Duality captured within a single mechanical heartbeat. This is the philosophical and technical proposition that Denis Flageollet and his team at De Bethune have materialized in the new DB Kind of Two Jumping GMT. In an era where complications often mean adding more, De Bethune has chosen a different path: doubling the identity while maintaining singular mechanical integrity. The result is another watch that presents two complete dial experiences—contemporary and classic—each telling its own story, each displaying its own time zone, all powered by a single movement designed and manufactured entirely within the brand's workshops in L'Auberson, Switzerland.
Dual Time in One Movement
The apparent simplicity of the DB Kind of Two Jumping GMT's operation—flip the watch, see a different time zone—conceals an engineering achievement of remarkable sophistication. Creating a mechanism in which two independent dials display time from a single movement, with hands that always rotate correctly regardless of which side faces outward, required De Bethune to develop an entirely new gear-train architecture.
The technical challenge becomes immediately clear when considering the fundamental problem: both dials must read time clockwise, yet they're oriented in opposite directions. The solution involves a complex system of gears and pinions specifically engineered to maintain correct rotational direction for both displays. This is not simply a matter of reversing a gear train; it requires precise calculation of ratios, careful consideration of power transmission, and meticulous attention to mechanical efficiency to ensure the watch runs accurately across both time zones.
The movement itself incorporates both GMT and jumping-second complications—the latter notably presented by two central gold wheels visible on the contemporary side. These complications don't merely coexist; they're integrated into the dual-display architecture to maintain mechanical harmony and chronometric precision.
The 43mm case in polished grade 5 titanium is a technical achievement in its own right. Creating a case that must house a complex dual-display movement while providing easy access to both dials required developing an entirely new system of floating lugs with an integrated swivel mechanism.
This patented floating lug system—a De Bethune signature—ensures the watch positions perfectly on the wrist and adapts to its movements. But for the DB Kind of Two, the lugs needed to do more: they needed to provide a smooth, precise swivel action that allows the wearer to flip between dials effortlessly. The mechanism consists of 42 components made from stainless materials, including surgical steel and titanium, engineered to withstand water, humidity, temperature variations, and continuous skin contact while maintaining precise, reliable operation.
The result is a watch that feels simultaneously substantial and comfortable, technical yet refined. The swivel action provides satisfying tactile feedback—neither too loose nor too tight—while the floating lugs ensure comfort across different wrist sizes and positions.
The Contemporary Face: Mechanical Transparency
The contemporary dial showcases De Bethune's philosophy of architectural watchmaking—where movement becomes display, and technical elements achieve aesthetic purpose. Time is read from the balance wheel at 6 o'clock, creating an uncommon and immediately recognizable layout that draws the eye directly to the mechanical heart of the watch.
The minutes scale encircles the dial's perimeter, while hours and minutes markers feature a distinctive treatment: mirror-polished blued steel with satin-brushed steel central inlays. This creates subtle light effects—blue catching direct light while brushed steel provides contrast—ensuring perfect legibility while adding visual depth. The craftsmanship extends throughout: layered, polished, and domed shapes, microlight finishes, shot peening, and snail decoration reveal the meticulous attention devoted to every surface.
A centrally positioned deltoid-shaped titanium bridge, crafted on several levels, contributes structural stability while echoing De Bethune's signature architectural approach to movement construction. The jumping-second complication is expressed through two central gold wheels, their warm hue contrasting beautifully with the cooler titanium and steel tones. Despite the limited space within a 43 mm case, the dial achieves remarkable depth and dimension—a testament to thoughtful three-dimensional design.
The Classic Face: Understated Elegance
Turn the watch over, and you enter a different horological world entirely. The reverse side presents a domed anthracite dial with guilloché center—a traditionally inspired composition that provides understated time reading for the second time zone. This is watchmaking's classical language spoken with contemporary fluency.
Manually polished curved 5N gold hands sweep across the dial, their warm glow matched by gilded hour markers. The polished titanium indicator that marks the mechanical seconds jump adds a subtle technical detail to an otherwise traditional presentation. The guilloché work—executed with precision—creates texture and depth, while the domed dial adds a vintage-inspired dimensional quality that distinguishes this face from typical flat modern dials.
The contrast between the two sides couldn't be more pronounced: contemporary mechanical exhibition versus classic restrained elegance. Yet both share De Bethune's commitment to finish, detail, and legibility. The watch doesn't favor one aesthetic over the other; it presents both as equal expressions of horological artistry.
Exclusivity Through Craft: Production and Price
The DB Kind of Two Jumping GMT is offered in an edition limited not by arbitrary numbers, but by the human scale of De Bethune's workshops. This approach reflects the brand's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and the reality that certain levels of finishing and assembly require time and expertise that cannot be rushed or mass-produced.
The watch comes completed on a supple, lined alligator leather strap that complements both the contemporary and classic personalities of the two dials. Every detail—from material selection to strap attachment—has been considered as part of the complete wearing experience.
Sticker Price USD 235,000. For more info on De Bethune click here.
