Founded in 2002, have quickly developed a reputation for excellence in the world of independent watchmaking. Only making several dozen watches a year, the brand has combined time-honoured skills and cutting-edge technology, to carefully craft each piece entirely within the watchmaker’s atelier in the Swiss town of Sainte-Croix.

In 2011, De Bethune were awarded the Aiguille d’Or distinction at the GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) – the prestigious award ceremony’s most coveted title - awarded for best overall watch in all categories, for the DB28. This limited edition of ten DB28 'Kind of Blue' follows this success, introducing the same watch with a very different aesthetic.

The independent watchmaker is best known for decidedly contemporary design innovations, which firmly push the boundaries of 21st century horology. In its quest for mechanical perfection, De Bethune continues to conduct research and development within the manufacture’s laboratory, embracing the creation of materials new to the watch industry. The Kind of Blue Edition is a fitting demonstration of this, displaying a multitude of finishes, treatments and materials that have become widely recognised for their use in timepieces from De Bethune.

The manually-wound DB 2115 calibre movement not only displays finishing of the highest quality, with hand-decorated components, but is also technologically exceptional - representing De Bethune’s unique combination of cutting-edge precision and 18th century tradition. The 299 components show remarkable hand-finishing, with concentric graining and sharp, polished-bevels. With self-regulating twin barrels seen on the dial-side of the watch, a power-reserve of 144 hours (6 days) is achieved, shown by the highly-contrasted, rose-gold power-reserve indicator on the reverse of the watch.

By way of protection, the DB 2115 calibre also boasts a triple-parachute shock-absorbing system; unique to De Bethune calibres. The bridge of the triple parachute is secured by a spring-based system, protecting the heart of the movement. The various architectural elements are connected by three jewels, thereby absorbing shocks and ensuring precise re-positioning of the bridge after displacement.

The DB28 Dark Shadows displays a blued-titanium bridge on the dial in De Bethune’s signature ‘triangle’ form, finished using traditional Cotes de Genève techniques. The skeletonised, blued-steel hands offer a modern interpretation of classic Breguet styling, creating depth and preserving legibility whilst matching the blue aesthetic of the watch. Between the floating chapter-ring (marking the minutes) and polished inner-bezel, contrasting rose-gold 'arrow head' indexes denote the hours. Without the “De Bethune” name on the dial the polished, spherical, moon-phase display at 6 o’clock draws the eye.

Sized at a contemporary 42.6 mm in diameter, the distinctive drum-shaped case of the DB28 is made from blued titanium. The manufactures’ articulated, hollowed lugs are spring-loaded, neatly forming around the wrist. The entire watch is given this same high-polish blued finish, while the screw-down crown is located at the 12 o’clock position.

This DB28 Kind of Blue is in mint condition, accompanied by its original box, papers (unsigned) and product materials. It comes fitted with an original, De Bethune black alligator strap and corresponding blued-titanium buckle (open-worked in the same style as the lugs).

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look