Part 1: The Foundations of De Bethune | Icons of Time

[@acp02091]

A solid gold Rolex and a pair of Newbalances. Sitting around having esoteric conversations about art and design. Jack is my 10 year plan.

[@RunningFast]

Loving the Jack & Tim dynamic duo, what a great episode! De Bethune was a brand that took me a while to wrap my head around, in pictures they seemed a little silly, in person, amazing, and when I understood the intention and people behind the watches I was happy to support the brand. I'm so glad you mentioned David Zanetta, he added a real design intent, there was both passion and philosophy that he embedded into the De Bethune design aesthetic, he saw the time, the universe, everything, on the wrist. Great to see De Bethune on solid footing and just starting to get the appreciation their work deserves.

[@maruataro9960]

I don't know how and what Watchbox group did to bring Jack in, but to me, the two discussing watches, or anything for that matter, is something wonderful. Looking forward to Jack passing down to Tim the journalism, and hopefully Tim to accumulate and, maybe after mastering his dream, come back and become a true curator and entertainer.

[@wukillah]

The fact that watchbox owns them tarnishes the perception of that brand

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

It shouldn't. How have the actual watches changed for the worse in the last year since WB has owned DB? External ownership keeps a small brand solvent and productive. Best, Tim

[@wukillah]

@@the1916companywatchreviews you noticed that I talked about brand perception, not the watches themselves. Perception is rarely based on pure logic. But we re talking about a luxury product and buyers are looking for an emotion, an experience… we re not talking about logic, if we were, spending thousands of dollars on mecanical watches wouldnt make the slightest sense

[@RunningFast]

@@wukillah I can see what you're saying but I think if you go one level deeper WB is in fact a great home for DB when you consider other options like bankruptcy or getting gobbled up by a luxury group like a Richemont or Swatch. Many will agree with you and pass over DB for this connection alone but at well over $100k I think many collectors think as much as feel when it comes time to open the wallet and those folks will look a little harder. WB hasn't changed the watches but they have brought better customer service, more collector/owner engagement, long term stability, and awareness of the brand. The experience as you put it has actually improved dramatically with WB in the picture. And, as someone who bought a DB before WB and purely out of emotion and irrational exuberance despite knowing they weren't in the best financial position and could cease to operate at any moment but still willing to take on the potential massive depreciation and servicing issues that could accompany that, I'm thrilled with what WB brings to the De Bethune brand.

[@shushuwu]

Oh my goodness I think it’s great news for such an amazing company and maker of time pieces to have a sales connection that can promote their incredible & incomparable work. I’m absolutely thrilled! I hope one day to find the money and the De Bethune to fit my 5 inch wrist! The positive praise these men said in this episode is no different than anything I’ve heard them speak about De Bethune before the acquisition.

[@wukillah]

@@RunningFast thanks for the interesting feedback, it definitely carries weight as you are an actual owner 👍👍

[@leosjan1]

What great content! So terrific to have these two guys elaborate on a very complex brand. And thanks to Tim for at least putting on a blazer...

[@colbyb952]

My two favorite gentlemen in the watch world. I’m fairly sure I could listen to them talk about wallpaper.

[@matteociancio]

This was a fantastic start !!!

[@sympathyforthebezel6068]

I love listening to these dudes.

[@kenflip]

I want a vantablack background for my living room too

[@BobbyDazzler888]

A vanta black body suit

[@tbd1613]

The DB 25 Starry Varius is the definition of DB. Great discussion gents.

[@ermir4444]

I dont know why, but this brand does absolutely nothing for me. Ive handled a few in Geneva and i just cant see what all the fuss is about.

[@Lexcoaster]

It's all just a matter of taste. For me personally, Royal Oak's, Daytonas and Speedmasters don't float my boat at all, but many people are somehow completely enamored with them. 🤷‍♂ I do find most De Bethune's to be very captivating.

[@jolness1]

Yeah I really appreciate the engineering and finishing but most of them just aren’t my personal taste.

[@chia-mingyang5804]

No any design can be for everyone, especially distinct designs. They used to be "too much" for me, but I'm getting in more and more. Now they are undoubtedly one of my favorite brands.

[@bekind1784]

I agree…DBs are not my cup of tea either…not a single model that I like. Different strokes for different folk!

[@donkykon2094]

does tim comb his hair in the morning?

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Yes once he did. Pre-covid I believe.

[@JoeyJiggles]

These 2 are amazing together lol

[@donkykon2094]

better than tim & the jingly jangly jubilee guy?

[@JoeyJiggles]

@@donkykon2094 ha. Sorry maybe I missed that?

[@maximl8820]

Great brand without a doubt but literally does nothing for me.

[@MDchaz]

Step aside Bennifer and Brangelina. This power couple is so knowledgeable and entertaining. Jim or Mossorrester?

[@shushuwu]

I was just gonna say, Tim looks fantastic In the look he is sporting today.

[@dsvillalva]

Where’s Mike? In Philly or Connecticut?

[@obryan240]

Cool socks 😎

[@user-fi5fr9us2t]

I liked this conversation (the hype creation) of DB, however the design of this brand does nothing for me. Somehow there's just too much focus on metallurgy, and not esthetics, ergonomics, comfort(I wore numerous models). Different, yes, innovative, yes, but after all, if i can't wear it daily it's just not for me. Also in my opinion, there's a contradiction on the futuristic sporty look and the 30m water resistance, the concept just crashes. it's not a fund product, One eider makes a dress watch looking less watch, or a sports watch looking sports watch. Make watches with seconds has, minute markers, smaller cases, and then add the metallurgy and you have a winner! When I see this brand on someones wrist, first thought is; Look I have a lot of cash;-))) Again, a very pleasing and enjoyable conversation guys...!

[@watchnerds]

I'm not lucky enough to own one yet but man, the DB hinged case is really something. The comfy-est hyper luxury watch beside the older generation of the RM until they switch to fancy plastic colorful cases. So I don't quite get your point for the ergonomic and comfort.

[@jaredcoffin3907]

This brand is worth far less than the sum of its parts. Not a fan.

[@saymyname218]

Interesting guy, but he still reminds me of Richard Dreyfuss. lol