Tennis player Jessica Pegula spotted wearing a De Bethune

Jessica Pegula wore a De Bethune DB25 during her straight-sets victory over Emma Navarro in the women's quarterfinal at the 2024 US Open. The all-American matchup proved noteworthy not only for Pegula's dominant performance but also for the horological duel between two De Bethune timepieces on court—both players wearing watches from the Geneva-based independent manufacture, underscoring De Bethune's growing presence among professional athletes.

The De Bethune DB25 stands as the brand's entry point into sports watchmaking, housing the proprietary DB2015 automatic calibre developed entirely in-house. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a power reserve of approximately 40 hours through a winding rotor machined from tungsten. The DB25 case measures 42 millimetres in diameter and employs grade-5 titanium, a material choice that reduces weight while maintaining rigidity. The dial features De Bethune's characteristic hand-applied indices and a polished centre with a subtle sunburst finish. Water resistance reaches 300 metres, sufficient for recreational diving and essential for performance during intense athletic competition. The bracelet, also titanium, incorporates a solid end-link construction and a folding safety clasp.

Within De Bethune's modern collection, the DB25 occupies a unique position as both a tool watch and an expression of the manufacture's design philosophy. Unlike larger complications such as the DB28 or DB15, the DB25 prioritises legibility and wearability without sacrificing finishing quality. Variants include different dial treatments—sunburst, meteorite, and sector dial options—and deployant or traditional three-link bracelet configurations. Limited production runs and selective distribution keep waitlists active at authorised retailers.

Pegula's selection aligns with a broader trend among tennis professionals toward haute horlogerie rather than sports-watch generics. De Bethune's emphasis on hand-finishing and mechanical complexity appeals to athletes who view timepieces as personal statements rather than mere accessories. The DB25's titanium construction and 300-metre water resistance suit the demands of professional sport, while the in-house calibre and finishing justify the investment-grade positioning.

Retail pricing for a De Bethune DB25 on titanium bracelet typically ranges from USD 28,000 to USD 32,000, depending on dial variant and configuration. Pre-owned examples trade in the USD 22,000–USD 28,000 range, reflecting stable secondary-market demand. The brand's selective distribution and production discipline maintain collectibility, making Pegula's visible choice a signal of both sporting excellence and horological discernment.