Introducing Black Zirconium Encases the DB Kind of Two GMT

In 2020, American artist, rapper, and music producer Swizz Beatz challenged De Bethune with a visionary concept centered on transparency and light. The DW5, with its unclassifiable design and avant-garde spirit, became the ideal choice for this first limited edition, featuring a case composed of seven distinct sapphire crystal elements set within a blued titanium exoskeleton.

For Season 2, Swizz Beatz presented a new challenge, bringing the DBD model into the spotlight. This edition showcased a refined dial where “Côtes de Genève” finishing and Art Deco-inspired apertures formed an elegantly restrained digital display, concealing a complexity known only to the movement. The striking contrast of burgundy and anthracite, paired with a case that merges classical inspiration with contemporary execution, elevated its aesthetic.

Now, for Season 3, Swizz Beatz has selected the reversible DB Kind of Two GMT. First introduced in 2022 to mark De Bethune’s 20th anniversary, this timepiece features the brand’s 30th calibre.

Beyond its striking dual-identity concept, the watch offers a practical advantage: a dual-time display across two distinct dials, seamlessly accessed through an ultra-precise flipping mechanism, an impressive feat of horological engineering by De Bethune.

The case is crafted from zirconium and satin-finished Grade 5 titanium, measuring 43.3 mm in diameter and 11.4 mm in thickness. Specially redesigned floating lugs ensure an ergonomic fit, while the case’s innovative construction enables a smooth and effortless transition between the two dials. This ingenious micro-mechanical system, comprising 42 components made from corrosion-resistant materials such as surgical steel and titanium, exemplifies De Bethune’s technical mastery.

On the front, the crown is positioned at 12 o’clock, while on the reverse side, it sits at 6 o’clock. The wearer first sets their home time on the contemporary dial using the crown at the third position then adjusts the second time zone by pulling the crown to its second position while referencing the GMT face.

The GMT dial, infused with classic De Bethune DNA, embodies the brand’s signature aesthetic. The hour and minute track pays tribute to the historical DB8 and DB10 models, while the hand-guilloché central motif is subtly enhanced with blue accents. The blued polished titanium hour and minute hands contrast elegantly with the polished silver-tone jumping seconds hand, harmonizing with the silver Arabic numerals and indices.

The contemporary dial, with its streamlined design, highlights the movement while centering 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, creates subtle contrasts that enhance the exceptional depth of the movement’s black coating.

The self-regulating twin barrels introduce a touch of silver, while golden accents on the hour and minute markers, as well as the dual central gold wheels of the jumping seconds mechanism, elevate the dial’s refinement. The polished blued steel hands, featuring a satin-finished steel insert at the center, subtly play with light to enhance legibility.

Powering the watch is the hand-wound DB2517 calibre, the 30th movement developed by De Bethune. Running at 5Hz, it offers a four-day power reserve thanks to its twin barrels. The 30mm movement is finished to the highest standards, featuring a mirror-polished motion works bridge and concave cover plate in Grade 5 titanium, a polished and chamfered barrel bridge, hand-snailed barrels, and meticulously hand-polished steel components.

The DB Kind of Two GMT is paired with a black Nubuck Velcro strap, secured by a Zirconium buckle and a matte black Grade 5 titanium pin. This exclusive timepiece is limited to just 10 pieces, with pricing available upon request. Priced at 210,000 Swiss francs, which is approximately 872,900 AED.

For more information visit the official website of De bethune.