WatchBox Sinks Money Into Swiss Watchmaker De Bethune
The pre-owned luxury watches platform said it wants to promote independent and contemporary watchmakers.

The Swiss watch brand was founded in 2002 by master watchmaker and Chief Operations Officer Denis Flageollet and CEO Pierre Jacques.
Headquartered high in the Swiss Jura mountains, De Bethune employs a team of 40 watchmakers, engineers, designers, micro-mechanics, polishers, and decorators who craft the watches using a mix of contemporary technology and old-world philosophy.
The brand develops and manufactures all of its timepieces in-house.
Its watches have won several high distinctions, including “Watch of the Year” at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
De Bethune has a showroom in Geneva and is available at 25 points of sale worldwide.
WatchBox operates a platform for the buying, selling, and trading of pre-owned, collectible luxury watches with showrooms in the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, and Dubai.
“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,” the company said in a press release about the investment.
WatchBox’s investment will allow De Bethune to allocate more resources toward future growth.
“WatchBox has been a trusted partner of ours and a dynamic supporter of De Bethune for years,” Flageollet and 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.”
Jacques and Flageollet will retain their roles and also serve on De Bethune’s board of directors while continuing to lead the teams in Geneva and L’Auberson.
The Latest

Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.

LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”

“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.


Bain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.

The exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.

Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.

Mildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.

Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.

“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.

The jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.

The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.

The “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.

It’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

The show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.

Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.

Former Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.

The 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.

A Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.

The new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.

The collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.

She will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.

Organizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
























