Independents

Greetings to all!  Well, I've tried a couple of times now to upload an omnibus overview of all of the independent makers we visited with last week, but after several long waits and software crashes, I've given up on that.  So, let's try some smaller batches, organized by company -- starting with DeBethune

 This first one came to our lunch on Sunday at the Brasserie Lipp, on the wrist of a member of our traveling band of brothers:

The remainder we saw at a very pleasant showing on Tuesday morning at the Four Seasons, in the lovely salon that DeBethune has made its own.  Great hospitality and beautiful watches in a tranquil setting...

I don't think I'd buy this next one, but you have to admire the handiwork...

Gorgeous, deep blue.  Imagine what this one would look like if the stars were tiny diamonds!

This iPhone case is a clever thought, but it weighs a ton -- fun that they tried it, though

We were privileged to see another couple of pieces, but asked not to photograph them -- all that I can say is that there will be some cool additions to the line in Basel.

Best,

Gary G

Quality pics as always , That mayan watch is a charm...a piece of art though i was sort of distracted and didnt know what to feel about it... but after seeing the in metal shots ... im impressed, attracted to it.

...is quite interesting.  As I think you know, I'm a big fan of engraving and openwork on watches, and I really appreciated the quality of the dial work.  The motif was a little less to my taste, but I did enjoy seeing it!  Glad you enjoyed the pics.

Best,

Gary

De Bethune has a special place in my top brands and it's always a pleasure to see them in new pics.

I have a question : it seems that the last DB28 has something new as the kind of bezel is different from the usual versions, am I wrong? Or did I missed it before?

I'm eagerly waiting for Basel then !

Best,

Mark

Thanks for your note, Mark.  I have to confess that I am no scholar on DeBethune's product line, and there were enough variants (long and short lugs, black anodized and dark blue lugs, etc.) that I more or less lost track.  Perhaps someone with better DeB wisdom than I will be able to comment.

All of the watches were, however, gorgeous!

Best,

Gary

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nt

is the bluing on that dial a little uneven?  or is that just the photo.
I sort of like it uneven, it is more like a night sky which is never perfectly constant either.
Don

...results from my use of a point and shoot camera, but my recollection is that the blue color does indeed vary a bit.  I agree that this adds some interest to the dial of the watch -- as a counterpoint, the "perfect" blue of the new G-F 24 degree is less interesting to me than this richer and slightly varied color.

Thanks for commenting!

Best,

Gary

To achieve a consistent blue colour throughout the entire piece I believe the heat has to be evenly applied, the piece has to be the same temperature throughout before heating and it has to be clean throughout as well.

- SJX

to heat up the titanium on such a big dial the result is never totally even.

The beauty of this is like what you said a better interpretation of a piece of sky/universe,making every dial unique.

Mine has a streak of lighter and darker tone right across it that makes it look like a nebula.A very interesting effect in this particular contest.

I will post a pic soon...

Mo

Gary, I'm speaking both about your posts as well as De Bethune!

...really is both fascinating and impressive.  Our host for the meeting said that sometimes it is a challenge to persuade the most senior folks to keep established (and profitable) items in the product line, as the impulse is always to move on to the next thing! 

Best,

Gary

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I notice that the pics as they appear embedded in the post seem a bit out of focus -- if you double click on them and go to "largest" you get a clearer view...

Best,

Gary

makes me wanna pull the trigger again????

Well in this case that black zirconium lugs DB 28 with black moon,just amazing.

Thank you Gary for the report on my fav independent.

Mo

...as you are clearly a DeBethune guy through and through!  The various lug treatments were a delight -- these watches always "pop" when you see them, as you know.

Best,

Gary G

and I cannot wait for Basel to see what De Bethune release.... no doubt they will be marvel-ous!

Any hints allowed?