Founded in 2002 by Denis Flageollet, a passionate watchmaker and antique clock restorer, and David Zanetta, an entrepreneur with a keen eye for design,
De Bethune has carved a niche for itself by creating timepieces that are both technically innovative and aesthetically captivating. The brand's relentless pursuit of perfection has led to the development of numerous groundbreaking technologies and patents, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the world of modern watchmaking.
De Bethune's watches are characterized by their distinctive design language, often drawing inspiration from celestial bodies and scientific instruments. The brand's signature elements, such as the spherical moon phase indicator, the delta-shaped bridge, and the floating lugs, have become synonymous with its unique identity. De Bethune's commitment to traditional craftsmanship is evident in the meticulous hand-finishing and decoration of its movements, each component a testament to the brand's dedication to excellence.
The DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon, the latest addition to De Bethune's impressive repertoire, embodies the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation and artistry. This exceptional timepiece seamlessly blends technical prowess with aesthetic refinement, resulting in a watch that is both visually striking and mechanically complex.
The DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon is housed in a sleek, ultra-thin titanium case that measures a mere 9.1 mm in thickness. The case's polished finish and sculpted lines exude an air of sophistication, while the signature floating lugs ensure a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. The watch's dial is a masterpiece of minimalist design, featuring a captivating interplay of textures and finishes. The titanium hour ring, adorned with blued microlight decoration and polished hour markers, adds a touch of understated elegance, while the circular satin-finished titanium minute ring and 30-second dial provide a subtle contrast.
Courtesy of De Bethune
The DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon's movement is a marvel of micro-engineering, showcasing De Bethune's mastery of horological complications. The ultra-light 30-second tourbillon, weighing just 0.18 grams and composed of 63 individual components, is a testament to the brand's relentless pursuit of precision. This exceptional mechanism completes a full rotation every 30 seconds, ensuring remarkable accuracy and captivating the eye with its mesmerizing motion. The movement's intricate architecture is further enhanced by the hand-crafted finishing and decoration, each component meticulously polished and adorned with delicate details. The DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon is a limited edition of just 10 pieces, each one a testament to De Bethune's unwavering commitment to excellence. This exceptional timepiece is a true collector's item, a symbol of horological artistry and technical innovation.
As you gaze upon the DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon, your eyes are immediately drawn to the intricate details of the dial. The blued microlight decoration on the hour ring shimmers subtly in the light, creating a mesmerizing effect. The polished hour markers stand out against the satin-finished titanium, providing excellent legibility. The tourbillon at 6 o'clock, with its delicate cage and mesmerizing rotation, is a captivating focal point. The watch's overall aesthetic is one of refined elegance, with a touch of futuristic flair.
At the heart of this exceptional timepiece beats the DB2009V6 caliber, a hand-wound mechanical movement meticulously crafted and decorated by De Bethune's skilled artisans. This impressive caliber comprises 275 parts, each one painstakingly finished and assembled to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The movement's architecture is a testament to De Bethune's commitment to innovation, featuring several patented technologies that enhance its precision and efficiency.
Courtesy of De Bethune
One of the most notable features of the DB2009V6 caliber is the self-regulating twin barrel, a De Bethune innovation that ensures a constant force is delivered to the escapement, resulting in improved accuracy and a remarkable 5-day power reserve. The movement also boasts a titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, another De Bethune patent that enhances the watch's chronometric performance. The balance spring, with its flat terminal curve, is yet another De Bethune innovation, contributing to the watch's exceptional accuracy.
The DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon's namesake feature, the ultra-light 30-second tourbillon, is a marvel of micro-engineering. Weighing a mere 0.18 grams and composed of 63 individual components, this exceptional mechanism completes a full rotation every 30 seconds, minimizing the effects of gravity on the watch's accuracy. The tourbillon's lightweight construction and high-speed rotation not only enhance the watch's precision but also create a mesmerizing visual spectacle.
The DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon's dial is a masterpiece of minimalist design, featuring a captivating interplay of textures and finishes. The titanium hour ring, adorned with blued microlight decoration and polished hour markers, adds a touch of understated sophistication. The minute ring and 30-second dial, crafted from circular satin-finished titanium, provide a subtle contrast, while the barrel bridge, with its polished beveling and blued microlight decoration, adds a touch of visual interest. The polished titanium triangular central bridge and dial base further enhance the watch's refined aesthetic.
Courtesy of De Bethune
The DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon's case is equally impressive, measuring 43 mm in diameter and a mere 9.1 mm in thickness. Crafted from polished grade 5 titanium, the case is both lightweight and durable, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist. The watch's signature floating lugs, a De Bethune patent, further enhance its comfort and wearability. The sapphire crystal, with its double anti-reflective treatment, provides exceptional clarity and scratch resistance.
The DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon's reverse side is just as captivating as its dial, featuring a screwed case back in polished titanium that reveals the watch's intricate movement. The linear power reserve indicator, visible through the open case back, adds a touch of practicality to this horological masterpiece.
Completing the DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon's refined aesthetic is an extra-supple alligator leather strap with an alligator lining. The strap's luxurious texture and comfortable fit perfectly complement the watch's sophisticated design. The DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon is a limited edition of just 10 pieces, each one a testament to De Bethune's unwavering commitment to excellence. This exceptional timepiece is priced upon request, if all 10 are not already spoken for.