Denis Flageollet

Denis Flageollet learned his craft at the workbench. Alongside his grandfather and father, he discovered the vocabulary of watchmaking, with its springs, arbours and all the workings of a mechanical movement. This is also where he explored his love of materials and manual work, experimenting and testing his ideas. His initial passion for the history of timepieces led him to formally train in the techniques of restoration at the Technicum in Le Locle, Switzerland. In 2002 he set up De Bethune with the Italian David Zanetta. The brand is a laboratory for research and innovation as well as a “safe haven” for the watchmaking expertise it helps to preserve. While Denis Flageollet makes use of technology in his work, time and again he advises young watchmakers to craft parts by hand, because making mistakes and starting over forges the determination and patience which the craft demands.

Mechanical Marvels Exhibition