De Bethune 2014 Collection: The Exit Brand
Independents

De Bethune 2014 Collection: The Exit Brand

By moc · Apr 6, 2014 · 52 replies
moc
WPS member · Independents forum
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moc presents a compelling case for De Bethune as the ultimate 'exit brand' in 2014, showcasing a year of remarkable innovation and design. This report highlights the brand's unique philosophy, where technical prowess and distinctive aesthetics converge to create watches that consistently captivate collectors.





De Bethune is a brand that captured many watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs attention and admiration throughout the years. 2014 has been a stellar year for the brand,we are always spoilt by De Bethune,the brand used us to multiple innovative creation for every new collection but I think that the current new collection is ,if it was ever possible, a step above.
 ANY brand,at any stage of their life,even in "anniversaries"could claim an incredible year with just half or a third of the amount of creations De Bethune dishes out "every"year and that alone could be the only reason to just love this brand unconditionally.

 I won t get carried away with rivers of compliments towards the vision of mr Zanetta and the genius of mr Flageollet,but if I have to sum up why I think that De Bethune is THE "exit brand" I would explain because:

 -The design of every watch has its own personality,every creation is recognisable at a glance with so much quality oozing fem every angle. The stylistic approach is always strong but elegant,groundbreaking but classic at the same time,no unnecessary writing anywhere,sometimes not even the brand name can be found and that is a sign of extreme class,there is no need to claim anything. All the above is a +++++ for any watch purist,basically even if strong creations DB watches retain a big dose of understatement

 -the technical side matches if not surpasses the design,well I can t decide really….patent after patent De Bethune established itself as a remarkable brand….the charm of the design is backed up by the awesomeness of beating hearts. Nothing is too much,no gimmicks or pyrotechnics no automaton trickery but just horologerie at its best. 

-new calibers:almost for every watch there is a new caliber for its purpose.

 -finish:every creation is finished to a point that it gives emotions to anyone ready to be moved by it.A lot of new solutions for dial finishes,guillochet patterns,hands design and finish. Some watches take off to another dimension like the "imperial fountain"set but even the "regular"production is breathtaking from the more classical creations to the more modern conceptual ones.

 -the concept of every watch is always apropos,no racing cars,no machines on the wrist,no sculptures or artefacts,just sublime watches.

 -no marketing wizardry or testimonials which ,at least to me,always are a downside……just a cool brand to follow.

 All the above makes me love this brand unconditionally.

 But enough of words now lets have a look at this years offerings from De Bethune 2014 collection includes:
 New creations:2amazing new chronographs,a digital jumping hour watch,enamel dials DB25,dream watch 5,A marine chronometer(not officially out as yet though)…

 New variations on existing models:3 astonishing new version of the DB25 qp,a black cased DB27,a new version of DB28 tourbillon dead seconds.




The DB28 maxichrono is a work of wonder,the dial is to die for ,the co-axial hands are a beauty to see in action and such a clever solution.
The mono pusher is integrated with the crown at 12 ,so easy to use.




Stunning dial design and layout.








….and the movement….seriously enchanting...












Also in titanium,I find this version more subdue and sober…maybe a bit too much.







DB29

No name no fuss,just this clean superb dial...




Just magnificent the movement is just incredible….



the officer case is just a touch of class,MAXI chrono MAXIMUM understatement…..
















A model from a couple of years ago received 3 incredible variation…..
Slate grey for max elegance and sobriety..












A RG version with slate dial and gold numerals and hands….
It oozed richness and opulence…wow!!! what a watch...








…and then ,my favourite…RG salmon dial in a platinum case….now this would be MY ultimate watch….. 
My personal favourite this year...




The wonderful movement(6days power reserve)….




We are meant together…...








Beautiful jumping hour watch,the case here is slightly deeper than a normal DB28 due to the caliber and the complication...




Just beautiful..




The movement..








2 beautiful "grand feu" enamel dial offerings……quite unexpected from De Bethune but the outcome is very very charming….








DB 28 tourbillon dead second…

with a anthracite plate for more contrast with the rehaut…
the tourbillon is hypnotising...







DB27 with a new zirconium case and lugs…

I mentioned before,even more trendy offerings like black cased watches are treated with a great deal of attention,no pad,dlc or any other coating…but treating Zirconium till it blackens…..pure class…

this watch is really working for me...




Thats it for now,…
I hope you liked the report,more than ever I consider De Bethune THE "exit "brand…when you reach it you reached the very top of the modern horological tree.

thanks for watching…
Mo

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

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
ZT
ztirual
Apr 6, 2014

Many thanks for your wonderful presentation of this year's offering. Such creativity for such a small company. And this, year in, year out. I feel very privileged owning some of their watches. I wrote it before, maybe not on this forum. De Dethune is horology at its best, as watch creation should be. I laud their creation and their spirit, always at the cutting edge of technological improvement, yet with a profound understanding of traditional watch making. In my humble opinion the best of watch

CI
cisco
Apr 6, 2014

The return of the Maxichrono looks fantastic... but the enameled are absolutely stunning. Killer piece right there. One the most beautiful De Béthune imho with the recent DW5. Thanks a lot.

MA
Mark in Paris
Apr 6, 2014

2 great men, associated in a very efficient project to say the least. You know Mo I fully share your admiration for the brand. I often have something to regret in that complex watchmaking world as it deals closely with Luxury. But this brand doesn't do it like the others do (maybe something common when dealing with indies) and brings watch styling and movement design to another level. The proof that we can be still surprised by watches in the future. Thanks a lot for bringing many novelties I di

CO
colton_d
Apr 6, 2014

Mo, Excellent pictorial report, DeBethune has been a brand which has grown on me over the past few years; especially considering the beautiful pictures you have posted of yours.. This year was absolutely jaw-dropping in every sense of the word. The daring designs and brilliantly executed complications; just wonderful. The DB25 QP in slate grey is a winner for me; although out of range given my planned next moves; would be nice to see these in the metal at some point. The enamel dial is another w

PP
pplater
Apr 6, 2014

Remarkably clear 'in the field' photos - we are spoiled by your great coverage. Now, if you could just persuade the boys to send a slate dial QP down here for a very long-term PR 'loan'... :-) Cheers, pplater.

MO
Mostel
Apr 6, 2014

It's like every other brand just vaporized and there is only DB now. Madness-inducing. I thought the Ti Maxichrono was THE ONE but... The slate QP is like a shot the collector-vein. Thanks for a spectacular report Mo.

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