The watchmaking landscape underwent a real transformation in the 2000s, on several levels. Among them, a new distribution of the cards... Indeed, a new path opened, that of young, independent, and divisive watchmakers who successfully established themselves alongside the sacred watches of the industry. How? By addressing collectors and connoisseurs of fine watchmaking who already own everything and are thus in search of unique, singular watches.
De Bethune, Since 2002
Founded in 2002 in Auberson in the Swiss Jura mountains, De Bethune creates recognizable, creative collections steeped in centuries-old know-how. A young independent manufacture that develops and produces all of its pieces in-house, both the casing and the movement. Since its creation, De Bethune has developed no less than 30 calibers, both simple and complicated, including tourbillons, perpetual calendars, chronometers, dead seconds, and spherical moons. The brand has also presented about thirty world premieres, filed several patents, and launched approximately 150 unique models. In other words, the hyperactivity of De Bethune is undeniable: more than one caliber is developed every year, whereas some manufactures require several years to design and produce a single movement.
Impeccable Quality
Prolific in mechanical matters, De Bethune never compromises on quality, which is recognized by its peers. Many of the brand's models have won prestigious awards in the most significant international competitions, including the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, which awarded the DB28 the Aiguille d'Or in 2011. Deserved? Certainly, when you consider that the house continuously perpetuates the work of the greatest watchmaking masters of the 18th century in its quest for perfection, both in terms of time measurement and the overall aesthetics of its timepieces.
Building on scientific innovations and cutting-edge technologies, De Bethune has been inventing unique, innovative, and high-performance solutions for measuring and displaying time for more than twenty years.
Not More, But Better
Through its creations, De Bethune adheres to its philosophy: "Not more, but better," drawing inspiration from the past to invent the future of horology. The mechanics are flawless; the creativity is at its peak. The house's style is refined, with sleek lines and the delicacy of precious cases embodying the spirit of the brand, whose first ambition is to continually shape the watchmaking of the 21st century while preserving the finest traditions. It is a team effort for the 80 De Bethune collaborators—watchmakers, engineers, designers, micro-mechanics, polishers, and decorators—led by Denis Flageollet, the brand’s co-founder and Master Watchmaker, and Pierre Jacques, the current CEO.
To explore the De Bethune collections, visit the 25 points of sale worldwide, or the brand’s showroom on Rue du Rhône in Geneva – a space that embodies the full spirit of the brand.
