De Bethune DB 25 Sport Watch – Take A Closer Look
Some said it simply wasn’t possible to make a high-end, superbly crafted and highly practical sport’s watch. Swiss watchmaker De Bethune said otherwise. And lucky for us they did because the DB 25 sports watch the company has created is simply stunning. However, as you’ll soon find out, it’s not just about good looks this is a high-end sports watch that has been designed to be worn.
The De Bethune Story
Don’t be too surprised if you haven’t heard of De Bethune before but definitely be disappointed. This young company has managed the amazing feat of producing some of the most outstanding pieces the industry has seen of recent times (such as their truly remarkable ‘Dream’ watches) whilst still managing to fly relatively under the radar in mainstream watch media.
Why this is the case I have no idea, however, take my advice and have a closer look at this amazing watch-maker (you can start by checking out their website: www.debethune.ch).
When you consider who is behind De Bethune, however, it is not hard then to understand the company’s ability to demonstrate sheer creative brilliance and highly innovative thinking. The brainchild of two highly respected industry veterans, De Bethune was founded in 2002 by Denis Flageollet and David Zanetta. The former has spent his career creating watches and mechanical calibers and is credited with creating over 120 exceptional timepieces while the latter has built a world-class reputation for his unparalleled knowledge of historical watch-making, spending a considerable amount of his career as a consultant to some of the world’s most prestigious watch collections.
Ever since the company’s formation the two have worked together to successfully create timepieces that blend traditional watch-making with highly-innovative thinking and simply transcend all expectations.
The DB 25 sport watch we have for you today is no exception
Re-defining The Sport Watch
The DB 25 is not a traditional sport watch in any sense of the word. For starters it looks far too delicate and expensive. Yet its elegant simplicity belies the piece’s robust design and technical superiority. For example, the 44mm case and lugs are machined from a single solid block of gold rather than soldered. This process, while more demanding (and expensive) to manufacture ensures greater strength and seamless design ensuring the piece not only looks amazing but is also comfortable to wear.
Similarly the hand guilloched dial, available in blued titanium or silvered, is crafted with absolute precision and provides the wearer with a stunningly attractive piece that is uncluttered and easy to read. The trademark power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock helps you keep an eye on the impressive energy storage capacity of 6 days, although given that this is an automatic movement its purpose is arguably more visual appeal than practical application. Still, we’re not complaining!
What really impresses us about this piece, however, is what’s inside.
The OB2024 automatic movement is comprised of 274 components and has been finely finished with all steel parts either being hand beveled or hand polished. The automatic winding rotor is crafted from platinum for maximum winding efficiency and pivots on oil-free low-friction ceramic bearings. Acknowledging that this is a sports watch the rotor is protected by a central anti-shock system comprising four spring arms and 12 jewels.
The balance is a made from titanium (high strength/lightness ratio) and platinum (high mass). Four titanium arms support four titanium inertia blocks shaped like streamlined torpedoes to create a class leading inertia/mass ratio. A free-sprung balance spring with the De Bethune flat terminal curve ensures superb isochronism, high shock resistance and reduced movement height. Double self-adjusting mainspring barrels supporting their springs between six ruby friction-reducing bars ensure the impressive 6 day power reserve is maintained.
Finished off on an alligator leather strap with tang buckle the DB 25 is available in either red gold or white gold and will cost you somewhere between $45,000 – $50,000.
The Final Word
The DB 25 is yet another breathtaking example of why De Bethune deserves, nay, demands your attention. The watch-maker’s attention to detail and adherence to the traditional principals of watch-making is evident in every piece and yet at the same time there is a constant focus on moving forward and innovating.
This perfect blend has led to the creation of some of the most superb timepieces you will ever see. So do yourself a favor and have a closer look: www.debethune.ch or jump on their brand new Facebook Page.
Category: Watch Reviews
Sharp, I really like those.