The world of Haute Horlogerie (high watchmaking) is filled with stunning timepieces, but even within this rarefied realm, some watches stand head and shoulders above the rest. The
De Bethune DB Kind of Grande Complication is one such treasure. It's more than just a watch – it's a portable museum showcasing over two decades of innovation and refined craftsmanship.
Picture this: a young watchmaker, eyes wide with wonder as he stares at a double-sided grand complication watch. In that moment, a dream is born, a dream to one day create a masterpiece of his own. Fast forward through years of dedication at De Bethune, and that dream has become the DB Kind of Grande Complication. Denis Flageollet, De Bethune's master watchmaker, has woven his passion and the spirit of classical watchmaking into this exceptional timepiece.
Courtesy of De Bethune
The first thing that strikes you about the DB Kind of Grande Complication is its reversible case. It's like having two exquisite watches in one, a choice between contemporary flair and classic elegance. Think of it as the watchmaking equivalent of a bespoke suit – on one side, you have a bold, modern cut, while the flip side evokes timeless sophistication.
But it's not just about style. This unique case design is packed with purpose. De Bethune even introduced a clever mechanism in 2021 that lets the case flip smoothly between sides using their signature floating lugs. It's the kind of detail that makes you smile with the same childlike wonder that inspired Flageollet all those years ago.
The real magic lies within the watch. It's not just a collection of complications (the fancy watch term for features); it's a carefully orchestrated symphony. You've got a perpetual calendar that will keep track of the date like magic, even through leap years. Then there's the moon phase, so accurate it only needs a tiny adjustment once every 122 years! But they don't stop there – add in a power reserve indicator, jumping seconds, and the hypnotic beat of an ultra-light titanium tourbillon. Imagine the sheer skill to fit all that into a single, impeccably finished movement.
Courtesy of De Bethune
De Bethune isn't some centuries-old brand resting on its past glory. Their workshop in L'Auberson is a hub of innovation, a place where the spirit of 18th-century master watchmakers mingles with cutting-edge technology. Each of the 751 individual components of the DB Kind of Grande Complication isn't mass-produced – they're crafted with meticulous care, a testament to De Bethune's devotion to their art.
The De Bethune DB Kind of Grande Complication isn't just a watch; it's a testament to the enduring power of dreams and the pursuit of horological perfection. It's a timepiece for those who appreciate not just the beauty of the final product, but the journey, the countless hours of research and craftsmanship that make it something extraordinary.
Let's start with the obvious – the DB Kind of Grande Complication is a visual feast. Its double-sided design offers two radically different journeys for the eye.
Think of the watch face as a high-tech stage. The star of the show is the 30-second tourbillon, its blued titanium cage performing a hypnotic dance just below the 12 o'clock position. Polished and blued titanium hands mark the hours around the balance wheel, while minutes are displayed on the outer periphery. It's a captivating spectacle of symmetry and mechanical ingenuity.
Courtesy of De Bethune
De Bethune doesn't skimp on the details either. The sub-dials are recessed, like miniature amphitheaters framing the main act. The interplay of silver, blued titanium, and polished steel adds a sense of depth and refinement. There's even a small indicator between 8 and 9 o'clock subtly revealing the watch's remaining power. It's all those tiny flourishes that elevate a watch from functional to mesmerizing.
If side one is all about contemporary flair, then flipping the case reveals a touch of nostalgic magic. Polished yellow gold hands sweep gracefully over a star-studded sky – a scene ripped straight out of a classic watchmaker's dream. The sky itself is a work of art, crafted from blued and polished titanium, dotted with white gold pins that shimmer like distant stars.
The focus here is on classic complications. The day and month are displayed in beautifully finished windows. The spherical moon phase, crafted in two halves of palladium and blued steel, adds a touch of astronomical wonder. And, to truly drive home that traditional elegance, the central section of the dial features intricate hand-guilloche patterning, a reminder of age-old watchmaking techniques still cherished by De Bethune.
While the dials are the stars, the case is quietly working its magic behind the scenes. Polished grade 5 titanium lends it a luxurious sheen, with curves that flow seamlessly into those iconic floating lugs. Remember, this is more than just a pretty container – flipping the case is an experience in itself, smooth and precise thanks to the ingenious rotating mechanism within.
Courtesy of De Bethune
The crowns, positioned at noon on one side and 6 o'clock on the other, are subtly integrated into the case design. It's like the watch wants you to focus on the artistry within, not on any specific element.
The heart of the DB Kind of Grande Complication is the in-house Calibre DB2529. It's a mind-boggling assembly of 751 individual components, each one meticulously crafted and finished by hand. But it's not just about the sheer number of parts; it's their masterful arrangement.
De Bethune has packed incredible innovation into this movement. They use a self-regulating twin barrel system for even power delivery and a silicon escape wheel to minimize friction. It's these advancements, a blend of cutting-edge tech and traditional mastery, that set De Bethune apart.
Now, let's be honest – this isn't a watch you'll be throwing on with jeans and a T-shirt (which of course you could). It demands a level of respect and refinement. Yet, thanks to those floating lugs and a supple alligator strap, it's surprisingly comfortable. It has presence, but it wears that presence lightly. Think of it as the horological equivalent of a perfectly tailored suit; it feels as good as it looks.
The De Bethune DB Kind of Grande Complication is for the connoisseur, the collector who sees beyond the surface. It's for someone who appreciates the history, the sheer audacity it takes to create something this intricate, who finds joy in the marriage of artistry and technical prowess.
Courtesy of De Bethune
This isn't a watch to simply tell time; it's a conversation starter, a tangible testament to human ingenuity. And with its limited production, it's a guaranteed future heirloom, a legacy piece to pass down through generations.
The DB Kind of Grande Complication is a bold statement, a celebration of the endless possibilities within the world of high watchmaking. It reminds us that even in an age of digital wonders, the beauty of the mechanical endures.