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When David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet joined forces to create De Bethune, they weren’t interested in simply following tradition. As Flageollet puts it, “We’re not reinventing the past—we’re reinventing its future.” It’s more than just a clever quote; it’s the philosophy that drives every watch they make.
Their workshop in L’Auberson, Switzerland, is where this vision comes to life. Rather than outsourcing, they either make or hand-finish every single component in-house – from the tiniest screw to the most complex movement parts. This obsession with detail has led to over 30 patents, including groundbreaking work with materials like titanium, which they’ve transformed from an industrial metal into something worthy of the finest timepieces.
The DB28 collection shows exactly what makes De Bethune special. Take the floating lugs that adjust to your wrist – they’re not just comfortable, they’re a perfect example of how technical innovation can improve classic design. The Steel Wheels lets you peek into its mechanical heart through a cleverly transparent dial, while the Kind of Blue showcases their mastery of titanium finishing with a deep blue tone that makes you think of stargazing on a clear night.
Then there’s the Starry Sky, which might be their most personal creation yet. Its blue titanium dial features hand-placed white gold stars that can be arranged to match any constellation you choose. As Flageollet explains, “We wanted to bring a piece of the universe to the wrist.” It’s romantic, sure, but it’s also incredibly precise engineering.
De Betune’s Starry Sky
What really sets De Bethune apart is how they work with materials. Their signature blue titanium isn’t just for show – it’s the result of precise heat treatment that creates a uniquely stable finish. “It’s not just about making it look beautiful,” Flageollet notes, “it’s about understanding how each material works and evolves over time.”
The technical innovations are just as impressive: they’ve developed their own balance springs, created an ultra-light tourbillon, and engineered new shock absorption systems. Each advance proves that even in traditional watchmaking, there’s still room for genuine innovation.
In just 20 years, De Bethune has done what few thought possible – they’ve earned the respect of both hardcore watch collectors and cutting-edge design enthusiasts. Their timepieces do more than tell time; they show us what happens when traditional craftsmanship meets modern innovation. As Flageollet says, “We are creating the classics of tomorrow.” Looking at their work, it’s hard to disagree.
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