Mark in Paris
[Purist]
10488
De Bethune is quite unique in watchmaking
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 didn't see already and didn't even know about.
The DB28 Maxichrono in RG/Zirconium looks incredible.
As you mentioned, the use of Zirconium instead of PVD and DLC is another example of DB's expectations.
The Ti version is very nice (I like white metal) but maybe too discreet compared to the Zirco one.
The decoration of the movement's bridges is beautiful: modern but not too much and seems of a very high finishing standard.
The DB29 seems fantastic too from your pics and Magnus and Oliver's ones. Nice they proposed a Tourbillon version and a more "accessible" non tourbillon (yes it's a dary assertion there)
Something that is really amazing and I didn't heard about is these enamel dial 2 hands watches.
They seem fabulous (reminds me a little bit of Voutilainen's 2-eight, I don't know why). I guess they will be existing in White gold, it would be a great idea.
Do you know their size (the usual 44mm or smaller?)?
It will be very difficult to resist...
Thanks again Mo !
Cheers, Mark
2014 ,the year that consolidated DE BETHUNE as the "exit"brand
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 ...
A wonderful hymn
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 horo...
Thanks ztirual…I am glad we share the same admiration for DB
you mentioned you have "a few"of their watches?? Please share them with us….. Thank you for your nice words by the way… Mo
Dear Mo
Thank you for your nice words and for your invitation. I do not post much on Pspro. Too long to explain... I'll send you a pm.
Thanks a lot Mo
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.
You should see them in metal cisco
the enamel is stunning…..a very elegant proposal from De Bethune… If you like DW5,well….you better fasten your seatbelt……I am sure you will be surprised soon… Mo
De Bethune is quite unique in watchmaking
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...
I was waiting for your reply Mark...
As a fellow DB enthusiast and owner…. Yep a stellar year,the 2 Chronos steal the show I think,how could not they,but my fav remains the QP…even if I swore I would only own one…. I agree with all you said….when high watchmaking and Luxury are mixed togethe...
It feels good to sell our saul to a brand...
without the feeling something's might be wrong or not "genuine". The DB25 QP was my favorite DB at the beginning...before they launched every year new hit machines, starting with the DB25 T Jumping Second. The QP has a very balanced dial with the 2 window...
Its difficult to see everything else objectively ….
I am still struggling,I am trying to get it out of my head but….those enamels have great potential….imagine in the future… I lost count of DB creations since I loved the brand…..just mind boggling… C mon Mark,hold on my friend…we are in this together.. Mo...
Breathtaking; I am stunned!
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...
OH. MY. GAWD!
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.
Your welcome Mostel...
Indeed if you visit de Bethune booth in a watch fair,you have that sense of all the rest…vaporising away,as you said…You would be contempt enough.. Qp slate dial a stunner!I agree Mo
Hi Colton...
Well yes,I have to agree that the QP slate dial is just stunning,all of them are really….The guillochet pattern has to be experienced live,that dial is just perfect:the three layers,the gold infused star shaped holes around the moon,the moo phase,the hand...
Thanks Mo!...
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.
I will talk to them pplater….
I am sure they can arrange something….and the salmon dial to me…… Thank you my friend for the kind words…looking forward to seeing you again soon Mo
Thanks for the review; can you define "exit brand" for me
Haven't heard it before and from your article can't fathom what it means. Even Google was no help? Thanks Cazalea
Its a term die-hard watch aficionados don't know...
as it means: your very last time piece you acquire. The that defines you as matured. Or as totally satisfied. Which marks your exit from watch collecting. Understand the term now ;-)? Cheers, Magnus
Elaborating on Magnus answer above...
well basically,when you will reach the end of your horological journey,after you started with your "entry"brand(breitling for me….for many I supposeRolex ,JLC etc…..), you will find THE watch or THE brand that will sum up all you like in watch collecting…...
Does it still count...
...if you obsess about having multiple De Bethunes? Although I have to say I can already die a happy man even if my DB27 is the last watch I ever own! (",)
Well I am a collector first, and a watch collector secondarily, so
For me the only imaginable "exit brand" is a long pine box in a long black car. :-) I have not owned a deBethune although I have handled, tried on (bid for) and lusted after many of them. But since I'm not going to do the lawn or work on my car wearing on...
None worse ...
It has become an obsession ... A tribute and a lust that knows no end .... None , I say .... none ...
Mo you hit the nail on the head. DB is churning out both technical
marvels and aesthatical beauties, in the current industry it seems difficult at the time to have these elements at the same time No need to say that I'm wighing the price of an arm and a leg for the Digitale and the enamel piece :-)
I know a place where you can get a good price...
for a good condition limb…..I am handling the hacksaw now……after all I don t need my left foot! gosh there are at least 3 or 4 watches I would like to get from them…. Glad to see you even briefly in Basel Alex….I will be in GNV soon…. Mo
I have proof that you are good with the hack saw! I have
This image on the wall in my office :-) ...
Oooooo that one….
Yes I look menacing ….but you know I am sweet after all….. ha ha ha Mo
"exit" brand?!
My dear Mo, I don´t agree if you mean that this is your last watch - no matter which one you choose. This won´t happen, for sure :-) First of all, I think it was a big mistake for not arranging another appointment after Geneva :-( I didn´t expext that muc...
Exit???? well lets say i would like to dwell here for a while..
Noone is leaving the building yet ,but if I had to choose a way out ,this will be the one… Yes Oliver,I was not expecting more novelties this year,but with DB there is always a novelty….look out for more to come. The price of the DB28 chrono is CHF 166…I ...
Fantastic watches!
The DB28 Maxichrono will be hard to resist once I see it. Thanks so much for the report, Mo!
Brilliant and comprehensive post Mo!
Thanks for taking the time to share these pics and for your comments. BTW a great pleasure meeting you finally in Basel, loved seeing the Finnish watchmakers arm candy at dinner! Cheers, Tim
A pleasure to have met you too Tim..
hopefully again soon.. Thanks for the kind words… Mo
As my life wasn't
miserable enough without your post :) :) Amazing pictures great text...text that can be written only by someone "living the brand" Kudos my friend and Kudos to DB for all their work and coherence during last decade as you said not writing your name everyw...
I know I could cause some pain here...
yes indeed….its a painful brand. Can t wait to meet again and show you my new baby… Mo
Do you know
that Zagreb is number 2 on top 10 destinations in 2014 and is much cheaper than Paris? ;) So..... Best D
Wonderful report!
It's been years since I've been over here and I had lost track of the DB brand. Big mistake on my part! These pieces are stunning. Thank you for the fine photos and report. Dan
Nice report Mo!
I may have missed Basel... but I can see the full offerings on your report. Need to have a full de-brief next we meet. I still think the new digitale and the grey QP we saw in Geneva are the ones that stand out to me. The Maxi-Chrono tourb is amazing and ...
i'm very late on this...
...topic! well, what can i say? your pics and enthusiasm taken my breath away. I am overwhelmed with pleasure. a spectacular brand, underrated, I have to follow up with a lot more attention. Thanks for sharing everything! ciao, chris
Careful Chris...this is dangerous territory.....
very hard to judge other watches after DB.... Mo