sham1
9622
The most beautiful chronograph!
Beauty is subjective and I have never really been impressed with chronographs as their dials were either too cluttered with the sub dials and various scales, or the watches have been too thick,. My threshold for thickness is quite ruthless at 10mm as I do not have a large wrist and when a watch is too thick, it appears to be sticking out of my wrist.
Sundays are usually safe to browse at the watch blogs but not tonight with Watches and Wonders beginning tomorrow. I was totally bowled over when I set my eyes on the latest De Bethune DB8. For a start, it does not even look like a chronograph with its simple and elegant dial. It is a monopusher and even at 42.2mm, the watch will not wear large due to the short lugs. Best of all this watch is only 9.2mm high - now when was the last time a chronograph was released at below 10mm in height?! The case is in titanium, a metal that suits lightweight me.
I have registered my interest and am happy to join the presumably long waiting list. Oh yes, it is priced at 85,000 CHF which might seem steep to many but i know of time only watches priced more so the pricing seems 'reasonable' for this watch which I believe is a tribute to the early De Bethune watches from two decades ago. Well done De Bethune on this splendid effort!
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The most beautiful chronograph!
Beauty is subjective and I have never really been impressed with chronographs as their dials were either too cluttered with the sub dials and various scales, or the watches have been too thick,. My threshold for thickness is quite ruthless at 10mm as I do...
What a piece!
That movement is stunning. I cannot see any pushers - is the chronograph operated via the crown? Best of luck with the wait, I hope it does not end up too long
Thanks Vinnie!
Yes it is a monopusher so the chronograph function is operated via the crown. A perfect example of 'less is more'! I would happily wait a few years for this masterpiece - the wait adds to the desirability of the watch and final ownership experience.
Hi Sham
Interesting to hear your preference for thickness. For me the lug to lug measurement is more crucial though. For smaller wrists, preferably this measurement should be no more than 49mm, and also depends on how curved down the lugs are. Never had an issue ...
Hi Gatsby!
Thank you for your input. The lug to lug size is crucial I agree and for me 48mm would be the maximum which is coincidentally the lug to lug length of my incoming 42.2mm Frodsham. I am quite uncomfortable wearing thick watches simply because they are more...
Absolutely stunning mono pusher photograph!
I also love it and these ogive-shaped lugs are simply superb. But the diameter is 42.4mm if I am not mistaking and I thought you consider only restrained size case for you have a chicken wrist size just like me What a beautiful watch front and back side, ...
Hello Mike!
I ordered a Frodsham in 2021 and it measures 42.2mm. When I tried it on last year, I was pleasantly surprised how well the watch fitted on my wrist thanks to the short curved lugs. This De Bethune also has short curved lugs which will contribute to its we...
Ahhh Sham…
I tried on the watch in London last year. The prices are going to go through the roof on this one…. I cringe at the thought of how much I am going to pay at the end of my waiting… Best Gatsby
You tried on the DB8 chronograph monopusher last year?
Lucky you! The wait on a desirable timepiece for me will always be worth it. I waited almost 6 years for the RW Smith Series 1 and equally as long for the Charles Frodsham watch so I am prepared for a long wait.
Ah yes!
If you ordered one last year, I think you should be getting it in 2029 or 2030 depending on when during 2022 you ordered it. I am partly guilty for your long wait as I have managed to introduce four of my friends to the brand so far. And yes, thank goodne...
Great news
It appears a lot of consideration was given to the dial layout and avoiding common modern chronograph pitfalls, such as sub-registers that are squished at the centre of the dial. It is really a pet peeve of mine. The use of the larger minutes sub-register...
Thank you for your informative reply!
I am glad we share similar sentiments when it comes to chronographs. Although many of the new releases have not appeared yet, I dare say this De Bethune is going to be one of the highlights of Watches and Wonders.
Something about this reminds me of the business card scene in a movie...
Price pulls a business card from an inside coat pocket and holds it up for their inspection: "PAUL OWEN, PIERCE & PIERCE, MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS." Bateman swallows, speechless. The sound in the room dies down and all we hear is a faint heartbeat as Bate...
What an analogy Patrick!
Well, this watch has had the same impact on me. I might even forgo the Bugatti Baby ll to help finance the purchase of the De Bethune. Yes I know, that is one huge sacrifice but that is how highly I rate this latest offering from De Bethune.
Thanks Patrick!
I know how partial you are to the Bugatti but when one is not hyper rich, something has to give when contemplating the purchase of an expensive timepiece. I actually like it that way because it makes me appreciate every purchase. Perhaps I am being short ...
Thank you David for saying so.
The watch is ideal for anyone who likes simple, legible and understated dials.
No contest to be honest
The Biver triumphs with its complications but the design (let's forget about the price!!) may be deemed surprisingly unappealing to many.
Yes that is correct!
Many chronograph owners rarely use the functions on their watches. This is more than enough for my needs. More importantly is the elegant and simple dial, thin case and shape of the lugs and the well finished movement for me.
Thanks a lot!
For me, it is the dial of the watch that matters the most since this is what we see the most of, and also how well it fits on one's wrist.
Thank you my good friend!
I purposely decided not to be in Geneva to avoid being tempted by any new pieces but such is the allure of the De Bethune that it is a must have for me! Unfortunately, I am not sure if I may be allocated one but I shall try my best. The watch looks great ...
I think its a bit of the same like the DB10 for me
But overall a amazing and beautiful DB 👌🏻 hope you will get one my friend
Yes I can see the similarity in the case, lugs and dial
But quite interestingly this DB8 chrono is actually thinner than the DB10 probably because the latter had a self winding movement. Also, the DB10 came in gold whereas the DB8 is in titanium. I must confess that I was not aware of the DB10 until you mentio...
You have so many hidden gems in your collection!
That DB10 is one of my favourites in your collection, together with the CC1.
Thank you Justin for lending your wrist to Mahesh for the photo shoot.
I think allocation for this watch might be tough although I am not limiting myself to one avenue. I love it and thanks for offering me to send me more photos but I shall decline only because between photos of your wrist, Joshua's, Mahesh's and our dear wa...
Thanks Justin for giving me hope!
Time will tell. I shall be in Geneva next month(yes I know, six week too late!!) and have an appointment in the boutique.
Applied numerals.?
I think applied numerals would have been great on this watch. Just a touch of pop.
Yes and no :-)
Yes because you are right the numerals will pop out but no because the whole ethos of English watchmaking is the under statetedness of the dials.