De Bethune has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, captivating collectors and enthusiasts with its innovative designs and technical prowess. Founded in 2002 by Denis Flageollet, a visionary watchmaker with a passion for astronomy and a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship,
De Bethune has carved a unique niche for itself, creating timepieces that are as much works of art as they are instruments of timekeeping.
De Bethune's unwavering commitment to innovation is evident in its DB25 collection, a line of watches that seamlessly blend classic aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The DB25 GMT Starry Varius, the latest addition to this esteemed collection, is a testament to De Bethune's unwavering pursuit of excellence, a watch that not only tells time but also transports its wearer to the vast expanse of the cosmos.
Courtesy of De Bethune
The DB25 GMT Starry Varius is a watch that exudes sophistication and refinement. Its 42mm rose gold case, with its elegantly sculpted lugs and slender profile, is a masterpiece of micro-engineering, a testament to De Bethune's meticulous attention to detail. The dial, a mesmerizing canvas of blue and gold, is a testament to the brand's artistic flair, a miniature representation of the night sky, complete with a shimmering Milky Way and a constellation of white gold stars.
At the heart of the DB25 GMT Starry Varius beats the DB2507 caliber, a hand-wound mechanical movement that is as impressive in its technical complexity as it is in its aesthetic beauty. This 29th in-house caliber from De Bethune is a marvel of micro-mechanics, featuring a self-regulating twin barrel, a titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, and a "De Bethune" balance-spring with a flat terminal curve. These innovations, coupled with the movement's 5-day power reserve, ensure unparalleled accuracy and reliability, making the DB25 GMT Starry Varius a timepiece that can be passed down through generations.
De Bethune's story is one of passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Founded in 2002 by Denis Flageollet, a master watchmaker with a profound love for astronomy, and David Zanetta, an entrepreneur with a keen eye for design, De Bethune quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of haute horlogerie.
Flageollet's fascination with astronomy is deeply ingrained in De Bethune's DNA. The brand's watches often feature celestial motifs, such as moon phases and starry skies, reflecting Flageollet's belief that timekeeping is inextricably linked to the cosmos. This passion for astronomy is not merely aesthetic; it also drives De Bethune's technical innovation. The brand has developed groundbreaking technologies, such as its spherical moon phase display and its high-frequency balance wheel, that have revolutionized the way we measure time.
De Bethune's commitment to innovation is matched by its dedication to traditional craftsmanship. The brand's watches are meticulously handcrafted by a team of skilled artisans, each one a master of their craft. From the intricate engraving on the movement's bridges to the delicate polishing of the case, every detail of a De Bethune watch is executed with the utmost care and precision.
The DB25 collection, launched in 2011, is a testament to De Bethune's ability to seamlessly blend classic aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The collection's signature design elements, such as its elegantly curved lugs, its slender profile, and its distinctive crown, have become synonymous with De Bethune's unique style.
The DB25 collection is also a showcase for De Bethune's technical prowess. The watches in this collection are powered by a range of in-house movements, each one a marvel of micro-engineering. These movements feature innovative technologies, such as De Bethune's patented balance spring with a flat terminal curve and its triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system, ensuring unparalleled accuracy and reliability.
The DB25 GMT Starry Varius is the latest addition to the DB25 collection, a watch that embodies De Bethune's unwavering commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. This timepiece is designed for the discerning traveler, offering a unique combination of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Courtesy of De Bethune
The watch's GMT function, which allows the wearer to track two time zones simultaneously, is a testament to De Bethune's technical expertise. The GMT hand, which can be set independently of the main hour hand, is seamlessly integrated into the watch's design, ensuring that the dial remains uncluttered and easy to read.
The dial of the DB25 GMT Starry Varius is a masterpiece of miniature artistry, a captivating tableau that draws the eye into its depths. The central dial, crafted from polished blue titanium, is adorned with a constellation of white gold pins, each meticulously placed to represent a star in the night sky. The Milky Way, rendered in delicate strokes of micro-laser engraving and 24-carat gold leaf, stretches across the dial, adding a touch of cosmic grandeur to this miniature universe. Encircling the central dial is a rose gold sunburst insert, a radiant counterpoint to the
Deep Blue of the night sky. This interplay of light and shadow, of warm gold and cool blue, creates a dynamic visual effect, evoking the transition from day to night.
The dial's outermost ring features a curved date display, its blued titanium surface contrasting beautifully with the gold transfer numerals. A hand-polished, flamed-blued date hand, with its polished end, glides effortlessly over the date ring, adding a touch of refinement to this functional element. The watch's hands, crafted from hand-polished rose gold, are curved to follow the contours of the dial, ensuring optimal readability. The hour and minute hands, with their elegant proportions and graceful curves, are a testament to De Bethune's meticulous attention to detail.
Beneath the captivating dial lies the DB2507 caliber, a hand-wound mechanical movement that is a testament to De Bethune's technical mastery. This 29th in-house caliber from De Bethune is a symphony of complications, featuring a GMT function, a world time indicator, a day/night indicator, and a jumping date.
The GMT function, a first for De Bethune, allows the wearer to track two time zones simultaneously. The local time is indicated by the blued hands, while the reference time, or home time, is displayed by a microsphere that gradually turns at 6 am and 6 pm, mimicking sunrise and sunset. The movement's world time indicator, displayed on a 24-hour sub-dial, allows the wearer to keep track of time in different parts of the world. The day/night indicator, represented by the two-tone microsphere, adds a touch of practicality to this complication.
The DB2507 caliber is not only technically impressive but also aesthetically stunning. The movement's bridges are adorned with "Côtes De Bethune" decoration, a signature De Bethune motif that adds a touch of refinement to this mechanical marvel. The movement's balance wheel, crafted from titanium with white gold inserts, is a testament to De Bethune's commitment to innovation. This patented balance wheel, with its unique design and exceptional performance, ensures unparalleled accuracy and stability.
The DB25 GMT Starry Varius is a testament to De Bethune's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Every component of this watch, from the meticulously finished movement to the hand-stitched alligator strap, is crafted with the utmost care and precision.
The watch's case, measuring 42mm in diameter, is crafted from grade 5 titanium, a lightweight and durable material that is perfectly suited for a travel watch. The case's lugs, seamlessly integrated into the case's design, are openworked, adding a touch of visual lightness to the watch's profile.
Courtesy of De Bethune
The DB25 GMT Starry Varius is a watch that is as comfortable to wear as it is beautiful to behold. Its slim profile and ergonomic design ensure that it sits comfortably on the wrist, while its alligator strap, with its supple texture and elegant stitching, adds a touch of luxury to this exceptional timepiece.
The De Bethune DB25 GMT Starry Varius is more than just a watch; it is a work of art, a testament to human ingenuity and creativity. It is a watch that captures the essence of time, a timepiece that is as enduring as the stars themselves. With its captivating dial, intricate movement, and exceptional craftsmanship, the DB25 GMT Starry Varius is a watch that will be treasured for generations to come.