As a watch collector with somewhat of a rose colored
perspective in relation to anything horological, being invited to a watch
event ‘Are Six Figure watches necessary?’ proved to be possibly confronting.
Ironically the event was held at the State Library of NSW, another
potentially archaic institution.
Maybe I’m quixotic but the idea of reading an actual book within a
library such as this, is enriching on so many levels that you just cannot
compare it with an e-book.
What was of greater interest was that the watch company hosting
the event together with the Hourglass was no other than De Bethune. If there is
one current brand that has a strong independence aura it is definitely De Bethune.
This is even apparent on the watches which speak for themselves by
having no brand signature or logo.
The brand has its own unique design DNA not only from an aesthetic
but more importantly in terms of movement architecture and a passion for
genuine innovation.
De Bethune almost operates in a different universe to the rest of
the industry. It has taken just eleven short years for two watchmaking devotees
to build what history will doubtless view as the foundations of 21st century
horology. In 2002, when David Zanetta, a collector with a passion for
art, history and timepieces, decided to join forces in founding De Bethune with
Denis Flageollet, the son, grandson and great-grandson of watchmakers, they
were both keenly aware of sharing the same vision of tomorrow's watchmaking.
Their no compromise approach is finally receiving well deserved accolades
amongst the industry and collectors.
In a tech driven, globalised world, the rational mind would
certainly paint traditional watchmaking as on a path of eventual obsolescence.
Luckily the human race is not entirely rational and there will always be a lure
to own objects of irrational desire that spark inexpressible feelings deep
inside of us.
Are these watches necessary? No! Are they an investment? No, as we
will find out in due course! These questions are not just about watches but all
things of human passion. To the crazy collector these creative works that symbolize beauty,
romance, and exclusivity are not a desire but a necessity.
