Watch Paparazzi

Rapper Swizz Beats spotted wearing De Bethune

Swizz Beats — born Kasseem Dean — was recently spotted wearing what is arguably one of the most technically and artistically demanding pieces to emerge from the Swiss Vallée de Joux in the past decade: the 18K white gold De Bethune DB25 Quetzalcoatl, reference DB25AWY. Limited to just 20 examples and first released in 2015, the sighting serves as a reminder that the rapper and producer's watch collection operates in a different stratosphere from most celebrity horology.

The DB25AWY is built around De Bethune's manufacture Calibre DB2019, a manually wound movement featuring the brand's signature spherical moon-phase display, a silicon and gold balance wheel, and a silicon escapement — technologies that place De Bethune firmly among the most innovative independent houses in the world. The movement beats at 28,800 vph and offers a 6-day power reserve, delivered through twin barrels. The case measures 44mm in 18K white gold, and the characteristic De Bethune curved lugs and polished-satin finishing are present throughout.

What defines the Quetzalcoatl above all else is its dial. Named after the Mesoamerican feathered serpent deity, the solid-gold dial is entirely hand-engraved by a single craftsman — a process that can consume upward of 200 hours per piece. The resulting relief work depicts the serpentine motif in extraordinary three-dimensional detail. At a production run of 20 watches globally, the DB25AWY is not merely rare; it is practically invisible on the secondary market.

Swizz Beats has built one of the most credible watch collections in entertainment, with documented ownership of pieces from Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and now De Bethune. His reach into independent horology — brands that demand genuine collector knowledge rather than brand recognition — sets him apart. The DB25 Quetzalcoatl is precisely the kind of piece that earns respect in serious collector circles.

With a UK list price of approximately £100,000 — translating to roughly $125,000 USD at prevailing rates — and only 20 examples ever made, the De Bethune DB25 Quetzalcoatl reference DB25AWY rarely surfaces at auction or through grey-market dealers. When it does, expect a meaningful premium over retail. This is the kind of watch that doesn't depreciate; it simply disappears into private collections.