The tandem formed by David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet continues to impress and amaze observers. Since the founding of De Bethune, the brand has constantly innovated at a pace that is pretty hard to keep track of. In this contributor’s humble opinion, the rhythm of technological process achieved by De Bethune is such that the entire watch industry can immediately benefit from the breakthroughs made by the brand, without the latter suffering from such imitation, since it is always two steps ahead.
The Dream Watch Two is a concentrated blend of technical feats, united to spectacular effect within a single case.
The most impressive demonstration of Denis Flageollet’s masterful touch lies in the regulating organ of this timepiece: a tourbillon without the traditional carriage. The ensemble is supported by a revolutionary U and S-shaped structure. The choice and quality of the materials, along with the mastery of avant-garde machining technologies, have served to reduce the overall weight by a factor of three compared with a conventional tourbillon. Requiring little lubrication, this set of components incorporates the brand’s patented thermo-compensated platinum-silicon balance. Four arms equipped with bimetallic blades (in invar-brass) effectively compensate for the variations in rate due to the expansion of the balance-spring. Each of the arms features an inertia block enabling fine dynamic adjustment and achieving optimal inertia. The terminal curve of the flat balance-spring, also developed in the brand’s laboratory, guarantees an exceptional degree of isochronism. Finally, the collet and the balance-spring are machined from a single block which makes it possible to get a shape that is immediately just right, to avoid any problems of rating by the solidarity of its two components, and to make it virtually insensitive to the influence of shocks thanks to its overall lightness.
However, the Dream Watch Two is not just the sum of the countless demonstrations of virtuosity and ingenuity embodied in its regulating organ, since its dial features the various indications of a magnificent and original perpetual calendar. The latter features a traditional pointer-type date display, while the month and day are indicated by two discs appearing through generously sized apertures. The famous spherical moon in blued steel and platinum, along with its leap-year cycle indication, composes an eminently readable dial enhanced by the ultimate touch of transparent sapphire hour and minute hands.
Incredible as all this might seem, the De Bethune twosome did not stop there, but also found space to add a minute repeater sounding on a bell. The sheer volume is exceptional and the tone is crystal-clear. For me as a watchmaker, it sets a whole new benchmark in this field. And I almost forget to mention the activation of this function via a bezel lending this watch an ideally understated appearance and providing a perfectly clear understanding of the indication thus provided.
The exterior also has a number of distinctive and distinguished features, since the Dream Watch Two is housed within a matt and polished platinum case which is suspended from the famous cradles that easily adjust to each wrist shape and size thanks to their variable geometry.
Dream Watch Two embodies the essence of the finest contemporary achievements in the peak segment of fine watchmaking. Mastery of time-honoured know-how combined with cutting-edge innovations and technologies reach a truly stunning level that is frankly quite moving for any self-respecting devotee of mechanical engineering, however blasé.
From a personal point of view, the sobriety and aesthetic equilibrium of the watch strongly appealed to me. Discretion and good taste are the keynotes of this gem intended exclusively for seasoned connoisseurs liable to appreciate the value of something so unique.
