The DB Kind of Grande Complication brings together the innovations introduced by De Bethune since its creation.
The DB Kind of Grande Complication is a veritable compendium of the technical and aesthetic innovations that have been invented and built, over 22 years, by De Bethune. It is the culmination of the dream of a young watchmaker who, looking with wonder at the double complication models, already envisaged creating such a watch. After many years of design and development, Denis Flageollet, Master Watchmaker and co-founder of the brand, achieved this by drawing on all the resources of manufacturing. The choice of a reversible double-sided case with floating lugs (in titanium) is only natural, as it not only provides scope for a large number of complications, but also allows the free expression of aesthetics through the dual display of the various functions.
In the DB Kind of Grande Complication we therefore have two dials: a contemporary one, showing the refined structure of the DB2529 calibre, the power reserve and the age of the Moonthrough a silvered retrograde indicator that also facilitates the precise updating of the lunar day. But also a tourbillon and the central jumping seconds mechanism, below the large mirror-polished deltoid bridge. The second dial, classically sober, features a perpetual calendar enhanced by a three-dimensional moon phase display and the manufacture's characteristic starry sky. The hand-decorated sky features small white gold pins depicting the stars and adorned with a representation of the Milky Way, created by laser beam micro milling and covered in 24-carat gold leaf.
DB Kind of Grande Complication: a concentrate of technique and innovation
A summary of De Bethune's history, innovations and complications.
Entering into the typically technical details, we emphasise that the DB Kind of Grande Complication is not a grande complication as we understand it in the classical sense. It lacks a 'noble' chime and a chronograph to define it as such. It is undoubtedly a very complex watch, but the definition of 'grand complication' has more commercial than cultural-historical value. Several inventions are also present in the regulating organ and escapement.
We have the balance wheel with white gold inserts, optimised for thermal compensation and air flows (De Bethune patent of 2016), which oscillates at the remarkable frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hertz), the flat-ended spiral (De Bethune patent of 2006) and the silicon escapement wheel. It is also present the Dead Beat Second escapement (De Bethune invention of 2011) in an ultralight 30-second titanium tourbillon, one of the fastest and lightest on the market.
The quintessence of Haute Horlogerie by De Bethune
Tradition and innovation meet.
The integration of each of the 751 components that make up the habillage and the movement required much more thought than the separate assembly of the various complications. Rethinking the gauge as a functional whole, so that each complication interacts in perfect harmony, is a technical feat that would be inconceivable without total technical mastery of all the innovations and patents incorporated over time in the 32 calibres of the Manufacture.
DB Kind of Grande Complication captures the essence of De Bethune combining the innovative intent of the 'Horlofaber' with the heritage of traditional savoir-faire and the profound watchmaking and artistic culture expressed through a powerful contemporary aesthetic. It is the ultimate embodiment of the spirit of the brand.
Price400,000 Swiss francs (excluding tax).
