There’s a long-standing misconception in the watch world that true prestige only comes with centuries of heritage, and names like Breguet, Rolex, and Patek Philippe tend to dominate that conversation. But over the past two decades, independent watchmaking has steadily reshaped how we view watches, giving collectors compelling reasons to look beyond the traditional boutiques. Few have navigated that space as confidently as De Bethune, a brand that comfortably bridges classical inspiration with forward-thinking design, often in the same piece.
For 2026, De Bethune continues to focus on that dual identity with a lineup that’s both technically ambitious and refreshingly wearable. From highly complex, in-house calibers and experimental materials to more restrained designs catered to everyday usability, the brand’s range is broader than ever. The latest releases, the DB25Vxs Silver Moon, DB28xs Dark Sand, and DB25 Monopusher Chronograph, highlight that versatility, presenting everything from moonphase displays to sportier chronograph functionality. It supports De Bethune’s position at the top of the independent space, while giving collectors a wider lens into what modern haute horology can look like today.
DB25Vxs Silver Moon
The De Bethune DB25Vxs Silver Moon is a more focused take on the classic DB25 formula, scaled down to a wearable 40.6mm titanium case with a slimmer profile. The dial keeps things traditional at first glance with a silver guilloché finish, but the execution is modern, especially with the spherical moonphase at 12 o’clock, one of De Bethune’s signature complications, accurate to a single lunar day over more than a century. It’s powered by a hand-wound movement with a six-day power reserve, built around the brand’s in-house features, including a titanium balance wheel and a silicon escapement.
DB28xs Dark Sand
The De Bethune DB28xs Dark Sand takes the familiar DB28 and pushes it into a more compact, material-focused direction. Sized at 38.7mm and just 8mm thick, the matte anthracite zirconium case gives it a darker, more modern look compared to traditional precious-metal examples, while still including the brand’s patented floating lugs for comfort. The dial focuses heavily on contrast and texture, with sandblasted titanium, guilloché detailing, and subtle purple accents on the markers and hands. Inside, the hand-wound movement delivers a six-day power reserve and again incorporates De Bethune’s core technical elements, including a titanium balance wheel and silicon escapement.
DB25 Monopusher Chronograph
The De Bethune DB25 Monopusher Chronograph with a new salmon dial brings a slightly warmer, more classic tone to what is otherwise a modern take on a traditional chronograph. Housed in a 40.6mm polished titanium case, it keeps things slim and simple, with the monopusher integrated directly into the crown for a straightforward, easy operation. The dial layout is easy to read, with a central chronograph seconds hand and a 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock. Inside, the hand-wound movement delivers a solid 60-hour power reserve.
