Released in the second year of De Bethune's history, the DB10 is the first watch released for this edition, bearing all the characteristics of their earliest watches, while still retaining their forward-facing approach, seen in their familiar bullet-shaped lugs and blue accents on the dial.

This DB10 is the first in the 2003 collection, with 21 pieces created in rose and yellow gold as a whole. Overall, the DB10 has a classical, understated design that might seem surprising when compared to De Bethune's later offerings, but represents an initial exploration of their early style. With this watch, we can see the culmination of several aesthetic cues, paying tribute to the earliest De Bethune watches.
 
An extremely early piece, the overarching theme of the watch is simplicity, seen across the dial and case. The 42mm rose gold case is exceedingly classical and established signature De Bethune traits early on, with a finely finished, high polished case and solid lugs with ogival, or bullet-shaped, ends. In later iterations, we see a continued evolution of this feature, with hollowed out lugs and differing sizes but retaining the distinctive ogival shape.
 
The silvered dial complements the case, featuring a barleycorn-style guilloché in the center of the dial and a matte chapter ring where the blue Arabic numerals are printed. A cartouche bearing the De Bethune logo is placed below the 12 o'clock marker. The hands are heat blued, and match the numerals, adding a tasteful touch of colour to the otherwise monochromatic colour scheme. The blue used on the dial here may have been a precursor to the intensely blued examples that the manufacture would release later on, while the slender hand shape is still used in later watches that leaned towards traditional stylings.
 
The watch is powered by a vintage calibre produced by the Swiss movement supplier A. Schild SA. De Bethune reworked the movement to strengthen its automatic function, while adding several jewels as well as a solid gold rotor. While hidden behind a closed caseback, the finishing remains a highlight, with bevelled edges and polished components, in addition to perlage on the baseplate and snailing on the wheels. The caseback is engraved with "De Bethune" and the number of the watch.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this De Bethune DB10R will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This De Bethune DB10R is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show light superficial marks throughout, though only on the very surface of the material. The watch received a mechanical overhaul with De Bethune in 2024, the case was not polished. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfection and have been well preserved. On the caseback, the hallmarks and engravings are crisp and well defined, as are those on the buckle.

Warranty

The watch was recently serviced by De Bethune in September 2024 and thus comes with time remaining on the brand's servicing warranty. The watch also comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity from  A Collected Man.