De Bethune: Blending Cosmic Vision with Haute Horlogerie

In the realm of Swiss luxury watchmaking, few names evoke as much intrigue and reverence as De Bethune. Founded in 2002 by David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet, De Bethune has emerged as a powerhouse in independent haute horlogerie, setting itself apart with futuristic designs, innovative materials, and patented technologies that push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.

Unlike heritage brands that rely on legacy alone, De Bethune has built its reputation through a modern lens—creating some of the most visually arresting and technically advanced timepieces in the world. With its manufacture based in L’Auberson, Switzerland, De Bethune has crafted more than 30 in-house calibers, establishing itself as a true innovator in mechanical watchmaking.

At the core of the brand’s philosophy lies a blend of aesthetic minimalism and mechanical complexity. The use of cutting-edge materials like blued titanium, silicon escapements, and mirror-polished components are all hallmarks of De Bethune’s unique horological DNA. These aren't just luxury watches—they're wearable works of art, inspired by science, astronomy, and human emotion.

DB28 Starry Sky: A Universe on Your Wrist

Among De Bethune’s most iconic creations stands the DB28 Starry Sky, also known as the DB28 Starry Star—a watch that captures the majesty of the night sky with unparalleled elegance and innovation.

The centerpiece of the DB28 Starry Sky is its stunning dial: a deep, mirror-polished blued titanium surface, meticulously decorated with hand-applied white gold pins representing a starry sky. What makes it truly exceptional is the option for customization—De Bethune allows clients to reproduce the exact constellation visible from a specific time and place that holds personal significance. This personalized celestial map transforms each DB28 into a one-of-a-kind timepiece, a poetic homage to the wearer’s life story.

Inside, the watch is powered by the manual-winding caliber DB2115V6, a movement developed entirely in-house. It offers a 6-day power reserve, achieved through a dual barrel system, and features De Bethune’s patented De Bethune balance spring and self-regulating twin barrel—innovations that significantly enhance precision and performance. The balance wheel, crafted from titanium with white gold inserts, ensures optimal temperature and mass distribution, delivering exceptional chronometric performance.

The DB28 Starry Sky also introduces a comfort-forward innovation with De Bethune’s signature floating lugs, which adjust to the movement of the wrist. Combined with the lightweight titanium case, the result is a timepiece that is as comfortable to wear as it is beautiful to behold.

Innovation Meets Emotion

The DB28 Starry Sky isn’t just a technical marvel—it’s a poetic narrative in motion. With every glance at its dial, you’re reminded of the infinite beauty of the cosmos. Whether purchased as a tribute to a life event, a gift of romance, or a collector’s jewel, this watch offers a deep emotional resonance rarely found in modern horology.

It’s no surprise the DB28 collection has received multiple industry accolades, including the “Aiguille d’Or” at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG)—the highest honor in watchmaking.

Why De Bethune is a Brand to Watch

In an industry dominated by centuries-old names, De Bethune stands out for its courage to innovate and its refusal to compromise on craftsmanship. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking something truly out of the ordinary—something astronomical, emotional, and mechanical—De Bethune offers an unforgettable journey into the future of horology.

With the DB28 Starry Sky, De Bethune has not only created a timepiece. It has captured the cosmos, encased it in titanium, and placed it on the wrist of dreamers.