De Bethune DB Kind of Grande Complication

In recent years, whenever we see “Kind of” in the naming of a De Bethune timepiece, we know that we’re in for a real treat. The DB28XP Kind of Blue, DB29 Kind of Tourbillon, and DB Kind of Two Jumping GMT are all testaments to the creativity and technical genius of master watchmaker, Denis Flageollet. For Watches & Wonders 2024, De Bethune returns with another extraordinary timepiece, a masterful compendium of core technical and aesthetic attributes amassed from the brand’s 22 years in operation. This is De Bethune’s all-new DB Kind of Grande Complications.

Featuring the brand’s rotating case, first introduced in 2021, this was a natural choice for a timepiece with so many functions. Here, we have dual front and back display of hours and minutes, jumping seconds, ultra-light De Bethune 30 second tourbillon in titanium, spherical moonphase indication, leap-year indication, a perpetual calendar indicating day, month and date, end of power reserve indication, and an age of the moon indication. Such a culmination of acquired techniques and innovations, we could write 10,000 words on the decades of incremental steps that led to this timepiece.

Focusing on a few specific details, here’s what sticks out for us with this release. One, there is an amazing juxtaposition between the high-speed, almost frenetic tourbillon and the calm and composed central jumping second hand. What an amazing translation across those mechanisms to create that effect – a highly technical feat that requires some 60+ components. Two, it’s often that the movement is the sole star of any grande complication timepiece, but here’s there’s a lot to take in beyond the caliber. The DB Kind of Grande Complication’s case matches what the movement provides – there are 199 components in the exterior of the timepiece on top of the 552 parts in the caliber. Three, there are times where the pursuit of ultra-complicated watchmaking forces a brand to wander from its typical aesthetic identity – complexity takes priority above all else. Here, we have an ultra-complicated wristwatch that is thoroughly De Bethune in its design and look. There’s no sacrifice made at the altar of complications to craft this timepiece.

Integrating each of the 751 components involved in its exterior and movement required much more thought than assembling the various complications separately. Rethinking the caliber as a functional whole so that each complication interacts in perfect harmony is a technical feat that would be inconceivable without total technical mastery of all the innovations and patents involved in the Manufacture’s 32 previously released calibers. A huge feat, the DB Kind of Grande Complication is ultra-technical watchmaking at its finest.