Independents

whats the difference between this 2 ? any pictures to show ?

txs, cheng

 

 

The DB17 has a wider bezel than the DB15. You can see photos on Magnus
Bosse's excellent article here:

www.ornatus-mundi.ch

- SJX

DeBethune pieces are out of this world! I love that blue titanium sky dial! Wow, killer.

Dream Watches, Digitale, Perpetual calendars. You name it, I love it. I am completely taken by this brand: the concept, the design and the execution are, to me, outstanding. I wish De Bethune all the best in getting the recognition they truly deserve.

Thanks for this great report full of details at stunning pictures, JX.
Massi

gentlemen from Italy and Singapore agree in totality, it is over the DBs.  I thin of all the independents so far, DB has left me with the strongest and most favorable impression!  And this more so given David and Denis aren't the most marketing eloquent people!

I had the good pleasure of sitting beside Denis for dinner and as SJX mentioned, he speaks little English and I zero French apart from some cuss words but when he brought the DW2 and pointed out to me the movable lugs, I was blown away.... I didn't know about them and found this to be design centered around the owner.  I don't know why he brought that piece in particular (maybe he noticed my small wrists) but I am so glad he did!

one of the appeals for a De Bethune (not the major one, but still relevant) is that David and Denis are not marketing people, they are not even close to the many marketing gurus in the industry.

David is a connoisseur of watches and the history of watchmaking. Talking to him is a like breathing fresh air. A constant learning experience about all watches, not just his, not just contemporary ones. I like the fact he still has the collector's perspective and he brings it to the table when conceptualizing his watches.

Yes I am a FAN. So much so today I spent the whole afternoon at Atelier studying De Bethune's pieces. Because they are not just "high tech", they are a feast for the senses. They are beautiful to see, to touch, to wear. No matter how stunning a picture is (and JX did a super job here), these watches have to be sensed to be fully appreciated.

By the way, the first thing I noticed and told David is that these watches fit very well even a small wrist like mine. Their moving lugs do a great job not only at fitting to one's wrist, but also at letting the case harmonize with it. Once you wear it, it is your watch.

I have found a strong motive to save hard to buy A watch. Or two.

Atelier on Thurs following the dinner doing the exact same thing.  I was also fortunate enough to talk to David and Denis again that afternoon as well and also heard David share some of his views on watches with, to quote SJX whi I believe quoted David, a “fusion of rubber and metal with a 20 franc ETA bullshit movement”.  Its one thing to come from a newbie like me but very much something to come from someone like David.  Maybe that very candid sharing from David helped to endear me even more to DB

Exceptional and sincere coverage I feel. Thanks.

Thanks also to The Hour Glass, David and Denis for indulging the lucky few with this event!

I came away from this event with the perception of DeBethune as probably the most innovative manufacture at present independent or not BUT not a frivolous one.  I think their designs while daring and pushing boundaries refelct a creative discipline and thought that rings very well with me. This I think is not the case with one or 2 independent pieces for me.

What impressed me the most is the substance in their process and in their designs and their innovations.  Its not about the many patents or techinical innovations patented or pending patents but it's developing designs which show a lot of thought for the owner imo... a perfect example for me which seems so simple in retrospect I wonder why other watch manufacturers never thought or bothered to think about.... the movable lugs on the Dreamwatches which allow both larger and small wristed owners (not an owner yet but I do hope to be one not too long into the future) like me to wear them comfortably.  That to me is substance in design and form and not just design for the sake of design.

I am extremely impressed with DeBethune for what my half a cent is worth and I would encourage all to take a look in person, hold it, feel it on the wrist.... SJX's pics are great but the DeBethunes in person.... magical and I BS you not!

Thanks again SJX.  The yearn for the DW1 PT grows stronger yet again!

you must buy one.

- SJX

Thank you so much for this thorough and informative post and the wealth of photos!  I agree that $50k is a pretty steep price for a time-only watch with moonphase, but this might just be the one...

All the best,

Gary G

No message body

i think that they are all pretty stunning but if i had a chance i'd have the dream 1 polished Ti dial with that beautiful solid silicon escape wheel. it looks a different colour at every angle and i dont think i'd ever tire of looking at it.

best

Graham

 

I didn't know a lot about this brand. But I do now.

I do like the DB15 for its everyday practicality. 

SJX,

 

Thanks for the mega-thread that I have finally read after being away from reliable Internet access. 

Back in 2004, some of us saw both DeBethune watches and Mr Zanetta for the first time during 'Tempus I' and 'PuristS International Gathering of The Tribes' (IGOTT) in Singapore.  Then, the watches were "modestly affordable" or maybe we were not ravaged by the recent economic recession!

The 3-D moon phase indicator is still much appreciated by the current Mrs MTF as almost good enough to touch.

Another definition of luxury is "When you can charge whatever you choose for your product......."

 

Regards,

MTF

due to cost and size.