Baselworld 2014: DeBethune DB29 Maxichrono Tourbillon

DeBethune was founded in 2002 and is an independent company.  Their creations right from the start were full of new technical innovations, and new takes on complications such as the first 3D moonphase.

They are one of my favourite independent brands and this year they have created very nice looking and special chronograph.

A typical chronograph will have a bi compax or tri compax layout.  This means the watch will have either 2 or 3 subdials: One for the elapsed minutes (either 30 or 60 mins), hours(usually 12) and the last subdial contains the running seconds hand.

DeBehune has released a mono pusher chronograph with all functions stemming from the centre of the watch.  This means the hands for telling the time plus the chronograph functions all are located in the one place.  DeBethune has utilised the inner and outer tracks of the dial for the elapsed hours and minutes respectively.

This mono pusher chronograph is special as it allows for timing for a full 24 hours instead of the usual 12.   In addition to the unique layout, it has some very special bells and whistles under the hood.  Positioned just under the crown is a push button.  When pressed this opens up the hinged caseback to reveal the gloriously finished and innovative movement.

De Bethunes new innovations reduce the friction in the movement when the chronograph is running and when it is not.

Full explanation from DeBethune themselves:

De Bethune total clutch system: a patented chronograph invention

De Bethune’s research and development department has announced the filing of a patent
application n° CH00076/14 for the chronograph mechanism. De Bethune’s absolute clutch aims to
improve the performance of chronographs by correcting the faults identified in current mechanisms.
This mechanism makes the most of the advantages of the horizontal and vertical clutch systems
while eliminating their faults. It thus benefits from a marked reduction in the friction that affects the
movement both when the chronograph is running and when it is functioning without the
chronograph engaged.
The absolute clutch operates in a system engaging the two traditional clutch methods to allow the
different chronograph counters to function semi-autonomously:
- The chronograph seconds are governed by the new absolute clutch system;
- The minutes counter is controlled by a shifting pinion;
- The hours counter is engaged by a horizontal clutch.
Three different types of clutch behind three semi-independent systems controlled by three
column-wheels thus govern the different chronograph elapsed-time counters.

DB2039 calibre
Movement: mechanical hand-wound movement
Functions: hours – minutes – mono-pusher chronograph with 24-hour, 60-minute and 60-second
counters – De Bethune Tourbillon 30″ silicon/titanium 36,000 vph
Diameter 30 mm – 410 parts – hand-crafted finishing and decoration – hand-polished steel –
3 columns wheels
5 Day Power Reserve


This will be a limited edition of 20 pieces and another version is available the DB28 Maxichrono sans Tourbillon with DeBethunes floating lugs system .