De Bethune introduces the “DB Kind of Grande Complication,” a groundbreaking timepiece showcasing over eight functions, including a tourbillon, encapsulating 22 years of horological innovation in a distinctively De Bethune style.
This new model, reference DBK2TV2, marks the brand’s third foray into reversible watch design. It embodies De Bethune’s dual design philosophies: a contemporary aesthetic on one side and a classic look on the other. The polished titanium case measures a modest 43.3mm by 13.85mm, considering its multitude of features.
The contemporary side of the watch features the mirror-polished delta bridge, displaying hours, minutes, and a deadbeat seconds mechanism (2011). Additionally, it boasts a retrograde moon phase indicator at 2:30 (2013), and a power reserve indicator for the 4-day self-regulating twin-barrel movement (2004). Positioned at 6 o’clock is the ultra-light 30-second tourbillon in titanium (2008) with a titanium balance wheel and white gold inserts for temperature optimisation and air penetration (2016), a silicon escape wheel, and a De Bethune balance-spring with flat terminal curve (2006). This side of the watch highlights De Bethune’s futuristic design ethos, favored by many collectors.
Rotating the case along its central axis, a feature introduced in 2021, reveals the classic side of the timepiece. This dial features a silvered track with Roman numeral hours and Arabic minute markers, embodying De Bethune’s “Starry Varius” style. The blued and polished titanium centre dial is adorned with hand-set white gold pins depicting stars, and 24K gold leaf milled patterns forming a Milky Way design. The classic side includes a perpetual calendar with apertures for the day of the week and month in gold relief, a raised subdial for the date, and a leap year indicator. De Bethune’s signature spherical moon-phase indicator, accurate to 122 years (from 2004), is also present, with Breguet hands gracefully curving over the three-dimensional moon.
Limited to five pieces annually, the DB Kind of Grande Complication is priced at $450,000.
Pierre Jacques, CEO of De Bethune, likened the development of this watch to the culmination of 22 years of experience, reminiscent of an artist who equates the time spent on a painting to their lifetime of work. This sentiment is mirrored in the craftsmanship of the new DB Kind of Grande Complication, celebrating the career and achievements of Denis Flageollet, De Bethune’s co-founder.
The contemporary side, with its delta-shaped mirror-polished main plate and twin barrels, resonates with De Bethune’s sporty aesthetic. The inclusion of the power reserve and moon age indicators seamlessly integrates with the overall design. The 30-second tourbillon, a hallmark of De Bethune’s technical prowess, adds to the watch’s allure, despite the somewhat less legible polished and blued titanium hands compared to the white hands of the Kind of Blue.
Conversely, the classic side of the watch offers practicality and legibility, featuring gold hands against a blue night sky backdrop. The perpetual calendar is user-friendly, providing a seamless transition from a sporty to a dress watch. The micro-milled and gold-leafed display is exceptionally elegant, complemented by silvered hour and minute rings, evoking the charm of a large hunter-cased chronometer pocket watch.
Combining these elements into a single watch is a remarkable technical and horological achievement. The DB Kind of Grande Complication offers an unparalleled wearing experience for a watch over 43mm in diameter and nearly 14mm thick, thanks to De Bethune’s articulating floating lugs. Additionally, the watch can be partially flipped to serve as a desk clock, adding to its versatility and value.