The inclusion of diamonds and smaller case sizes in contemporary horology is often seen as an indication of a brand appeasing women collectors without truly engaging with what they want. The DB25 “Starry Night” is the exception that proves the rule. Such a well-designed tribute to haute joaillerie and horlogerie combined cannot be better represented than the present example.

The dark gleam of the mirror-polished blued titanium dial sets the stage of the cosmic Geneva sky. Illuminating the sky are delicate white gold and diamond stars that twinkle among the ever-wild night sky. Most impressive is the signature spherical moon phase of the brand, star-studded and casted in platinum and steel. The moon phase rotates on its own axis with exceptionally accurate precision that will diverge from astronomical reality by a mere one-day difference every 122 years. This exceptional creation was personalized by request; the starry sky can mimic a specific geographical place and date.

With a sinuous case of 40mm in diameter with De Bethune’s signature hollow lugs, the firm goes further on bejeweling the center caseband with beautiful baguette-cut diamonds that resonate harmoniously with the star-lit dial. Powered by the hand-crafted DB2024 movement sporting a mirror-polished finish on the annular balance and triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system, the mechanism can be admired on the reverse of the timepiece. It is believed that, since 2012, only 12 examples of this reference have been made, with this one being assigned number 15. Drawing the bridge between innovation and elegance, the present example would be a superb addition to the collection of any enthusiast of independent watchmaking.