Our Take

Revamped in 2018 with new, slimmer case and lugs, the updated DB25 Starry Varius is a quintessentially De Bethune timepiece. It checks all the boxes for admirers of the brand. It has De Bethune’s signature blued surfaces, its sci-fi aesthetic, mesmerizing and innovative balance wheels, and an in-house calibre. Compared to its titanium sibling, this DB25 Starry Varius in rose gold is perfect for collectors who want a more dressy timepiece while keeping one foot firmly in the domain of sci-fi aesthetics.

There’s no shortage of things to zoom in on and admire with this timepiece. Though what sticks out exceptionally is the interesting, personalized touch to the surface of the dial on the Starry Varius. With this timepiece, you can work with De Bethune to customize the constellation on the dial to reflect the sky at a specific place and date. For those interested in adding a layer of intimacy to their timepiece, it's a clever representation and reminder of the relationship between man, the cosmos, and his surroundings. Beyond the immaculate surface finishing and cohesive design language, it is this “little” customization that elevates the DB25 Starry Varius from good to great watch.

At 42mm in diameter with quite short lugs, the rose gold case fits comfortably on wrists both small and large. Coupled with a sapphire crystal caseback and the 6-day, manual-wind calibre DB2005, the beauty of the caseback competes neck and neck for attention with this timepiece’s dial. The quality of the movement’s finishing meets De Bethune standards - Côtes de Bethune, polished beveling, hand-snailed finish on the barrels, and a patented shock absorbing system for the titanium balance wheel with silicon escapement.

Overall, the DB25 Starry Varius in rose gold is a serious addition to any horology enthusiast’s collection.

The Details

DB25 Starry Varius Rose Gold

Functions: Hours, Minutes

Dial:

• De Betune Star-studded sky in blued and polished titanium with hand-fitted white gold pins depicting the stars.
• Milky way patterns produced by laser beam micro milling.
• Gilded with 24-carat gold leaf.
• Silver-toned hours and minutes ring with polished rose gold hour-markers.

Hands: In hand-polished rose gold.

Case: Rose Gold 5N

Dimensions: Diameter 42mm - Thickness 8.8mm

Attachments: Integrated hollowed lugs

Glass: Sapphire crystal, 1800 Vickers hardness with double anti-reflective treatment.

Back: Open case back in polished rose gold 5N

Strap: Extra-supple alligator leather, alligator lining.

Movement: Mechanical Hand Wound

Power reserve: 6 Days

Features:

• Self-regulating twin barrel De Bethune Innovation (2004)
• Titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts
• "De Bethune" Balance-spring with flat terminal curve
• Silicon Escape wheel
• Triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system.