De Bethune launched two exclusive new references of its DB Eight single-pusher chronograph, the DB8REWS3 and the DB8REYS2. Founded in 2002 by David Zanetta and master watchmaker Denis Flageollet, De Bethune has a rich history of blending tradition with innovation.
The DB Eight, introduced over twenty years ago, is a testament to this blend. It originally stood out for its single chronograph minute counter at six o’clock. Over the years, the model has been updated with features like an instantaneous minute counter and refined design elements. Last year’s titanium case and white dial version set the stage for this year’s gold models, which honor the brand’s early designs while embracing a modern look.
The DB Eight DB8REWS3 features a polished white gold case and a royal blue dial. This model includes polished titanium hands, De Bethune’s signature ogival lugs, a dial featuring an intricate engine-turned guilloché with twelve sectors, and silver Arabic numerals. At 6 o’clock, the instantaneous 60-minute counter is displayed on a barley grain engine-turned sub-dial. It comes with a royal blue alligator strap.
The DB Eight with reference DB8REYS2 comes in a polished yellow gold case with a rich chocolate brown dial. This version also includes polished titanium hands, treated to a golden hue to match the case, ogival lugs, intricate engine-turned guilloché with twelve sectors and golden Arabic numerals, and a 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock is highlighted on a barley grain engine-turned sub-dial. It comes with a brown alligator strap.
Both versions of the DB Eight are powered by the DB3000 manual-wind chronograph movement, a marvel of precision engineering. This movement features a titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, 31 jewels, and De Bethune’s patented balance spring with a flat terminal curve. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a 60-hour power reserve. The instantaneous minute counter is centrally positioned at 6 o’clock, and the movement is visible through the expansive sapphire crystal caseback.
The new De Bethune DB Eight models, the white gold version with a royal blue dial and the yellow gold version with a chocolate brown dial can be purchased at select retailers and through De Bethune’s official website. Each model is priced at around $85,000.
