Daniel Roth, George Daniels, Philippe Dufour, François-Paul Journe, Maximilian Busser... So many big names who have changed the face of contemporary watchmaking over the past thirty years but who remain unknown to the general public.
However, lately, the small Swiss watchmaking world and that of auctions have continued to restore their letters of nobility to these creative geniuses in the shadows.
Among the latter, we cannot forget that of De Bethune, and more particularly of Denis Flageollet.
However, the man keeps a low profile, straying little from his Swiss factory in Sainte-Croix and fleeing the horological gatherings that he abhors.
Hence the pleasant surprise felt by his early fans when the man made an appearance last November at the GPHG (the Oscars of watchmaking) to present a prize and participate in the jury.
Tempo regained
De Bethune, the art of watchmaking in the 21st century by Arthur Touchot, €195 from Assouline editions.
Assouline / Photo press
It is in this difficult context, at the dawn of the house's 20th anniversary, that Arthur Touchot, a former watchmaking journalist who now officiates in high places at Phillips Geneva alongside Aurel Bacs, undertook to speak the one who flees the media to tell his story.
From its early years to its quest for perfect chronometry, through the celebration of its know-how and its tenacity to release only one-of-a-kind specimens, this rich and beautiful work reveals the extent of its impact.
All confirmed by renowned speakers, between Jean Arnault, director of marketing and development of Louis Vuitton Watches, Jean-Claude Biver or leading watchmakers in sight.
And if Assouline editions have published other watchmaking coffee-table books this year on
The Dream Watch Tourbillon Season 1 by De Bethune.
Paige Thatcher/Press Photo