====== De Bethune ======
**De Bethune** is a high-end Swiss watch brand formed in [[2002]].

===== Overview =====
[[David Zanetta]] and [[Denis Flageollet]] worked together at [[THA]], with Zanetta re-launching [[L. Leroy]] there in [[1998]]. After he left in [[2002]], Zanetta and Flageollet launched the De Bethune brand in [[La Chaux l'Auberson]] with the goal of creating a true [[manufacture]].

De Bethune is known for high-tech materials and design, pioneering work in [[silicon]] [[balance spring]]s for accuracy and shock protection.

===== Under Pierre Jacques =====
Private equity purchased De Bethune in [[2017]] under Giovanni Perin and Pierre Jacques became the CEO. Jacques had previously been CEO between [[2011]] and [[2015]], and his involvement brought stability and continuity to the brand. Denis Flageollet remained involved, with a major ownership stake, but David Zanetta stepped down and surrendered his shares. Zanetta had stepped back from the brand in [[2016]] on his 70th birthday.

===== Awards =====
  * De Bethune won the "Aiguille d'Or" Grand Prix at the [[Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève]] for the [[De Bethune DB28|DB28]] in November, [[2011]].
  * De Bethune won the Chronograph Watch Prize for the [[De Bethune DB29|DB29 Maxichrono Tourbillon]] in November, [[2014]].
  * De Bethune won the Chronometry Watch Prize for the DB25 Starry Varius Chronomètre Tourbillon in November, [[2018]].


{{tag>Watch_brands Watch_brands_Switzerland FHH}}