The Superb Burgundy-Toned De Bethune DB25 Starry Varius for Emirates Watch Club

In the world of watch collecting, clubs and groups of collectors are some of the most significant initiatives you can think about. Sharing passion, bringing knowledge, educating newcomers to the watchmaking industry… These clubs are essential for the future of watch collecting. One of these groups, the Emirates Watch Club, has long been under our radar as it truly brings a positive attitude to the industry in the region. Known for creating handsome watches for discerning collectors, the EWC returns with a new limited edition, a stunning and original take on the already desirable De Bethune DB25 Starry Varius.

As we’ve seen in this eye-opening interview, the Emirates Watch Club was founded by Dr Malek bin Easa, a 36-year-old entrepreneur from Dubai, together with two partners, on July 13th, 2020. It is a recent initiative but one that has already proven to be beneficial, and productive. The main goal of the Emirates Watch Club is to share and pass on the passion for and knowledge about watches. Additionally, the group also proposes dedicated limited, usually tasteful variations around existing watches, with a certain UAE-inspired design – such as this Moritz Grossmann Benu or this Gerald Charles.

The Emirates Watch Club’s latest creation in collaboration with a watchmaker is a very appealing one, based on a watch that already has incredible desirability, the DB25 Starry Varius. Released in 2018, this watch is a smaller and lighter take on the brand’s classic take on astronomically-inspired, blue-toned watches. It is housed in a 42mm titanium case with openworked lugs and a thickness of just 8.80mm.

What made the Starry Varius special was indicated in its name. Starry in reference to the obvious star-adorned dial over a blue background. Varius because the constellation on the dial could be customised to represent a specific night sky. The classic model was presented with the brand’s signature blued titanium polished dial, a classic for an astronomical-themed watch. Gold Breguet-styled hands were bringing an elegant appeal to this dial and some classic references.

Under the sapphire caseback is a handsome engine, the calibre DB2005, an in-house hand-wound movement. Shaped with the brand’s emblematic triangular bridge, finished in a true haute-horlogerie way, it is also a powerful and advanced movement. The self-regulating twin barrel ensures a 6-day power supply and the titanium balance wheel with white gold weights features a silicon escape wheel, a balance spring with a flat terminal curve and the triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system patented by De Bethune.

So now, what makes the Emirates Watch Club Limited Edition of the De Bethune DB25 Starry Varius special? It’s about the sum of small details, all inspired by the region and the celebration of UAE National Day, on December 2nd. As such, the dial has a unique burgundy colour, over the polished titanium surface, inspired by a sunrise. Also, the star design represents the Milky Way on the 2nd December 1971 and the classic Roman numerals have been replaced by eastern Arabic numerals. Finally, the caseback features a specific engraving, Emirates Watch Club in Arabic on a golden plaque.

Worn on a black leather strap, the De Bethune DB25 Starry Varius Emirates Watch Club Limited Edition is limited to 5 pieces and reserved for the members of the club. The price is upon request. For more details, check the EWC’s Instagram page and www.debethune.ch.