De Bethune is known for its relentless pursuit of innovation and its ability to translate cosmic wonders into wearable masterpieces. Their latest offering, the DB28xs Aérolite, is a testament to this legacy – a timepiece that invites us to contemplate the vastness of the universe while marveling at the intricate craftsmanship that brings it to life.
Before delving into the celestial allure of the DB28xs Aérolite, let's take a moment to appreciate the maison behind its creation. Founded in 2002 by Denis Flageollet and David Zanetta,
De Bethune quickly established itself as a disruptive force in the watchmaking industry. Their creations are characterized by a bold aesthetic, groundbreaking technical innovations, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological artistry.
Courtesy of De Bethune
From their patented floating lugs to their pioneering use of silicon and titanium, De Bethune has consistently challenged conventions, earning a devoted following among collectors who appreciate their unique blend of tradition and modernity. The DB28xs Aérolite is the latest chapter in this ongoing saga, a timepiece that encapsulates the brand's ethos while offering a fresh perspective on cosmic inspiration.
The DB28xs Aérolite is a watch that demands attention from the first glance. Its dial, a mesmerizing expanse of blue meteorite, evokes the infinite depths of space, inviting the wearer on a journey through time and the cosmos. This is not just any meteorite; it's a fragment of the Muonionalusta, one of the oldest known meteorites on Earth, its journey through space and time etched into its unique geometric patterns.
The meteorite's
Deep Blue hue, achieved through a meticulous thermal oxidation process, is a sight to behold. It shimmers and shifts in the light, reminiscent of a nebula swirling in the vastness of the universe. Delicate white gold stars are scattered across this celestial canvas, creating a breathtaking tableau that captures the essence of a starry night.
Contrasting this cosmic spectacle is the anthracite hours ring, its precise geometric lines a testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship. The pink gold hands, meticulously polished to a mirror finish, glide effortlessly across the dial, marking the passage of time with quiet elegance.
Courtesy of De Bethune
The DB28xs Aérolite is a feast for the senses, a symphony of textures and contrasts that delights the eye and invites closer inspection. The meteorite dial, with its intricate Widmanstätten patterns, is a testament to the raw power of nature, a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.
The anthracite zirconium case, with its matte finish, provides a stark backdrop to the celestial drama unfolding on the dial. Its sleek, aerodynamic lines are accentuated by the patented floating lugs, a signature De Bethune innovation that enhances both comfort and visual appeal.
The watch's strap, crafted from supple alligator leather with a black textile lining, adds a touch of understated luxury. Its textured surface complements the meteorite dial, while its dark hue allows the celestial spectacle to take center stage.
The DB28xs Aérolite is not just a beautiful object; it's a testament to De Bethune's relentless pursuit of horological innovation. The watch is powered by the DB2005 caliber, a hand-wound mechanical movement that showcases the brand's technical prowess.
This miniature marvel boasts a six-day power reserve, thanks to its self-regulating twin barrel system. Its titanium balance wheel, with white gold inserts, is optimized for temperature differences and air penetration, ensuring exceptional accuracy and stability. The "De Bethune" balance-spring, with its flat terminal curve, further enhances the watch's chronometric performance.
Courtesy of De Bethune
The DB2005 caliber is a testament to De Bethune's commitment to hand-craftsmanship. Each movement is meticulously finished and decorated by skilled artisans, ensuring that every watch is a unique work of art.
At the heart of the DB28xs Aerolite beats the DB2005 caliber, a hand-wound mechanical movement that showcases De Bethune's unwavering commitment to innovation and precision. This miniature marvel is a testament to the brand's ability to pack a punch in a compact package.
Measuring a mere 30mm in diameter, the DB2005 caliber comprises 160 meticulously crafted components, each finished and decorated by hand. The movement's openworked design offers a glimpse into its intricate workings, revealing a ballet of gears, levers, and springs that orchestrate the passage of time.
One of the standout features of the DB2005 caliber is its self-regulating twin barrel system, a De Bethune innovation that ensures a remarkable six-day power reserve. This means you can set the watch aside for almost a week and return to find it still ticking away, ready to accompany you on your next adventure.
Courtesy of De Bethune
The DB2005 caliber is also equipped with a titanium balance wheel featuring white gold inserts. This innovative design, patented by De Bethune in 2016, optimizes the balance wheel's performance by reducing its sensitivity to temperature variations and air resistance. The result is exceptional accuracy and stability, ensuring that the DB28xs Aérolite keeps time with unwavering precision.
The balance wheel is paired with a "De Bethune" balance-spring, another patented innovation that further enhances the watch's chronometric performance. Its flat terminal curve contributes to a more concentric beat, reducing friction and improving the overall isochronism of the movement.
De Bethune understands that a watch is not just a delicate instrument; it's also a companion for life's adventures. That's why the DB2005 caliber is equipped with a triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system, another De Bethune innovation that protects the movement from impacts and shocks.
This ingenious system consists of three miniature shock absorbers that cushion the balance wheel, balance-spring, and escape wheel in the event of a sudden jolt. This ensures that the DB28xs Aérolite can withstand the rigors of daily wear, whether you're exploring the urban jungle or venturing into the great outdoors.
The DB28xs Aerolite's case, crafted from anthracite zirconium, is a marvel of modern materials science. Zirconium, a rare and lustrous metal, is known for its exceptional hardness, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. It's also incredibly lightweight, making the DB28xs Aerolite remarkably comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.
Courtesy of De Bethune
The case's matte finish adds a touch of understated sophistication, while its aerodynamic lines and floating lugs create a sense of dynamic energy. Measuring 38.7mm in diameter and a mere 7.4mm in thickness, the DB28xs Aérolite strikes the perfect balance between presence and wearability. It's a watch that feels as good on the wrist as it looks.
The De Bethune DB28xs Aérolite is a testament to the brand’s unwavering pursuit of horological excellence. It's a watch that seamlessly blends artistry, science, and emotion, inviting the wearer on a journey through time and the cosmos. With its limited annual production and exceptional craftsmanship, the DB28xs Aérolite is a timepiece that will undoubtedly become a treasured heirloom, passed down through generations.