DB25 Imperial Fountain
A complex combination of sculpture, hydraulic technology, as well as both Chinese and European aesthetics, the fountain located in the Yuan Ming Yuan built in the 18th century by Italian and French Jesuits with the help of Chinese artisans (for the Chinese emperor Qianlong), was in fact a clepsydra of great historical value. Arranged in a semi-circle, twelve bronze heads depicting the animals of the Chinese zodiac spit water towards the centre of the fountain and take turns in step with their zodiac-based hours.
De Bethune is an independent Swiss watch manufacturer located at L’Auberson, Switzerland. It has developed no fewer than 28 calibres, presented some 30 world premieres and registered a large number of patents as well as producing 150 one-off pieces.