Introducing De Bethune Presents the DB25, Its Fourth Monopusher Chronograph

Alongside its bold and contemporary creations, as seen in its latest release, the new diving watch, which was the brand’s first launch for Watches & Wonders, De Bethune continues its approach to classic watchmaking by expanding the DB25 collection with the addition of a monopusher chronograph. 

This complication holds special significance for Denis Flageollet, De Bethune’s founder and master watchmaker, as it reflects the brand’s early ventures into watchmaking since 2002. The DB25 marks the fourth monopusher chronograph in the maison’s history, continuing a journey that began more than two decades ago with the DB1.

The DB25 draws inspiration from the refined aesthetics of the 1920s and 1930s while paying homage to the craftsmanship of 18th-century horological masters like Jean-Antoine Lépine and Julien Leroy. “For each new model, I always work from a classic foundation of a silvered dial and blued hands,” states Denis Flageollet.

Fitting a chronograph movement into a reduced 40 mm case posed a significant technical challenge—one that De Bethune’s team in L’Auberson met with remarkable ingenuity. Crafted from mirror-polished grade 5 titanium, the DB25 is exceptionally lightweight. The coaxial chronograph pusher is seamlessly integrated into the crown at 3 o’clock, while the slim bezel enhances the dial’s openness. The refined, open-worked lugs, tapered and adorned with ogival motifs, accentuate the watch’s rounded geometry while ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist.

The dial, rendered in an elegant silver hue, showcases meticulous craftsmanship—particularly in how it interacts with light and material finishes, a hallmark of De Bethune’s approach. Hand-decorated, it features a prominent 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock with barleycorn guilloché, subtly contrasting against the radiant, hand-engraved background to ensure optimal legibility of the elapsed time. 

Readability is further enhanced by De Bethune’s signature shade of blue, seen in the Arabic numerals, minute track, indicators, and the striking blued-polished titanium chronograph hand at the center.

Introduced in 2023 with the launch of the DB Eight, the DB3000 caliber is the 31st movement entirely designed and produced in-house by De Bethune. This monopusher chronograph movement features an ultra-thin column wheel and an instantaneous 60-minute counter. Additionally, it integrates De Bethune’s latest innovations, including a titanium and white gold balance wheel, a flat terminal-curved hairspring, and a silicon escape wheel. 

The movement’s distinctive architecture is revealed through the case back, showcasing fully mirror-polished steel bridges and an array of intricate details that highlight the artisans’ exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 VPH and offers a power reserve of 60 hours.

The DB25 Monopusher Chronograph is paired with an extra-supple alligator leather strap lined with alligator leather and secured by a grade 5 titanium pin buckle. It is priced at 80,000 CHF, approximately 333,830 AED.

For more information please visit the official website of De bethune.