Luis6 recounts his first personal encounter with De Bethune watches in Taipei, offering a vivid account of the brand's innovative designs and unique aesthetic. His post, rich with detailed photographs, captures the essence of De Bethune's distinct approach to horology, from floating lugs to customizable starry dials. This provides an excellent overview for those new to the independent watchmaker's creations.
Last week, Mr. Pierre Jacques, CEO of De Bethune, brought some watches to Taipei to let local collectors have first-hand experience of the brand's fascinating creations. De Bethune is still a relatively unknown name in Taiwan, but the attendees and local journalists were all fascinated by the creative ways of how De Bethune watches are designed and made.
Here are some photos I took.
DB25 Starry Varius
DB27 Titan Hawk V2
At 43mm (if I got it right), it's definitely not a small watch. But it feels nice and balanced on my wrist thanks to the lightweight titanium case and the patented "floating lugs", which makes the watch sit securely and comfortably on any wrist.
Case back view of DB27 Titan Hawk V2
DB25 World Traveller. Time Zone indicator at the central ring. Date indicator at the outer ring.
DB28 Grand Sport is water resistant to 300ft.
DB28 Skybridge
DB28 Steel Wheels
Case back view
There were a few other watches on site, which I unfortunately did not have the time to have a closer encounter with.
This was the first time that I got to see and handle De Bethune watches in person, and I was totally blown away by the imagination and innovation that the brand put into these machines. The beautiful treatment of either polished or heat blued titanium are so distinctive, or let's just say: so De Bethune!
I've also learned that the dial of DB25 Starry Varius can be customized with the night sky view of the customer's desired time, date and location.
Now I'm tempted...
Cheers,
Luis
About the De Bethune DB25 Ref. DB25
De 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.
Specifications
- Caliber
- DB2105
- Case
- 18k White Gold
- Diameter
- 44.5 mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the De Bethune DB28 Ref. DB28
De Bethune DB28 Reference DB28
The DB28 represents De Bethune's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie, featuring the brand's distinctive floating lug design within a 42.6mm case format. This reference showcases the manufacture's technical capabilities through its extended power reserve specification and proprietary movement caliber.
The 42.6mm titanium case houses the manual-winding caliber DB2115, delivering a 120-hour power reserve. The silver dial is protected by sapphire crystal, while the characteristic floating lugs define the case architecture. Water resistance extends to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.
This reference appeals to collectors focused on independent Swiss manufacture capabilities and contemporary case design. The DB28 represents De Bethune's technical approach to manual-winding movements, particularly notable for collectors interested in extended power reserve complications. Production commenced in 2010, positioning this reference within the brand's modern catalog offerings.
Specifications
- Caliber
- DB2115
- Case
- Titanium
- Diameter
- 42.6 mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
