Independents

I first wanted a DB28 around 2019. At the time I was torn between it, an FPJ Resonance, and a Zeitwerk. Ended up hesitant to go independent and chose the Lange (mistake!). When funds allowed, I looked at the DB28 again, but prices were insane and the bran...  

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May I ask your wrist size?

I do think that many young independents are overhyped. There’s nothing more than finishing, design is a mix of classic (Breguet) and contemporary ( Journe, GF). De Bethune is one of my forbidden dreams, the polished titanium, the floating lugs, the blue h... 

Is that I usually fly either economy+ or private. Almost never first or business unless I am with the baby & wife. I can easily sleep in economy; my superpower!

Like you pointed out, I'd love to see one in person eventually.... 👏🙂

It is particularly cool and attention-getting given the contrasting use of the blued titanium lugs and hands next to the grey/silver titanium components. You also make an excellent point about DeBethune having a clear raison d’être compared to many other ... 

Where is that one from?

It's their rubber sailcloth. They launched a whole series of them just for DBs too! I have a few of the normal ones and loved them, so when I saw this one I ordered it immediately.

Great write-up, thanks for sharing your impressions! Always a pleasure to read such thoughtful observations.

I think this is one of the only places online where people have good discourse about independents, so its worth writing a bit more!

Also thank you for this great and interesting review as it revealed things I just hadn't realised, I thought the lugs and hands were either Blue DLC or PVD and had not realised they were heated to gain this colour and finishing which makes them even more ... 

Yeah the heat blued components are mind blowing. In-person, the watch basically looked like it shouldn't be able to exist lol

It seems to be the only practical way to accurately represent the phases of the moon as they actually appear. The only others that I know like it are Christiaan van der Klaauw and Arnold & Co. Luna Magna. I think yours is one of the coolest in the bus... 

Over hyped without the charm and feeling i got when i started collecting indies many years ago. They lack the true soul and personality of the older independent artists who were struggling to survive and really took any opportunity to connect with custome... 

I was a little concerned 1916 would ruin DB, but they've done a good job with the brand, and I'm excited to see what comes next. Definitely agree regarding pricing as well. Some of the asks for companies with no track record of successfully delivering wat... 

Congratulations on buying froma great brand! In my opinion one of the most under rated brands out there. They may not sound cheap but to be honest, they are actually amazing value for money for what you get. Kudos to Denis Flageollet!

Congratulations to you and make sure it gets the wrist time it deserves! Great photos as well(keep them coming)!

Love the spherical moon phase!

My heartfelt congratulations on this catch. I’ve always found De Bethune utterly fascinating, and I must say – it looks absolutely fantastic on your wrist. Your last photo proves it! Reading your reflections, I couldn’t help but think of one aspect that o... 

Agreed. DB has done a good job of using finishes to create a watch with incredible light play!