The New De Bethune DB25xs Starry Varius, A Celestial Beauty in a More Compact Form

When De Bethune first unveiled the DB25 Starry Varius, it quickly became one of the brand’s most poetic and recognisable creations. A starry sky rendered in shimmering blued or polished titanium, dotted with hand-fitted white gold pins and illuminated by the Milky Way in delicate 24-carat gold leaf, it was, quite literally, a firmament on the wrist. The watch combined the brand’s flair for technical invention with an artisanal approach to finishing, making each piece a unique cosmos, customisable to mirror the night sky of its owner. Over the years, the DB25 Starry Varius has become a flagship of De Bethune’s artistry, admired both for its cosmic beauty and its refined proportions in a 42mm case. Now, De Bethune presents a new pair of watches in a more compact and versatile format, the DB25xs Starry Varius. 

Offered in 5N rose gold and grade 5 titanium, the latest models scale the celestial spectacle down to a more wearable 40.6mm diameter and a remarkably slim 8.8mm thickness. The case design remains unmistakably De Bethune, with its polished surfaces, flowing openworked lugs, and sapphire crystals with double anti-reflective treatment protecting both the dial and caseback. Water resistance is rated to 30m.

The dial of the new DB25xs Starry Varius is a miniature work of art. Crafted from polished titanium in a deep burgundy hue, it is perforated with tiny apertures to hold individually hand-fitted white gold pins representing the stars. The Milky Way is recreated as a delicate interplay of laser engraving and 24-carat gold leaf, stretching across the sky. A silver-toned chapter ring with polished rose gold hour markers and Roman numerals frames the display, while slender, hand-polished rose gold hands trace the hours and minutes without obstructing the celestial view.

The watch is powered by the hand-wound calibre DB2005, composed of 160 components and delivering a generous six-day power reserve thanks to the patented self-regulating twin barrel system. The regulating organ is quintessentially De Bethune: a titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, optimised for thermal stability and air resistance, combined with a silicon escape wheel and the patented balance spring with flat terminal curve. The brand’s triple pare-chute shock absorber further protects the mechanism. Finishing is executed to the highest standards, with bridges adorned in Côtes De Bethune, hand-snailed barrels, and meticulously chamfered, polished steel parts.

The DB25xs Starry Varius is paired with an alligator leather strap and a matching ardillon buckle, in rose gold for the 5N model and titanium for the grade 5 version. Both variants are now part of the permanent collection. Prices are available upon request. More information at debethune.ch.