De Bethune unveils an artistic collaboration with Swizz Beatz
For Season 3 of its artistic collaboration with De Bethune, Swizz Beatz has selected the reversible DB Kind of Two GMT for a limited edition of 10 pieces
The dual-time display across two distinct dials, is seamlessly accessed with a single, ultra-precise flipping motion – an impressive horological feat by De Bethune. It required the development of a highly sophisticated movement entirely conceived and produced within De Bethune’s manufacture in l’Auberson, Switzerland. A precise system of gears and pinions ensures that the hands always move in the correct direction, regardless of the selected dial. Fully reversible, the watch offers the wearer the freedom to choose their display based on time zone or aesthetic preference.
The contemporary dial, with its streamlined aesthetic, accentuates the movement while focusing the time display around the balance wheel at 6 o’clock, with minute markers along the periphery. The interplay of polished, domed surfaces, combined with microlight and satin finishes, enhance the movement’s black coating. Despite its compact dimensions, the watch seamlessly integrates both a jumping seconds complication and a GMT function. A perfectly symmetrical deltoid bridge is positioned at the centre like an isosceles triangle.
The self-regulating twin barrels introduce a touch of silver, while golden accents on the hour and minute markers, and the dual central gold wheels of the jumping seconds mechanism, elevate the dial’s refinement. The polished, blued steel hands, with a satin-finished steel insert at the centre, introduce a discreet yet vibrant hue, ensuring optimal legibility.
The case, of zirconium and satin-finished Grade 5 titanium, has specially redesigned floating lugs to ensure an ergonomic fit. The case’s unique construction allows effortless transition between the two dials, achieved with a smooth, precise flipping motion. This ingenious micro-mechanical system, composed of 42 components made from corrosion-resistant materials such as surgical steel and titanium, is engineered to withstand external factors including water, humidity, temperature fluctuations, and offers continuous wearability.
The GMT face embodies the Maison’s signature aesthetic. The hour and minute track pays tribute to the historical DB8 and DB10 models, while the hand-guilloché central motif, with its seemingly random pattern, is subtly highlighted with hints of blue. The refined, fluid motion of the polished mirror-finished steel jumping seconds hand is an expression of pure horological emotion.
The dual-sided display is designed for ease of operation: The wearer first sets their home time on the contemporary face first, using the crown in position 3. The second time zone is then adjusted by pulling the crown to its second position while using the GMT face.
