Manufacture
AllThingsWatches recounts his privileged visit to the De Bethune factory and R&D facility in La Chaux L'Auberson, Switzerland. His detailed photo essay captures the journey and the unique blend of traditional watchmaking and new technology that defines this independent brand, offering a rare look behind the scenes.
I feel very fortunate to own a DB22 Rose Gold. It's an amazing timepiece from such a young company. The company itself may not have much of a history YET, however DeBethune looks to the past to keep traditional watch making alive using new technology. The team behind it is a different story. The knowledge and experience they have is something else and it definitely comes through their pieces of art.. It's the best of both worlds.
Alessandro Zanetta was kind enough to have my wife and I visit the DeBethune Factory and R&D facility in La Chaux L'Auberson. This town has a very long history of creating watches and music boxes. It's one of the reasons DeBethune resides here today.
Flying in from JFK on a red-eye.
Waiting at the Admirals club for boarding. 
Just some views in Paris. 
DB 22 at the Louvres 
DB 22 Going Up!
Early morning TGV express at Gare de Lyon Station. Another beautiful landmark in Paris.
Heading into Pontalier by the France/Switzerland Boarder
Arriving at Pontalier. I just love how it looks like you stepped back in time. 
Paris to Pontalier was about 3 hours on the TGV. When we first planned to take this trip I was worried about getting there from Paris and getting back however Alessandro insisted that he personally pick us up from the train station. Okay, that was amazing enough so we wouldn't have to worry and could just focus on having a great time. Then we were trying to figure out how we would get back as Pontalier is about 30 minutes from the factory. Again, Alessandro insisted that he would arrange for us to be driven back after the day was done. Just amazing. 
Driving from Pontalier France to the Swiss Boarder. Amazing views!
Here we have the boarder and customs. Funny enough no one was even in the building so we just went through .Would have been nice to get another stamp on our passports. 
Entering Ste- Croix and L Auberson 
Clouds and Fog covering the Swiss Alps.
Little Hotel in town where we had lunch before going to the factory. I love the old buildings and shutters. Alessandro was trying to take us to two other locations for lunch and unfortunately both were closed. He was so apologetic but it as unnecessary because we got a great tour of the town and this little restaurant we ending up in was just great! 
Alessandro's DB 25 and my DB 22. The 25 is beautiful machine. Very easy to wear and it's Alessandros daily piece.
After a wonderful lunch we headed over to the main factory. The master watchmaker on site Martial is a man with great passion. He has an unbelievable amount of knowledge and experience in the industry. You have to speak with him personally to feel the emotion. It was a pleasure to meet him and hope to meet with him again! This building was owned by his grandfather and it used to produce music boxes. We were welcomed with open arms and had unlimited access to everything in the factory. For someon
After an amazing time at the factory we headed over to the R&D facility where we were shown the entire collection and some interesting pieces. DB 15 DB 15 Rear DB 26 DB 26 Rear DB 25 DB 25 Rear DB 15 Hands going over the Sphere DBS Black Nickel DBDigitale Just a little bling My wife liked this a bit too much!!! You have to see this DW1 in person .Stunning! Yeah.....I could get used to this! And this! Here is something amazing and special. This is the first DB 15. Denis created this entire watch
What is the watch that is similar in case (less the bling) to the bling encrusted piece your wife was modelling? Thanks for this thread.
it's the DBS and it's the one on my wish list. This one specifically.
Do you know the case size and the retail? Do PM the retail if better. Thanks.
Unfortunately I do not know the price and case measurements. Your local AD would know for sure as the prices are different from region to region.
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