When it comes to independent watchmaking, few brands command the same presence on the wrist as De Bethune. Known for their technical ingenuity, sculptural cases, and signature use of flame‑blued titanium, their watches have an elegance that belies their sport‑ready capabilities. They deserve straps that live up to that reputation — and that’s exactly what we’ve set out to create.
Why We Made Them
Having made custom sailcloth straps for De Bethune collectors in the past, we were always glad to see them so well received. But there’s been one recurring frustration: if you wanted a high‑quality sailcloth strap for your De Bethune, you had to go the custom route. There were no ready‑stock, off‑the‑shelf options that matched the quality and proportions these watches deserve.
We decided to change that. Our goal was simple: give De Bethune collectors an easy way to enjoy a sailcloth strap without the wait, while keeping all the performance, fit and refinement that custom orders deliver.
The Sailcloth Advantage
Sailcloth has become one of our most popular materials, and for good reason. It captures the look of canvas — a texture De Bethune owners are no strangers to — but brings far better performance. It’s water-resistant. It’s fray‑resistant. It shrugs off the wear and tear that leaves traditional canvas straps looking tired. And because De Bethune watches balance technical innovation with elegance, our Sailcloth is a natural pairing: sporty, capable, but still refined.
On the inside, every strap is lined with Rubberised Leather. This keeps the wearing experience comfortable and sweat‑resistant, even in warm or active conditions. It also maintains the sporty‑elegant balance that De Bethune embodies.
Designed for De Bethune
These straps are purpose‑built for De Bethune’s proportions. Many of their watches — especially pieces like the DB28 — are slim and sit low on the wrist. Our Sailcloth Slim straps follow that same form factor, ensuring the whole wearing experience feels cohesive.
Fit was a priority from day one. We matched OEM taper dimensions — for example, 23 mm down to 16 mm and 26 mm to 19 mm — so you can use your original buckle. In fact, we’ve chosen to sell these straps without buckles. For watch‑specific designs like this, many collectors prefer to reuse OEM hardware, especially when it’s as distinctive and well‑made as De Bethune’s.
We also made the deliberate choice not to include quick release spring bars. On models with articulating lugs, like the DB28, the strap hugs the wrist closely, and quick release knobs can press uncomfortably into the skin. In this case, traditional spring bars simply work better.
Built for Active Elegance
De Bethune has been increasingly visible in the world of sport, partnering with and being worn by tennis players at high-profile events — a neat real-world reminder that these watches are designed to be worn, not just admired. This sporting narrative is backed by real horological engineering. Many De Bethune calibres — especially those in the DB28 family — incorporate the brand’s patented triple 'pare-chute' shock-absorbing system, an innovation that supplements conventional balance-staff protection and helps the movement re-centre the balance after significant shocks.
Our Sailcloth Slim straps sit neatly within that same story. They’re water-resistant, fray-resistant, and rubber-lined for a secure, sweat-resistant fit — all practical benefits when a watch is being worn for more than just desk duty. By keeping the straps slim and engineered to hug the wrist correctly (and by avoiding quick release knobs on models with articulating lugs), we’ve aimed to create a pairing that respects De Bethune’s technical DNA while letting collectors actually live with their watches — on court, off court and everywhere in between.
Colours with a Collector’s Eye
We’ve curated colourways with De Bethune dials in mind, primarily blue and white, with a nod to green dials as well. The standout is our White Sailcloth with blue stitching: a direct nod to De Bethune’s iconic blued titanium.
For a subtle twist, each strap features a different lining colour. It’s a small detail, but one that adds personality without compromising the clean, technical look on the wrist.
Available Now
The Sailcloth Slim straps for De Bethune are now available in ready-to-stock sizes, eliminating the need for custom orders. They’re made for collectors who appreciate the technical artistry of De Bethune and want a strap that complements it in every way — slim, tailored, comfortable, and performance‑driven.
Whether you choose the White Sailcloth with blue stitching or one of our other carefully matched colours, you’ll be getting more than just a strap. You’ll be getting the perfect articulation between watch and wearer.
