropping, ground-breaking, thought-provoking design. Design which sits on a wrist and says…
“Hey there… you there… don’t look anywhere else, just keep looking at me as I am the only show stopper here!”
Enough of hyperbole and admiration, I know many of our Purists have these gorgeous pieces (off the top of my head, sleepy_templar and kykw’s DB 28s, and Magnus’s superb piece on the DB25 Quetzalcoatl) and I try not to go a deep, dark green whenever I see one posted in wrist shot - I am sure many others are busy doing the same.
One can, and must, live in hope lol.
Again, I digress… my reason for posting is this (first) question:
Has De Bethune succumbed to the vagaries of traditional horological marketing?
You may think that’s an odd question, but I was just curious and wanted to ask the experts here, as I read this from a New York Times article, and I quote:
‘‘There is not always room on the dial for our name… A name means nothing…Flashing a logo is in poor taste, and those who buy a watch to show its brand do not buy a De Bethune,’’ said David Zanetta, one of the company's founders.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/25/fashion/25iht-acaw-debethune25.html
So, what happened (see below), and why did this belief change, was it out of necessity, or just a change in direction?
That’s my first question…
My second, and I may be getting confused, refers back to the same article:
“The watch that won that acclaim, the DB28, lightweight with its mirror-polished titanium case and silicon balance and escape wheels, represented a significant technical achievement for a 10-year-old brand. It featured a rare complication, the jumping second, only known to date to have been mastered by F.P. Journe and A. Lange & Söhne.”
Is this statement correct?
I seem to remember seeing foudroyant(e) complications by several other makers – Girard Perregaux being one if I’m not mistaken.
Or am I mistaken?
Thank you in advance for reading and any light shed on these two questions would be much appreciated – purely for my own education (and I apologise in advance if these questions have been asked, and answered, before).
JulianDe Bethune DB25 Reference DB25
The DB25 represents De Bethune's entry in the 44.5mm manual-wind category, distinguished by its silver dial configuration within the DB25 series. This reference launched in 2006 and continues the brand's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie complications.
The 44.5mm case is crafted from 18k white gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. Water resistance extends to 30 meters. The manual-winding caliber DB2105 movement provides a substantial 120-hour power reserve. The watch features a leather strap attachment.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking De Bethune's technical approach to timekeeping in a precious metal case. The extended power reserve and manual-wind operation position it for enthusiasts who appreciate hands-on interaction with their timepieces. The 44.5mm sizing places it in contemporary proportions within the independent watchmaking segment.
you'd've met in a Star Wars bar. I've always loved them, though big the floating lugs let them fit perfectly. If i could, i'd sell my bro for a DB 27 titanium (titan hawk)
I see where pure coming from!
I like the meteorite version in blue very much.
Urwerk are about the only other brand I can think of that appeals to me in the same way but a DB28 will work much better on my small wrists!
Completely cutting edge independent...
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