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De Bethune

Explore the Brand

De Bethune, an independent Swiss watchmaker nestled in the Jura mountains, meticulously crafts innovative, high-precision timepieces in-house. Led by Master Watchmaker Denis Flageollet, they blend 18th-century artistry with modern technology, producing award-winning watches with unique designs and handcrafted details, available at select global retailers and their Geneva showroom.

18 Watches
18 Watches

De Bethune at The 1916 Company

Founded in 2002 by master watchmaker Denis Flageollet, De Bethune is a beacon of modern haute horlogerie, combining historical inspiration with cutting-edge technical development. Working from the manufacture in L'Auberson, Switzerland, Flageollet and his team have developed over 30 proprietary calibers, including patented tourbillons, balance springs, and a range of astronomical complications. De Bethune is known for pushing the boundaries of independent watchmaking with contemporary forms, mirror-polished titanium, and heat-blued finishes that reflect both craftsmanship and futurism. The 1916 Company is proud to be an authorized global retailer of De Bethune watches, offering a curated selection of the brand's creations to collectors worldwide.

Explore De Bethune Watch Collections

De Bethune watches are revered for their radical case designs, proprietary in-house movements, and celestial visual language. Founded by Denis Flageollet — one of the most respected living watchmakers — the brand has cultivated a loyal following of connoisseurs who value mechanical innovation and design originality. Each piece is manufactured in the brand's own workshop in L'Auberson, Switzerland.

The 1916 Company is an authorized global retailer of De Bethune. Our relationship with the maison allows clients privileged access to limited production models and direct connection to the heart of the manufacture.

DB25

The DB25 collection blends classical architecture with avant-garde mechanics. Known for its symmetrical design language and often featuring guilloché dials or starry skies, DB25 models include the Moon Phase, Starry Varius, and perpetual calendar references — all crafted with stunning finesse.

DB27

The DB27 features spring-loaded lugs for comfort and versatility — with a clean, futuristic dial layout. It offers a more casual aesthetic within the De Bethune design universe while still housing highly technical movements.

DB28

The DB28 is the signature De Bethune — known for its floating lugs, sculpted case architecture, and mirror-polished titanium. Whether tourbillon, meteorite dial, or openworked, each DB28 piece is a modern mechanical sculpture on the wrist.

DB29

The DB29 is De Bethune's most classically round collection, with a polished pocket-watch feel and hidden crown design. Tourbillon and astronomical complications highlight the maison's ability to modernize traditional formats with technical artistry.

DB Eight

The DB Eight distills De Bethune's high-tech spirit into a single-pusher chronograph, crafted with elegant restraint. It exemplifies the brand's commitment to pure horological forms and innovative mechanics.

Kind of Two

The Kind of Two is a true feat of engineering: a reversible watch with dual faces — one classical, one contemporary. It highlights De Bethune's creativity in case construction, mechanical orientation, and artistic storytelling.

De Bethune in the World of Sport

De Bethune has embraced elite performance through on-court/on-course partnerships with world-class athletes. Tommy Paul, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Min Woo Lee, and Wenyi Ding all wear the DB28xs Starry Seas while competing professionally — demonstrating the brand's belief in wearable performance, lightweight materials, and exceptional comfort in dynamic environments.

Is De Bethune the Right Brand for You?

De Bethune is for collectors who demand more than tradition — those who seek visionary design, mechanical distinction, and artistic expression. Whether you're captivated by thermal bluing, multi-patented technical innovations, or simply want to wear something rare and conversation-worthy, De Bethune delivers on all fronts. This is not just a watch — it is a declaration of independence and horological curiosity.

Trust The 1916 Company — Global Partner of De Bethune

As the authorized global retailer and majority investor in De Bethune, The 1916 Company offers clients unparalleled access to the brand's most important collections. Our advisors provide one-on-one consultation and white-glove service for clients interested in joining the De Bethune collector community.

Denis Flageollet is the founder and master watchmaker of De Bethune. A visionary horologist, he has created more than 30 in-house calibers and is known for blending tradition and science in pursuit of perfect mechanical timekeeping.
Yes. The 1916 Company is a global authorized retailer for De Bethune, offering clients direct access to the brand's collections and newest releases.
Yes. The 1916 Company is the majority investor in De Bethune, supporting the brand's long-term independence and horological innovation.
Yes. Many De Bethune models, including the DB28 and DB27, feature lightweight titanium cases, innovative lug systems, and ergonomic profiles that make them highly wearable despite their artistic complexity.
Professional athletes including Tommy Paul, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Min Woo Lee, and Wenyi Ding wear the DB28xs Starry Seas while competing — a testament to De Bethune's blend of comfort, innovation, and avant-garde design.
All De Bethune timepieces are produced at the brand's manufacture in L'Auberson, Switzerland, where every component is developed and assembled entirely in-house.
In addition to professional athletes like Tommy Paul, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Min Woo Lee, and Wenyi Ding — all of whom wear the DB28xs Starry Seas during competition — a number of high-profile collectors and public figures have been spotted wearing De Bethune. These include Michael Strahan (who wore a De Bethune watch to space), Mark Zuckerberg, Kyle Kuzma, Swizz Beatz (who has co-designed watches with the brand), Robert Downey Jr., Michael Jordan, Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Maxey, and Kyle Lowry.