After the first celebrated collaboration that met with considerable success among lovers of independent watchmakers’ creations, De Bethune and Swizz Beatz have once again joined forces to create a highly exclusive watch.
This is a reinterpretation of the Digital DB, one of the Swiss maison’s earliest models, which is now dressed in a new color.
(If you missed the video of our recent visit to the manufacture, you can watch it here)
De Bethune and Swizz Beatz
Well-known rapper and record producer Swizz Beatz, a longtime lover of the Swiss maison founded by skilled watchmaker Denis Flageollet together with David Zanetta in L’Auberson, has for the second time issued a challenge to the manufacture, which has responded with the creation of the new DBD Digital Season 2.
As with the previous collaboration, which saw the birth of the Dream Watch 5 Tourbillon “Season 1,” this new watch encapsulates within it all the philosophy and vision of Denis Flageollet’s signature watchmaking.
Unlike the previous model made between the manufacture and the artist, in the new DBD Digital Season 2 we see a real return to the roots of the house.
As futuristic a watch as it may in fact seem, the DB Digital boasts a good 17 years on its shoulders, thus representing what have been De Bethune’s roots. The presentation of this new version of the Digital DB, like the watch, could only be entirely exclusive.
In fact, for the occasion, the rapper and the fashion house hosted a private party held in WatchBox’s new lounge near West Hollywood attended by several celebrities.
This second collaboration is a tribute to the creativity, innovation and art of watchmaking in a De Bethune key along with the distinctive aesthetic of Swizz Beatz, an artist who has always been linked to the creations of the maison.
De Bethune DB Digitale Season 2
On the surface, De Bethune’s DB Digital may appear to be a rather simple watch. However, looking at it closely in the hands, one cannot help but notice all the complexity of making for what are the finishes, movement and design
Faithful to the savoir-faire that has always distinguished the maison, the DB Digital, like the manufacture’s other models, is faithful to the watchmaking traditions of the 18th century without neglecting a modern twist by the skilled Denis Flageollet.
In fact, this great watchmaker, who has always been a great admirer of ingenuity and mechanical intricacies, has, thanks to his idea of watchmaking, created true works of art for the wrist, within which ingenious solutions are enclosed at the level of mechanics as well as at the level of design.
These are all features that we also find in the Digital DBD Season 2 and make it a sight for sore eyes.
Looking at the polished zirconium case in light anthracite, we can admire a design characterized by soft, classic lines but at the same time conveying the futuristic nature of the watch.
At 12 o’clock is the crown, and at the bottom of the 42.6-mm-diameter case, on the other hand, ogival lugs can be seen.
The detail that definitely jumps out at you is the burgundy dial finished with a Côtes de Genève pattern that has been one of De Bethune’s greatest innovations since 2006, when this workmanship was first introduced in the world on a dial by a watchmaker.
Also located on the dial are the five Art Deco-style windows that provide indications thanks to five different discs.
At 12 o’clock the day, date and month are indicated in a linear fashion; below that, however, we find the window indicating the sliding minutes, and finally, at the bottom of the dial, at 6 o’clock, we find the jumping hours window.
Looking at the back of the watch you can admire, thanks to the sapphire crystal case back, the fantastic finely crafted movement that benefits from all the latest De Bethune technologies.
It is the hand-wound DB2044 caliber that drives the triple in-line calendar and digital time display on the dial.
This movement, which offers a 5-day power reserve, features a state-of-the-art titanium balance wheel with white gold inlays and a triple pare-chute shock absorption system.
Complementing the new DBD Digital Season 2, limited to only 13 pieces, is a burgundy fabric strap to match the dial and an additional black alligator leather strap.
Our opinion
Unfortunately, De Bethune’s first creations belong to the early 2000s. Years that are outside the golden circle in which all the “vintage” watches we love so much were created. To make a long story short, the early 2000s are far enough away to be considered “dated”, but not so far away as to be considered “vintage”. For this reason, such an operation could have had some risk.
We can say that De Bethune has absolutely passed the test. Thanks to this burgundy color, combined with the Côtes de Genève workmanship and the house color, the watch looks absolutely modern and aesthetically appealing. As icing on the cake, a wonderful movement.
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