PR91440

NEUCHÂTEL, Switzerland and GENEVA, Sept. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

--WatchBox, the global leader in collectible luxury timepieces, announces a

majority investment in independent watch manufacture De Bethune

WatchBox, the global leader in collectible luxury timepieces, announced the

investment in De Bethune, the independent watch manufacture established in

2002, and led by founder and visionary Master Watchmaker Denis Flageollet and

CEO Pierre Jacques. Since its 2017 founding, WatchBox has championed the work

of contemporary watchmakers and independent brands, and through this

investment, heightens its commitment to the independent watchmaking segment.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1607016/WatchBox_DeBethune_image.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1026258/Watchbox_Logo.jpg

The De Bethune manufacture is dedicated to research and development, and its

philosophy combines classic watchmaking skills and craftsmanship with a

contemporary technical process. The company continues to experience

unprecedented growth and recognition by collectors and the industry at large.

This investment will enable De Bethune to allocate greater resources towards a

strong and stable trajectory into the future, dedicated to its partners and

customers, and remaining true to its creative and quality principles.

"WatchBox has been a trusted partner of ours and a dynamic supporter of De

Bethune for years," Denis Flageollet and Pierre Jacques remarked. "We have long

admired their desire and commitment to educate the global watch community on

the art of watchmaking and are delighted to now join together. WatchBox's

investment will enable De Bethune to fulfill our long-term vision of advancing

and reinterpreting watchmaking."

Pierre Jacques (CEO) and Denis Flageollet (COO and Master Watchmaker) will

remain on De Bethune's board of directors to ensure continuity and will

continue to lead the teams in Geneva and L'Auberson. They will pursue the

successful product, distribution, and communication strategies of the brand,

honoring the traditions of 18th century watchmaking while delivering technical

and aesthetic innovation.

Images: https://bit.ly/WatchBoxDeBethune

About WatchBox

WatchBox is the world's leading platform for buying collectible luxury

timepieces; fueled by technology, innovation, and unmatched global experience

in the high-end watch market. WatchBox offers an unrivaled selection of luxury

timepieces for sale, and its client services for selling and trading timepieces

are streamlined and readily accessible both on and offline, with a vibrant

online community, and offices and showrooms in the United States, Hong Kong,

Singapore, Switzerland, and Dubai. Trust, pricing transparency, and

authentication are central tenets to WatchBox's platform, with each watch

thoroughly evaluated by in-house watchmakers and accompanied by a 2-year

international warranty.  www.thewatchbox.com

About De Bethune

De Bethune is an independent Swiss watch manufacturer located in L'Auberson. In

the pastures of the Swiss Jura mountains, nearly 40 people -- watchmakers,

engineers, designers, micro-mechanics, polishers, and decorators following the

lead and impetus of Denis Flageollet, founder of the brand and Master

Watchmaker -- focus on the research and development and realization of

technical and aesthetic innovations in the spirit of the great 18th century

master watchmakers.

Since its foundation, De Bethune has developed no fewer than 30 calibers,

unveiled over thirty world premieres, registered numerous patents, and produced

150 one-offs for the most discerning collectors. De Bethune timepieces have won

the highest global distinctions, including the Aiguille d'Or of the Grand Prix

d'Horlogerie de Genève for the Watch of the Year. Today, Denis Flageollet and

Pierre Jacques, the company's CEO, jointly shape the brand's destiny. A pure

style, taut lines and slim cases are part of the inimitable signature of De

Bethune's bold creations. www.debethune.com

PRESS CONTACTS

WatchBox: Caroline Kallman Joffe  |  caroline@wbgcorporate.com |  +1 717 951

2259

WatchBox Switzerland: Susanne Hurni  |  shurni@thewatchbox.com  |  +41 76 316

35 39

De Bethune

Ouldouze Nadiri  |  ouldouze.nadiri@debethune.com  |  +41 79 853 74 82

Marine Lemonnier-Brennan  |  marine.lemonnier@289consulting.com  |  +41 79 389

67 62

SOURCE: WatchBox