While much of the industry continues to move in response to seasonal momentum, De Bethune remains quietly consistent in its approach—pursuing refinement over reinvention, and depth over immediacy. At Watches and Wonders 2025, the maison introduced two new creations that speak not to the moment, but to a long-held philosophy: that progress in watchmaking stems from careful evolution, rooted in integrity of function and clarity of purpose.

The DB25 Monopusher Chronograph and the DB28GS Swordfish represent two very different expressions—one guided by precision timing, the other by performance —but both are united by the same internal logic. Each is anchored by a technically distinct, fully in-house movement and shaped by a design language that favours proportion, coherence and mechanical transparency. Whether through the rugged architecture of the DB28GS or the quiet discipline of the DB25, De Bethune continues to develop watches that reflect a clear point of view.

Designed for real-world performance, the DB28GS Swordfish is a sports-oriented watch with a clear mission: to function with resilience, precision, and mechanical independence. Its 43.4 mm titanium case is fitted with De Bethune’s signature floating lugs, allowing the watch to sit securely and comfortably on the wrist. Water-resistant to 105 metres, it brings robust utility to a category not often associated with true wearability.

Inside, the calibre DB2080 anchors the watch’s performance. A hand-wound movement developed entirely in-house, it features a self-regulating twin barrel system that delivers a five-day power reserve. Its most striking attribute, however, is a patented lighting system—a mechanical dynamo activated by pressing a pusher at 6 o’clock. This battery-free innovation lights the dial on demand, a testament to De Bethune’s commitment to energy autonomy and mechanical ingenuity.

The dial, openworked and architectural, showcases the movement’s contemporary aesthetic: angular titanium bridges, polished elements and subtle blued accents provide a rich sense of depth and motion. Despite its technical complexity, the watch remains legible and restrained. Paired with a rubber strap and titanium buckle, the DB28GS “Sword” is defined not just by innovation, but by coherence.

Encased in grade 5 titanium at a diameter of 42.4 mm, the DB25 remains light and proportioned. The dial—silver-toned and engine-turned—is gently domed, with applied Roman numerals and blued steel hands. A 60-minute totaliser sits at 3 o’clock, mirrored by a 24-hour indicator at 9, maintaining balance while ensuring practical functionality.

As with all De Bethune movements, finishing is exceptional. The DB3024 is visible through the caseback, where black-polished surfaces, hand-chamfered edges and refined architecture confirm its place within the maison’s lineage of finely executed calibres. With a 60-hour power reserve and 4Hz frequency, this is a chronograph engineered with precision, but never at the expense of elegance.

Together, the DB28GS Swordfish and DB25 Monopusher Chronograph demonstrate how De Bethune continues to expand its creative and technical vocabulary without departing from its founding principles. These are not watches designed to draw passing attention—they are built for those who value long-term commitment to mechanical rigour, thoughtful design and the kind of quiet innovation that reveals itself over time. In a setting defined by spectacle, De Bethune’s clarity of purpose remains its most compelling statement.