De Bethune DB25 Starry Varius, 2020

Dealer description — S.Song Watches

Amongst the litany of independent brands that have popped up in recent years, few of them can compete with the timepieces that De Bethune has been creating. Recognized as one of the most important independent watchmakers today, De Bethune has created a powerful individual identity as they have unrelentingly developed and stuck with their own unique style. The De Bethune DB25 Starry Varius you see here today is a perfect example of this. With a remarkable focus on ergonomics, finishing, and raw craftsmanship, the DB25 Starry Varius is a wonderful example of why De Bethune is held to such high regard in the watchmaking industry. Free from complications that might muddle its design, the DB25 is a time-only timepiece powered by the impeccably finished 6-day power reserve manually-wound cal. DB2005 movement. Featuring 160 parts with a silver plate and barrel bridge cover adorned with "côtes de Bethune” finishing, hand-snailed barrels, and hand-polished, chamfered steel parts throughout, this movement is a feast for the eyes. Beyond its movement, where the Starry Varius’ design really shines lies in its dial. Made from a highly polished blued titanium plate, the dial speaks to De Bethune’s signature aesthetic. Featuring a starry night sky made up of several applications of material, including around 100 different-sized, applied, white gold stars and tiny specks of gold leaf, this dial is a true work of art, which each example being slightly different. Interestingly, this particular DB 25 Starry Varius is quite special as it was specifically customized by its original owner to house silver hands, rather than the standard gold ones in order to match the titanium case better. Despite the unconventional design of the DB25, De Bethune worked hard to make sure that functionality and wearability weren’t compromised. With hollowed-out lugs that sit excellently on the wrist, this 42mm watch wears just as well as any other conventional timepiece. With its insane craftsmanship, impressive movement, and intricate dial details, De Bethune as a brand is becoming increasingly popular, and the DB 25 acts as the perfect ‘gateway’ into this brand.