Watchatlas

De Bethune

Le Locle, Switzerland · Est. 2002

Founded by David Zanetta, Denis Flageollet

De Béthune was founded in L'Auberson, Switzerland in 2002 by David Zanetta and master watchmaker Denis Flageollet, and has since established itself as one of the most technically and aesthetically inventive independent manufactures. The brand is known for its innovative use of materials including titanium, silicon, and white gold in movement components.

Founded
2002
Headquarters
Le Locle, Switzerland
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Ultra
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • DB25 (2009) — DB25 is De Bethune’s classical round-case family, now used for elegant calendar, moon-phase, and chronograph executions that pair restrained proportions with the brand’s signature hand-finishing and technical refinement. The line acts as the maison’s more traditional counterpoint to its experimental and reversible creations, while still carrying unmistakably modern De Bethune architecture. Key references: DB25SQPV2, DB25VRDJS3, DB25 Monopusher Chronograph.
  • DB27 — De Bethune DB27 is an official collection page for the brand's Titan Hawk-era self-winding watches, currently best treated as a source-backed archive-style collection rather than a live model family.
  • DB28 — De Bethune DB28 is the maison's signature experimental collection, built around floating lugs, sculptural titanium architecture, open horological displays, and high-complication variants. Key references: DB28GSV2BB, DB28TIS5C3PN / S, DB28TIS8C6PN / S, DB28TJRN.
  • DB28XP — De Bethune DB28XP is the ultra-thin, experimental branch of the DB28 family, represented by official press releases for meteorite, Kind of Blue, Steel Wheels, and tourbillon executions. Key references: DB28XP Meteorite, DB28XP Kind of Blue, DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon.
  • DB28XS (2023) — The DB28XS is De Bethune’s compact 38.7–39 mm interpretation of the DB28, preserving the floating-lug architecture and open, contemporary aesthetic while scaling the icon down for slimmer wrists and broader everyday wear. Key references: DB28XS Steel Wheels, DB28XS Sea Tourbillon, DB28XS Aérolite.
  • DB29 — De Bethune DB29 is the brand's Maxichrono Tourbillon collection page, centred on a high-complication chronograph-tourbillon architecture with coaxial chronograph indications. Key references: Maxichrono Tourbillon DB29RS1.
  • DBD — Digital-display collection using rotating discs to show jumping hours and trailing minutes in an unconventional layout.
  • DB Eight — De Bethune DB Eight is an official eight-sided-case collection page, useful as a source-backed long-tail page while the brand does not expose multiple current model references there.
  • DB Kind of Two (2021) — DB Kind of Two is De Bethune’s reversible, double-faced watch family, built around a single case that offers two distinct identities on opposite sides. The concept merges classical and contemporary aesthetics while showcasing the maison’s technical ingenuity in managing display orientation, case turning, and dial architecture. Key references: DBK2TV2, DB Kind of Two Tourbillon, DB Kind of Two Jumping GMT.

Timeline

  • 2002 — David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet co-found De Bethune in L'Auberson, Switzerland.
  • 2004 — Introduces the world's lightest tourbillon using titanium and silicon components.
  • 2007 — Debuts the DB28, which becomes the brand's most iconic model with its floating lugs.
  • 2010 — Wins the Aiguille d'Or (Golden Hand) at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.
  • 2012 — Introduces patented triple pare-chute shock absorber system.
  • 2019 — Launches the DB Kind of Two Tourbillon, combining classical aesthetics with contemporary innovation.
  • 2022 — Denis Flageollet becomes sole owner; continues pushing boundaries in metallurgy and movement technology.
  • 2025 — Released five new models in 2025, continuing to push avant-garde independent haute horlogerie.
  • 2025 — Released smallest-ever Kind of Blue tourbillon (38.7mm) and two downsized Starry Varius models at Geneva Watch Days.
  • 2026 — Collaborated with Louis Vuitton on LVDB-03 Louis Varius Project Sympathique clock-and-watch set (12 pieces).

Frequently Asked Questions about De Bethune

What makes De Bethune special?
De Bethune is renowned for technological innovation including the lightest tourbillon, patented shock absorbers, and mastery of blued titanium, combined with a distinctive starry-sky dial aesthetic.
Who makes De Bethune movements?
All De Bethune movements are designed and manufactured in-house by master watchmaker Denis Flageollet and his team in L'Auberson, Switzerland.

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