The 1916 Company luxury watches for sale
Shopping Bag
Hero Image

Pre-Owned De Bethune

De Bethune is one of contemporary horology's most forward-thinking brands: engineering beauty through innovation, material mastery, and artisanal watchmaking. Our curated selection of pre-owned De Bethune watches includes rare models and collector-grade pieces available both online and in-store.

Image for DB25
DB25
Image for DB27
DB27
Image for DB28
DB28
Image for Heritage
Heritage
Image for DB25
DB25
Image for DB27
DB27
Image for DB28
DB28
Image for Heritage
Heritage
10 Watches
10 Watches

Avant-Garde Horology from De Bethune

Founded in 2002, De Bethune is known for merging classical watchmaking heritage with scientific innovation. Led by master watchmaker Denis Flageollet, the brand has reimagined balance springs, dials, and cases, establishing itself as a boundary-pushing independent that appeals to the most discerning collectors. Whether you're seeking the ultra-thin DB28, the poetic DB25, or a rare Heritage timepiece, The 1916 Company offers access to verified pre-owned De Bethune watches with confidence.

History of De Bethune

De Bethune was founded in 2002 by David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet, with a vision to create contemporary haute horlogerie. The brand is known for its avant-garde designs and innovative mechanical solutions. De Bethune watches feature unique case shapes, futuristic dials, and advanced in-house movements. The brand is recognized for its research and development in areas like escapements, balance wheels, and materials. De Bethune employs innovative materials, such as titanium and silicon, to enhance the performance and aesthetics of its watches. The brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking has earned it a reputation for technical excellence and artistic expression. De Bethune continues to create timepieces that challenge traditional watch design while upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Explore Pre-Owned De Bethune Watches

De Bethune's approach to watchmaking blends technical ingenuity with sculptural aesthetics. Each watch showcases the brand's proprietary technologies, including the triple pare-chute shock absorber system, mirror-polished titanium cases, and in-house calibers designed for optimal chronometry. At The 1916 Company, our selection of pre-owned De Bethune watches highlights the most coveted models, thoughtfully curated and fully authenticated.

Pre-Owned De Bethune DB28 Watches

The DB28 collection is perhaps the brand's most recognizable line, featuring floating lugs, exposed movement elements, and symmetrical designs that emphasize balance. Models like the DB28 Kind of Blue or the DB28 XP Starry Sky exemplify the brand's mastery of blued titanium and celestial inspiration.

Pre-Owned De Bethune DB27 Watches

The DB27 series offers a sportier approach while retaining the brand's high-end finishing. Known for its central seconds, integrated lugs, and refined dials, the DB27 Titan Hawk is a frequent favorite for those seeking modern practicality with horological edge.

Pre-Owned De Bethune DB25 Watches

The DB25 line is poetic and precise — with moon phase complications, guilloché dials, and hand-polished cases that reveal De Bethune's romantic side. Highlights include the DB25 Starry Varius and DB25 Moon Phase Tourbillon, both of which combine visual splendor with technical excellence.

Pre-Owned De Bethune Heritage Watches

Heritage Collection watches are rare archival pieces no longer in active production. These thirteen models represent De Bethune's early technical experimentation, from avant-garde case shapes to proprietary escapement designs. As a collector, owning a Heritage model means preserving part of the independent watchmaking renaissance.

Each Heritage piece comes with an official De Bethune box, certificate of authenticity, and a personal letter from co-founder Denis Flageollet. The 1916 Company is proud to be a majority investor and global retail partner, with exclusive access to these historic timepieces.

Who Is De Bethune For?

If you are a collector drawn to the cutting edge of horological engineering - or someone who values beauty reimagined through science and art - pre-owned De Bethune watches speak directly to your sensibility. These are mechanical sculptures for connoisseurs who want more than tradition.

Our Commitment to Trust and Service

Our concierge team personally verifies each watch for authenticity and performance. Every pre-owned De Bethune watch purchased from The 1916 Company comes with our two-year global warranty and access to white-glove service in-store or online. Contact us to learn what's currently available in our curated inventory across our showroom locations worldwide.

Pre-owned De Bethune watches at The 1916 Company can vary significantly in price, typically ranging from around $40,000 to over $200,000, depending on the specific model, rarity, condition, materials used (such as titanium or gold), and any included original packaging and documentation. Limited edition models or those with significant complications like tourbillons or perpetual calendars often command higher values.
Popular pre-owned De Bethune models frequently sought after include the iconic DB28 with its distinctive floating lugs and spherical moon phase, the elegant DB25 with its often intricate dial designs, and the sporty DB27 Titan Hawk known for its comfortable wear. The avant-garde Dream Watch series and models featuring tourbillons or perpetual calendars are also highly desirable. Our inventory at The 1916 Company is dynamic, so please check our current listings for availability.
De Bethune watches are renowned for their innovative designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and the use of unique materials like blued titanium and silicon components in their movements. Their in-house movements often feature patented innovations such as the spherical moon phase, unique balance wheel designs, and sophisticated shock absorption systems. The brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking results in timepieces that are both technically impressive and aesthetically striking.
At The 1916 Company, each pre-owned De Bethune watch undergoes a thorough evaluation and authentication process by our experienced team. We meticulously inspect the condition, verify the authenticity of all components, and ensure the watch is functioning correctly. Any notable cosmetic or mechanical aspects are detailed in the product description and accompanied by clear imagery.
While some De Bethune watches, particularly limited editions or historically significant models, may appreciate in value over time due to their rarity and desirability, it's important to approach watch collecting with passion rather than solely as a financial investment. Market demand, condition, and provenance all play a role in the future value of a timepiece. The 1916 Company aims to offer fair market value based on current market trends.
Key design elements of De Bethune watches include their unique case shapes (often round or tonneau with distinctive lugs), futuristic-looking dials that may feature spherical moon phases or visible movement components, and the brand's signature triangular bridge design in the movement. The use of blued titanium for cases and movement parts is also a hallmark of the brand.
Yes, The 1916 Company typically offers a warranty on its pre-owned De Bethune watches to provide our customers with peace of mind. The specifics of the warranty coverage, including the duration, will be clearly outlined at the time of purchase.
Yes, De Bethune has several distinct collections, including the classic DB25, the innovative DB28, the sporty DB27 Titan Hawk, and the artistic Dream Watch series. Each collection showcases different aspects of De Bethune's design philosophy and horological expertise. Understanding these collections can help you narrow your search at The 1916 Company.
De Bethune watches are known for their high-quality in-house mechanical movements, often featuring manual-winding or automatic mechanisms. Depending on the model, you might find complications such as moon phases (often spherical), power reserve indicators, tourbillons, perpetual calendars, and GMT functions. The brand is particularly recognized for its advancements in escapement and balance wheel technology.
Yes. The 1916 Company is the majority investor in De Bethune, supporting the brand's long-term independence and horological innovation.