Independents

alex
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A visit to De Bethune workshops

I have to start by saying how biased I am toward De Bethune! They represent for me one of the greatest contemporary independent brands in the sense that they are not content using traditional movements in funky designs but have an almost scientific approach to watchmaking, constantly innovating and pushing boundaries.

For me they represent 21^st century watchmaking. I like to believe that if Breguet or Berthoud were alive they would not be creating watches using 18^th century technology but would do what De Bethune is doing.

To give you an example since 2002, date of its foundation, De Bethune has created over 30 inhouse movements. The have developed and patented the world's first balance-wheel to incorporate silicon which they later used for other components such as escape-wheels, balance-springs, hands, bridges and collets. De Bethune has developed its own balance made of  titanium/platinum, creating an ideal mass/ inertia ratio.  a special its flat terminal curve in the balance spring enabling optimal rate performance and avoiding distortions. They have also developed a specific shock absorbtion system for both their automatic and manual wind watches.

So on a sunny April day I set out to Auberson to visit the workshops of this amazing brand. A brand set up in 2002 by two genies, each in their own field. David Zanetta a collector and connoisseur of vintage horology and watchmaker extraordinaire Denis Flagollet who had spent his career restoring vintage timepieces or creating movements for third parties.

Even though relatively small with a staff of about 12 and a production of less than 100 watches a year De Bethune makes almost all the components of its watches inhouse, including balance and balance springs!

The first room where I was taken to is where the CNC machines cut and mill the components, including screws and dials.

And the obligatory geeky wrist shot in front of the entrance