De Bethune DB1

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De Bethune DB1


De Bethune was founded in 2002 so it's a very young brand. But it's not just any new brand. People behind De bethune are Denis Flageollet and David Zanetta

Denis Flageollet :
Born in 1962 in France, there was never any doubt as to what Denis Flageollet's profession would be: with his father, grandfather and great grandfather, all watchmakers,
the profession was already in his blood when he had his first watchmaking experience at his grandfather's workbench at the age of three.
Denis has since had an exceptional watchmaking career, which led from restoration of some of the world's finest timepieces to contributing to the design and production of more
than 100 original contemporary watches.
The dream of creating his own horological works of art led to Denis' partnership with David Zanetta and the creation of De Bethune in 2002.
( source : www.debethune.com )

David Zanetta
David Zanetta, a recognized authority on watches and their history, also has an affinity for paintings, the sciences, the arts, which led to his applying his passion to creating beautiful
micro-mechanical objects. When David discovered and intensely studied wristwatches in the 1960s, his interest quickly propelled him into (what was at that time) an elite "club" of a very
few people in the world who truely understood exceptional timepieces.
Along with Denis Flageollet, David had the idea to create a company that would design and create watches of the very highest quality,
watches that the general watchmaking industry had long since ceased to produce - and De Bethune was born.
( source : www.debethune.com )



Here is the DB1

One of their first ever made. As you can see this is a single button bi compax chronograph.

The case is 42 mm and only 8 mm height. The lugs are a typical De Bethune design. Some love them, others won't like them but at least they are original.
And I love them.

The guilloché dial is very well made. It's silver color is magnificent. This together with the bleued hands is an very nice combination.

The movement ?
Never felt a smoother chrono. A couple of days ago I tried a Lange 1815 chrono. Believe me the De bethune is butter smooth.
The calibre is a THA
THA stand for 'techniques horlogères appliquées'. THA was founded in the 1980's and is also known as the French connection.
This single buton chronograph movement was created at THA. 3 people who were members of THA and who made this movement are among the most famous independant watchmakers today.
Being FP Journe, Vianney Halter and Denis Flageollet. The last one (Flageollet) started with De Bethune in 2002. When he left THA he bought all the rights and patents of this movement.
So can we call it an inhouse ?
created or modified by Journe, Halter and Flageollet but the last one owns it.
Anyway when Flageollet started with De Bethune in 2002, this movement was put in the DB1, the movement's name is the DB2002
If you know the top range Cartier watches you will know their ' Collection Privée'
In the Tortue chrono monopoussoir (limited edition 200 pce - made in 1999 ) you will find this movement. They bought these movements from THA.



and here are some pics of this wonderfull piece