Introducing De Bethune Unveils the DB25xs, the Smallest Edition of the Starry Varius

De Bethune has long been distinguished for its unique approach to titanium, presenting it in unexpected colors and forms through innovative techniques ranging from chemical oxidation to thermal treatment. While blue has become the shade most closely associated with titanium in the brand’s creations, the maison took a bold step several years ago by introducing it in a deep burgundy hue on an iconic dial design adorned with golden star accents. This was in a special DB25 edition made exclusively for the Emirates Watch Club.

Emirates Watch Club Edition. 

Following the tremendous success of that edition, and the growing demand for it despite never being offered for sale as it was limited to club members, De Bethune now returns at Geneva Watch Days 2025 with a new creation that recalls the spirit of that exclusive model. Introducing the DB25xs Starry Varius, a smaller-sized watch featuring a deep crimson dial accented with Roman Emirates Watch Club.numerals.

Emirates Watch Club Edition.

The DB25, a cornerstone of the brand’s classic collection, originally launched in a 44 mm case, was elegantly revisited in 2018 with a slimmer 42 mm design and reworked lugs. This ongoing evolution now culminates in a new 40 mm edition of the Starry Varius. To preserve the refinement of the original design, this reduced format required a complete rethinking of the watch’s aesthetic balance.

According to Denis Flageollet: “It is important to maintain a beautiful dial aperture so that the observer can be fully immersed in the star-studded sky, thereby preserving the aura of the Starry Varius.”

Available in polished 5N rose gold or titanium, the case measures 40.6 mm in diameter and just 8.8 mm thick. Its integrated, signature hollowed lugs highlight the brand’s instantly recognizable design DNA. Both editions feature an open caseback in polished grade 5 titanium, offering a clear view of the movement, while water resistance is rated at 30 meters.

In exploring the natural spectrum of titanium oxidation through a thermal process unique to the Manufacture, De Bethune has chosen a warm, fiery hue to depict the nocturnal spectacle of a volcanic eruption.

Emirates Watch Club Edition.

The DB25xs Starry Varius presents a dial where a starry sky glows with volcanic intensity, its celestial canopy infused with the fiery tones of lava in motion. Crafted by artisans in the brand’s L’Auberson workshops, the mirror-polished titanium dials are meticulously hand-decorated. Each white gold pin is set into micro-perforations of varying size, creating a poetic rendering of the night sky. Through laser-beam micro-milling, a Milky Way motif emerges, enriched with 24-carat gold leaf. As with every De Bethune starlit dial, this celestial scene can be personalized according to a chosen date and location.

The display is further enhanced by hand-polished rose gold hands that glide gracefully over matching hour-markers set on a silver ring.

At the heart of the watch lies the hand-wound calibre DB2005, composed of 160 parts. Measuring 30 mm in diameter, it delivers an impressive six-day power reserve via a self-regulating twin barrel.

Emirates Watch Club Edition.

The movement showcases several of De Bethune’s pioneering innovations and patents, a titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts optimized for temperature variations, the patented “De Bethune” balance spring with flat terminal curve, a silicon escape wheel, and the triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the calibre is as visually refined as it is mechanically advanced, adorned with a silver plate and barrel bridge cover decorated with “Côtes De Bethune,” hand-snailed barrels, and hand-polished, chamfered steel parts.

Each watch is paired with a supple alligator leather strap, secured by a matching rose gold or titanium pin buckle.

Prices start at 65,000 CHF (approx. 298,800 AED) for the titanium edition, and 70,000 CHF (approx. 321,800 AED) for the rose gold edition.

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