By Jonathan Kopp
Let’s have a quick look at the timepiece that De Bethune will give away for the next Only Watch auction.
As some may know the De Bethune horological tradition is all about innovation. They own ten patent registrations, eighteen world premiere innovations and nineteen in-house calibers in only 13 years of research and development. That shows the spirit of excellence of the De Bethune Manufacture.
The DBS Pièce unique was designed by David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet. It was thought out and developed in the R&D lab in La Chaux de Fonds, and then entirely crafted in the workshops at L’Auberson. The DBS Pièce unique is a true De Bethune creation. Looking back a little, and to understand from where the reference number of this piece comes from, you should know that ten years ago, David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet, designed and developed the very first DBS for 2005 Only Watch auction.
Pushing the limits of watchmaking techniques while improving reliability and comfort. The design of this piece is quite unusual and aggressive, especially thanks to the cone-shaped lower lugs. But the design is also very well considered for a timepiece that measures 45 mm by 42.5 mm. This timepiece, which has really clean lines, is made in white gold.
The in-house movement of the DBS 2005-2015 features a silicon and white gold balance wheel and also a silicon escape wheel. Through the caseback, we can see the 6 days power reserve indicator of this hand wound calibre DB2115.
Playing with finishes, volumes and light effects to convey emotions could describe easily the dial side of this impressive timepiece. This one reveals the beauty of the anthracite deltoid-shaped bridges on which the blue hours and minutes hands seem to float. The hour markers are spherical, hand-polished and blued using the age-old flame-blueing technique, held by a titanium annular bridge. Finally around this deltoid dial we will find the scale of minutes. For the touch of colour De Bethune add a red marker at 12 o’clock.
This horological masterpiece is probably one of the wildest and craziest timepieces offered for the Only Watch auction. For more info, please visit debethune.ch
JONATHAN KOPP – CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jonathan Kopp has an avid enthusiasm for timepieces of all genre, from vintage timepieces to modern Luxury Haute Horology. His preference goes to small and independent high-end watchmakers. He loves the difference rather than classicism, although if he admits to being in love with several ultra-classics pieces. Jonathan was caught by the passion for watchmaking there are almost 6 years. For about 5 years, he wanders in this industry and was Communication-Marketing-PR Consultant for several brands. He has worked for over 2 years as a freelance for the development of the Swiss brand Arthur Oskar Stampfli (AOSWatches). To keep in touch with Jonathan you can follow him on the various social networks: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Read his articles here.
