SINGAPORE, 27 JANUARY 2015 - Innovation has always been
the touchstone of the masterpieces that have punctuated the history of
horology. The grand masters used technologies, tools and means of their era in
order to surpass their own knowledge and push their achievements to ever-greater
heights of excellence. It is this spirit of innovation that continues to drive
David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet. Their artistic approach and their vision of
contemporary watchmaking are grounded on the solid foundations of technical
knowledge, well-mastered expertise and a culture nurtured by several centuries
of history enriched with all kinds of beauty.
The DB25T Zodiac features references to the imposing tower
clocks that are still enthroned in certain European cities and have been an
infinite source of inspiration for horologists wishing to convey their beauty
and their grandeur through the ages. Table clocks or grandfather clocks, pocket
watches and now wristwatches: the very essence of this horological culture
graces the dial of the DB25T, notably in the aesthetic work on materials, the
engraving and the light effects, but also and above all through consistently
demonstrated miniaturisation technology.
The round case of the DB25 and its elegantly open-worked
lugs frame a polished and blued titanium sky adorned with hand-engravings on
solid gold and representing the 12 zodiac signs. These symbols, which are an
integral part of the aesthetic and artistic world of horology, lend a sense of
infinity to the depth of the De Bethune star-studded sky. The radiance
instilled by the silver-toned guilloché decoration radiating from the dial
centre contributes to the multiple shimmering light effects on the finely
grained rings, and on the open-worked polished yellow gold hands.
The technical nature and the high frequency of the DB2109
mechanism driving the jumping seconds display makes a striking contrast with
the almost poetic delicacy with which this large blue hand finely points to
every second. De Bethune wished to revive the traditions of the golden age of
horology by infusing this movement with the soul and the majesty of the great
historical regulator clocks. “Jumping seconds” was a natural choice to impart a
noble cadence to the passing of time. The components are pared down to
essentials and feature simplicity where required and complexity where
necessary.
