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Horological Meandering

De Bethune DB22 Photomontage published

 



I realise that for many De Bethune is not a brand that normally the first name that comes to mind when we read or talk about high horology. At least for me until recently I only knew of the brand by name but having had the chance to photograph a few of the watches and speak to the Denis and David - I am very much impressed by their direction and leadership and their time pieces.

About more than a week ago I spent half a day at the premises of DeBethune's local Authorised Dealer in the presence of both David Zanetta (the CEO) and Denis Flageollet (master watchmaker). I only just managed to find a few spare hours to finish completing at least the images of the DB22. What immediately hit me about this watch was how different it is compared to the earlier lines/models from DeBethune. Almost disconcerting even. However, the watches are well made, design and executed and with all things beautiful - grew on me.

I hope that with my images here I am able to convey some of the intricate details and beauty of this new model from DeBethune. I hope you like them!



To view the photomontage click on this link below and follow through:

DE BETHUNE DB22 POWER

Cheers!
Harry Tan
horolographer
watchinghorology.com

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30 Comments view entire thread 

Beautiful! Your craft as a photographer. . .

 
By: Jack Forster : January 25th, 2007-09:58
. . .is never less than masterful. I think we're getting to where it's as much of a challenge for the watches you photograph to live up to your photography as it is for the photos to do justice to the watches ;-) . You know, I have a confession to make. I... 

Thanks Jack! :-)

 
By: Horolographer : January 26th, 2007-04:16
You are very kind with your description of my photography. I certainly hope I can live up to it! I am still finding that I am improving but ever in smaller and smaller increments. Nevertheless I do have the subject paramount in my mind and desire to show ... 

Yeah, I've never had the good fortune. . .

 
By: Jack Forster : January 26th, 2007-04:24
. . .to see one in person, much less get to know the people behind them (who are from what I understand individuals of remarkable technical acumen, obviously) so any opinion I might offer is purely personal and uninformed by direct contact. I hope to see ... 

I know exactly what you mean - esp when I started out watch collecting...

 
By: Horolographer : January 26th, 2007-04:59
I too was wondering how to get to see the rare watches. But over time, being in Singapore I got the great fortune to be invited by the brands and authorised dealers to view the watches and meet the watchmakers. It was only when I got more confident with m...  

Great photo- he gives me the immediate impression. . .

 
By: Jack Forster : January 26th, 2007-06:07
. . . of a man not to be trifled with I hope if the folks at DB have looked in on this thread it's understood that my personal opinion is just that and I'm prepared to do a complete, feckless 180 if I ever get a chance to see one of their pieces in person... 

Image disappeared! Here it is again

 
By: Horolographer : January 26th, 2007-21:03
Indeed Denis is an imposing figure even in real life! Unfortunately he seems to look like this when he is with strangers but much more relaxed when he is with people he knows personally as I saw him relax at the DeBethune dinner. He also does not speak an...  

One word..the deBethune has the hands that RM should have had.

 
By: bernard cheong : January 25th, 2007-14:37
One thing can STOP me from buying a watch..a cheap looking set of hands. That is my singular pet peeve with RM. I have to look at those hands everyday...but the DB Power has sort of got the hands that may just fit into the RM look..just my POV.

Hm, do you really think so Bernard? I think. . .

 
By: Jack Forster : January 25th, 2007-17:53
. . .the hands of RM watches certainly are not designed with the same sensibility as the De Bethune hands but on the other hand (haha, sorry ;-) you know me, I can never resist a cheap joke) they seem very consonant with the design of the rest of the watc... 

No Jack...I like the RM design. But for 2 things...

 
By: bernard cheong : January 27th, 2007-05:30
for such a high end watch as RM..the hands are not, to me, made to the same standards. The rubber, or whatever, strap on an RM009, was incredibly badly "designed" on one example that I toyed with for over an hour. I mean..it was an 009!!! Great scott! Spe... 

Ahhhh, not the design but the execution. . .

 
By: Jack Forster : January 27th, 2007-17:00
. . .OK, I gotcha. I have seen exactly 2 RMs in my entire life BTW and in both cases was (a) as MTF would say feeling the effects of the -OH groups ;-) and (b) the lighting was incredibly bad, the watches belonged to proud new owners and the circumstances... 

Naked eye Jack...in fact, let me see if I can get hold of that 009

 
By: bernard cheong : January 27th, 2007-17:54
I may just be able to see it again soon. It's the way the strap attaches itself to the watch, and also the finish to the edges of both hour and minute hands.

Thanks Harry for the excellent photos.

 
By: jimsbk : January 25th, 2007-19:11
As always, great work of art and a very beautiful watch. Cheers Jim

Now I know what you have been doing all evening ;-)

 
By: Jokoh : January 25th, 2007-21:54
The rotor sure is a definite statement for me....call it crazy but I'm always obsessed with dials and rotors...hehe ;-) Thanks Harry, for bringing us "closer" to the actually piece cheers joe

Great photos of the watch, Harry

 
By: SJX : January 26th, 2007-03:51
You truly capture the beautiful finish of the movement, something truly difficult to do. In the hands of a less skilled photographer, this kind of non-decorative movement finish would look industrial. - SJX

Harry, that's another outstanding series of yours! It's fascinating to

 
By: Valentin Blank : January 26th, 2007-04:32
to witness your continuous improvement. It has been for quite a while now that I have thought your watch shots can't be topped anymore. Yet, every time you post a new series you prove the contrary. Amazing, Harry! Cheers, Valentin

Wonderful Presentation, Again and Again

 
By: Douglas : January 26th, 2007-09:00
As usual, Harry, an outstanding presentation here, and just a preference, I prefer the ‘stills’ over the quasi-video slides. It was Susan Sontag who said a picture of a thing is far better than the thing itself, and after seeing your work, I am convinced ...