De Bethune & Swizz Beatz Collaborate On Their Third Timepiece

De Bethune is once again pushing the boundaries of watchmaking with the release of the DB Kind of Two GMT Season 3, a striking fusion of technical ingenuity and artistic collaboration. This timepiece, designed in partnership with renowned artist and music producer Swizz Beatz, is a limited edition of just ten pieces, making it a true collector’s item. Featuring an innovative reversible case and dual-time display, this watch exemplifies De Bethune’s expertise in combining traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde innovation.

Swizz Beatz and De Bethune have shared a creative synergy since 2020, when the rapper and producer first collaborated with the Swiss watchmaker. Their initial project resulted in the DW5, a timepiece that embodied both transparency and light, thanks to its seven sapphire crystal elements set within a blued titanium exoskeleton. This design emphasized the intricate movement inside, creating a striking balance between minimalism and mechanical complexity.

The success of this partnership led to the development of a second watch, the DBD, which featured a refined dial inspired by Art Deco aesthetics, complete with a digital display hidden within a meticulously crafted movement. Now, for Season 3, Swizz Beatz has chosen the DB Kind of Two GMT, a watch that blends function and artistry in a way that is both visually captivating and technically superior.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this timepiece is its ability to display two distinct time zones on separate dials, which can be accessed effortlessly with a single, ultra-precise flipping motion. This innovation required the development of a highly complex movement, entirely conceived and produced within De Bethune’s manufacture in l’Auberson, Switzerland.

The engineering behind this reversible watch ensures that the hands move in the correct direction on both dials, providing a seamless and intuitive GMT function. This level of mechanical sophistication allows the wearer to switch between time zones with ease, making it a perfect travel companion.

The contemporary face of the DB Kind of Two GMT focuses on home time, featuring a streamlined dial with polished titanium hour markers, minute indicators along the periphery, and a balance wheel display at 6 o’clock. The aesthetic design enhances the depth of the movement, utilizing a combination of microlight and satin finishes to create a striking contrast.

Despite its compact dimensions, the watch exhibits remarkable volume and complexity, incorporating a jumping seconds complication and GMT function into its meticulously crafted layout. The symmetrical deltoid bridge, positioned at the center, reinforces the sense of balance and harmony within the design.

Adding to its sophisticated appearance, the timepiece features self-regulating twin barrels, which introduce subtle silver highlights. The 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. Meanwhile, the polished blued steel hands, combined with a satin-finished steel insert at the center, play with light to ensure optimal readability in any setting.

Beyond its striking dial, the DB Kind of Two GMT’s case is a true masterpiece of form and function. Crafted from satin-finished Grade 5 titanium and zirconium, it is both lightweight and highly durable. The redesigned floating lugs allow for a comfortable fit, seamlessly adapting to the wearer’s wrist movements.

The case’s reversible nature is made possible by a complex micro-mechanical system consisting of 42 precisely engineered components, all of which are made from corrosion-resistant materials such as surgical steel and titanium. This construction ensures that the watch remains impervious to environmental factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and daily wear.

On the reverse side of the watch, the GMT face presents a more traditional aesthetic, reflecting De Bethune’s signature design language. The hour and minute track pay tribute to the historical DB8 and DB10 models, while the hand-guilloché central motif adds a touch of artisanal craftsmanship.

The intricate pattern, subtly highlighted with blue hues, can be interpreted in multiple ways—some may see it as a nod to De Bethune’s signature blued hands, while others may liken it to the shimmering reflection of the sea under moonlight. This poetic design element serves as a testament to the artistic visions of both Denis Flageollet, De Bethune’s master watchmaker, and Swizz Beatz.

One of the most mesmerizing features of the GMT face is the polished mirror-finished steel jumping seconds hand, which moves with an almost hypnotic elegance. This display embodies the essence of haute horology, offering a refined yet deeply expressive visual experience. The precision engineering behind this function ensures that every movement of the seconds hand is flawlessly executed, reflecting De Bethune’s commitment to perfection.

Despite its mechanical complexity, the DB Kind of Two GMT remains incredibly user-friendly. The dual-sided display is designed for intuitive operation, allowing the wearer to set their home time on the contemporary face first using the crown in position 3. The second time zone is then adjusted by pulling the crown to its second position while viewing the GMT face. This straightforward adjustment system ensures that the watch remains highly functional without compromising on its sophisticated aesthetics.

Much like Swizz Beatz, who seamlessly blends musical genres to create something entirely unique, the DB Kind of Two GMT Season 3 is a masterpiece of versatility and innovation. With its deep black nuances, dual display, and two distinct personalities—one modern, the other classic—it perfectly encapsulates the harmonious balance between tradition and contemporary design. It is a watch that stands as a symbol of technical prowess, artistic vision, and exceptional craftsmanship.

For collectors and watch enthusiasts, the DB Kind of Two GMT Season 3 is not just a timepiece; it is an expression of De Bethune’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of horology. Limited to just ten pieces, this watch is a rare fusion of high-end engineering and creative collaboration, designed for those who appreciate the finest in Swiss watchmaking.