De Bethune and Swizz Beatz Unveil the DBD ‘Season 2’

De Bethune and record producer Kasseem Dean, better known as Swizz Beatz have joined forces once again to revive one of the most strikingly unusual watches the brand has ever created – the DBD Digitale – in a 13-piece limited edition. Their initial collaboration dates back to 2020, when Swizz Beatz approached the brand with a request to recreate the Dream Watch 5. The result was the Dream Watch 5 Tourbillon ‘Season 1’ launched the following year, featuring an open-worked ogive-shaped case that was fitted with seven pieces of precision-cut sapphire crystals to allow for greater visibility of the hour and minute discs as well as the brand’s distinctive spherical moon.

The DBD Digitale was first introduced back in 2006 in a highly limited quantity, available in white and rose gold. With a case shaped somewhat like a horseshoe and a dial with digital displays reminiscent of pocket watches created during the Art Deco era, it was a major departure from anything ever produced by the brand, and its uniqueness still endures today.

The De Bethune x Swizz Beatz DBD Season 2 is executed in zirconium, which has a rich, silvery grey hue that has been polished to mirror shine. This metal is rather uncommon in watchmaking as it is challenging to machine and polish, but it has several advantages. Zirconium is significantly lighter than steel, more durable and corrosion-resistant than titanium, and has exceptional hypoallergenic properties. The case stands out for having its crown positioned at 12 o’clock and its use of two distinct lug designs. It features ogival, bullet-shaped lugs at its base, while its upper lug is hinged, and attached to a metal tab to which the strap is fixed. As a result of this design, the watch wears a lot smaller than its almost 43mm case diameter would suggest.