Housed in a pocket watch-inspired case with a 12 o’clock crown position and a unique, articulating upper lug, its aesthetics, functionality, and movement set a high bar for independent maisons. Its 2006 DBS Digitale-which used a hand-wound movement to power a display with an in-line perpetual calendar, a jump hours window, and a digital minutes display-was particularly revelatory. None, however, do it quite like De Bethune.Įstablished in 2002 by fourth-generation French watchmaker and blacksmith Denis Flageollet, De Bethune makes stunning haute horlogerie creations in L’Auberson, Switzerland in the Jura Mountains.
While a young collector might be reluctant to carry a pocket watch-no matter how notable or horologically important-plenty of brands draw upon the aesthetics and layouts of vintage pocket watches when designing modern wristwatches.
