Editorial De Bethune, Pioneering Innovation Through Time

In the halls of horology, where craftsmanship meets innovation, there exists a narrative that transcends time display. In this article we embark on a journey through the history of De Bethune, an independent maison that has redefined the essence of watchmaking. From its beginnings to its meteoric rise, the story of De Bethune is a symphony of precision, artistry, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Imagine a world where tradition intertwines seamlessly with avant-garde ingenuity, giving birth to timepieces that are not merely instruments of measuring time but vessels of artistic expression. Nestled in the serene landscape of L’Auberson, Switzerland, De Bethune stands as a beacon of independent Swiss watchmaking. Today, under the leadership of co-founder and master watchmaker Denis Flageollet, alongside CEO Pierre Jacques, De Bethune continues on releasing watches that present the future of watchmaking.

ًWho is behind De bethune?

Denis Flageollet

Denis, a scion of three generations of watchmakers, pursued his passion by studying watchmaking and micro-engineering in Switzerland after majoring in science in France. His journey included a stint at the "Musée du Locle" as a technician in antique watchmaking. In 2002, David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet laid the foundation for De Bethune. They established a research & development department that would earn acclaim as one of the most innovative in the nation. Denis Flageollet epitomizes the fusion of classic watchmaking and modern technical processes. Recognized with two national and 15 international prizes, Denis holds eight patents and two registered designs. 

Pierre Jacques

In 2000, Pierre Jacques co-founded the magazine GMT (Great Magazine of Timepieces). Pierre played diverse roles including the role of Branch Manager at Les Ambassadeurs Geneve boutique and concurrently served as the director of the organizing company for the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix. Since 2011, he has been the CEO of De Bethune, later becoming its President and shareholder in December 2017. 

A New Chapter of Innovation

In 2004, De Bethune etched a new chapter in its legacy by unveiling a series of patents. Among these innovations is the four-arms balance wheel, those arms are crafted from titanium, with four inertia weights made of platinum.

Adding to this, the introduction of the 3D spherical moon phase display, a pioneering design that ingeniously utilizes the natural oxidation of titanium, adorned on a star-studded sky dial, a signature touch that defines the Maison's artistry.

A standout from this era is the DB15 perpetual calendar with a 3D moon phase—an emblematic release for De Bethune.It collected most of the company's inventions during that period.

In 2005, De Bethune introduced a pioneering innovation: a bridge symmetrically held on both sides, ensuring balance-wheel stability. They added two shock absorbers at each end, creating the "triple parechute" system, effectively absorbing external forces. Later, they showcased this system in the front of the DBS watch, enhancing its aesthetics.

Within the same year the brand unveiled the “Côtes De Bethune”, which refers to a particular type of finishing or decoration applied to the movement components of watches by De Bethune. This intricate technique involves adorning the surfaces of various parts with a pattern of parallel lines.

De Bethune also introduced a novel design for this titanium-platinum balance-wheel. Shaped like an X, it introduces new subtle adjustment features thanks to two dedicated screws connecting its two closest tips. The platinum inertia blocks are also improved by adopting a conical shape.

Lugs, signature De Bethune design

The company introduced what it called “floating lugs,” which, as unique as its design, provided the watch with the ability to fit smoothly on the wrist. The patented floating lugs system easily adapts to the size of the wearer's wrist, enhancing comfort and ease of wear.
In 2009, De Bethune achieved a new innovation by crafting the world's lightest tourbillon using a combination of titanium and silicon. Weighing a mere 0.1 grams, this exceptional creation stands out as one of the swiftest tourbillons ever created.

De Bethune's journey took a notable turn in 2012 with the opening of its inaugural boutique in Geneva, establishing a physical presence that showcased its commitment to craftsmanship and luxury. Two years later, De Bethune's pursuit of excellence reached new heights when it received the Best Chronograph Prize at the Grand Prix, for its DB29 Maxichrono Tourbillon. The watch features five central hands strategically designed to enhance the readability and aesthetic allure of its chronograph indications. This innovative approach eliminates the need for small subdials commonly found in traditional chronographs. Each hand is intricately designed to gracefully trace the diverse shapes and curves of the elegant silver-toned dial. 

De Bethune once again received the prestigious "Chronograph Prize" at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève 2018, marking a significant triumph for its exceptional timepiece, the DB25 Starry Varius Chronomètre Tourbillon. 

In 2020, De Bethune celebrated the 10th anniversary of the iconic DB28. Drawing inspiration from the quintessence of the DB28's DNA, the brand unveiled a triumvirate of watches, while each timepiece stands distinct, their inherent differences harmoniously complement one another. This collection unfolds a new chapter in horological substance—introducing "Ultra-Thin watches." Beyond being a celebration of mechanical prowess and aesthetic innovation, these watches symbolize ten years of profound commitment, research, and a quest for excellence. 

Despite the brand’s young age, De Bethune embarks on a journey that is far from the end, extending beyond the mere display of time. From its inception to the present moment, De Bethune has consistently captivated collectors and watch enthusiasts with its releases. Boasting an array of 31 calibers and a multitude of secured patents, the brand has not merely crafted watches; it has woven a legacy.