This De Bethune DB25 sets itself apart with its understated yet timeless and elegant design. Combining traditional aesthetics with technical mastery, this watch showcases De Bethune's signature techniques in a classic piece. 

The Origin Story

In 2002, David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet joined forces to establish De Bethune, united by their shared vision of what contemporary watchmaking could look like. Zanetta was an enthusiastic collector, with a passion for art and history, whilst Flageollet was an accomplished fourth-generation watchmaker. Like many independants before him, Flageollet had spent time restoring antique and vintage timepieces, including at the prestigious Watch Museum in Le Locle, as well as developing prototype movement for other manufactures.

De Bethune was named after the Chevalier de Bethune, a French nobleman credited with inventing an escapement mechanism for pocket watches and clocks in 1727. Making a limited number of watches a year, the brand has combined time-honoured skills with cutting-edge technology, to carefully craft each piece entirely within the watchmaker’s atelier in the Swiss town of Sainte-Croix. Flageollet in charge of the technical and mechanical side of things, whilst Zanetta brings his input to the design and aesthetics.

The DB25 Series 

The watches within the DB25 series are distinguished by their more traditional, understated designs, a significant departure from the futuristic and contemporary style of the pieces in De Bethune’s other collections, such as the . In addition to the understated aesthetics of this series, an array of technical skills is displayed within these watches, from moonphase to perpetual calendar complications.

This particular De Bethune DB25 reference DB25svARS1 is housed within an 18k rose-gold case and has a silvered dial with a sunburst guilloché pattern on the inner sector, separated into twelve equal sections. This subtle yet captivating design draws the eye in a satisfying and characterful way. The Roman numerals are set in black for better legibility, while a railroad track style decoration runs around the edges of the dial, marking the seconds in Arabic numerals. This piece also features flame-blued, stylised hands that remind us of De Bethune’s affinity for futuristic design.

The floating lugs on the case are also made in typical De Bethune style, with a hollowed design, a piece of delicate architecture that emphasises the technical skill involved in the watch’s construction. A patterned crown adds a textured contrast to the smooth and sleek body of the watch. The 40mm case size is amongst the brand's smallest offerings, allowing this piece to remain relatively restrained. 

The Movement

The watch is powered by the automatic caliber 2024.803, which is an in-house movement created by De Bethune themselves. Displayed attractively through a sapphire caseback, the movement is finished to a very high standard, with chamfered edges and delicate striping patterns on parts of the movement.

This caliber 2024.803 is fitted with 27 jewels, which provide a contrast to the blued parts and bronzed gears. The movement also features twin mainspring barrels, and a triple-parachute shock-absorbing system that is unique to De Bethune pieces. Additionally, an automatic winding system provides a 6-day power reserve.

The Set

This Ref. DB25svARS1 is accompanied by an original box as well as a Certificate of Origin and Warranty from De Bethune. A booklet with operating instructions for the watch is also included, in addition to the purchase paperwork from 2020. It is fitted to our  grained leather strap in taupe.

Closer look