Founded in 2002, De Bethune have quickly developed a reputation for excellence in the world of independent watchmaking. Only making several dozen watches a year, De Bethune combine time-honoured skills and cutting-edge technology, to carefully craft each piece entirely within the watchmakers’ atelier in the Swiss town of Sainte-Croix.

In 2011, De Bethune were awarded the ‘Aiguille d’Or’ distinction at the GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) – the prestigious award ceremony’s most coveted title - awarded for best overall watch in all categories, for the DB28.

The independent watchmaker are best known for decidedly contemporary design innovations, which firmly push the boundaries of 21st century horology. In its quest for mechanical perfection, De Bethune continually research and develop within the manufacture’s laboratory, fully-embracing the creation of materials new to the watch industry.

The DB25WS1, with linear power-reserve indicator, first presented in 2011, represents De Bethune’s unique combination of cutting-edge precision and 18th century tradition, behind their original, classic piece.

This De Bethune DB25WS1 is sized at a contemporary 44.6 mm in diameter, and has a distinctive drum-shaped, white-gold case. It features a flat, high-polished bezel, along with the manufactures’ signature hollowed lugs, which work proportionately well together. The entire watch is mirror finished, while the crown itself is machined with a pattern.

The DB25WS1 displays a silver-toned and hand-guilloché dial, with 12 radiating sectors, altering the coloration of the dial as it reflects light from different angles. At 12 o’clock, a linear power-reserve indicator is displayed, along with classic, hand-polished, flame-blued steel hands; elegantly hollowed, creating depth and preserving legibility, whilst allowing full view of the dials’ craftsmanship. Further to this, the subtle form of the deep blue roman numerals and outer sector seconds track correspond harmoniously in shape.

This DB25WS1 is powered by the 53-jewel, automatic DB 2024 calibre, oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 A/h, with a power-reserve of 150 hours when fully-wound. The calibre DB2024 not only displays finishing of the highest quality, with hand-decorated components, but is also technologically superlative.

The DB 2024 comes equipped with De Bethune’s unique winding-rotor, with a titanium platinum oscillating weight and self-regulating twin barrel, ensuring maximum constant power reserve. Moreover, De Bethune’s exclusive friction-reduction technology, by means of six jewelled blades placed on either side of the spring, ensures the optimal transmission of maximum energy to the balance-wheel.

By way of protection, the DB 2024 also boasts a triple-parachute shock-absorbing system; unique to De Bethune calibres. The titanium bridge of the triple parachute is secured by a spring-based system, protecting the heart of the movement. The various architectural elements are connected by three jewels, thereby absorbing shocks and ensuring precise re-positioning of the bridge after displacement.

Closer look