Alongside its bold, contemporary creations, De Bethune continues to refine its approach to classic watchmaking, enriching the DB25 collection with a monopusher chronograph. This complication holds special significance for Denis Flageollet, De Bethune’s founder and Master Watchmaker, as it echoes the brand’s first horological endeavors in 2002.
The DB25 Monopusher Chronograph marks the fourth monopusher chronograph model in the manufacture’s history, continuing a journey begun over two decades ago with the DB1 (2002), followed by the DB8 (2003), the DB28 Maxichrono (2014), and the DB Eight in 2023.
Sport-Chic Elegance, Reimagined
The DB25 Monopusher Chronograph draws inspiration from the refined aesthetics of the 1920s and 1930s, paying homage to the craftsmanship of 18th-century horological masters like Jean-Antoine Lépine and Julien Leroy.
“For each new model, I always work from a classic foundation of a silvered dial and blued hands,” states Denis Flageollet.
The dial, minimalist and elegant, showcases meticulous craftsmanship—particularly in how it interacts with light and material finishes, a hallmark of De Bethune’s approach. Hand-decorated, it features a prominent 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock with barleycorn guilloché, subtly contrasting against the radiant, hand-engraved background to ensure optimal legibility of the elapsed time. Readability is further enhanced by De Bethune’s signature shade of blue, which appears in the numerals, minute track, indicators, and the striking, blued-polished titanium chronograph hand at the center.
40 mm: A Technical Feat Achieved
Fitting a chronograph movement into a reduced 40 mm case posed a significant technical challenge— one that De Bethune’s team in L’Auberson met with remarkable ingenuity. This technical achievement does not compromise the refined aesthetic of the DB25.
Crafted from mirror-polished grade 5 titanium, the DB25 Monopusher Chronograph is remarkably lightweight. The coaxial chronograph pusher is seamlessly integrated into the crown at 3 o’clock, and the slim bezel enhances the dial’s openness. The refined, open-worked lugs—tapered and adorned with ogival motifs— accentuate the watch’s rounded geometry while ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist.
The DB3000 Caliber’s Performance
Introduced in 2023 with the launch of the DB Eight, the DB3000 caliber is the 31st movement entirely designed and produced in-house by De Bethune. Reimagined by Denis Flageollet and his technical team, this movement reflects a long-standing ambition to create a monopusher chronograph that incorporates the latest technology, expertise, and resources of the brand.
A classic reinterpreted with a contemporary and innovative spirit, the movement features an ultra- thin column wheel and an instantaneous 60-minute counter—an impressive technical feat for this type of mechanism. Additionally, it integrates De Bethune’s latest innovations, including a titanium and white gold balance wheel, a flat terminal curved hairspring, and a silicon escape wheel.
The movement’s distinctive architecture is revealed through the case back, showcasing fully mirror-polished steel bridges and an array of intricate details that highlight the artisans’ exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
Collectors and fine watch enthusiasts will appreciate the refined elegance of this classic chronograph, paired with the discreet wearability of a precise and technically advanced mechanism.
