The DB28GS ‘JPS’ in black and gold is a nod to the daring age of Formula 1 in the 1970s, but mainly, to that key period of mechanical and aerodynamic research. De Bethune captures this spirit with the DB28GS ‘JPS’. JPS for John Player Special – three letters evoking the legendary association of black and gold
More than a brand, it was the iconic colour code of Team Lotus with its totally revolutionary, unbeatable cars, often cited as the most beautiful Formula 1 cars ever built, and the inspiration for De Bethune’ first sports watch – the DB28GS – a black and gold version in steel, titanium and zirconium.
Constantly refining the structural nuances hovering between polished and matt, dark grey and deep black, while sparingly adding golden accents that are in fact yellow titanium – this timepiece demonstrates De Bethune’s expertise in working with the oxidation of titanium and its colour palette.
Just as the engineers of the F1 teams looked to improve the aerodynamics of their single-seaters, Denis Flageollet and his team worked on improving the performance of the movement’s regulating organs – by enhancing the aerodynamics of the balance by seeking to eliminate the suction effect that pushes it towards the mainplate.
This is exactly what Denis Flageollet is trying to do with his balances: they pass so close to the mainplate that they tend to experience a suction effect. De Bethune’s balances have exactly the opposite effect, giving them an ‘aeroplane wing’ effect and thus providing lift and lightness that almost allows them to ‘fly’. During the acceleration phase of the balance, it uses the aeroplane wing process to avoid being ‘pushed’ towards the mainplate.
The marque has worked on the fantastic properties of DLC coating on hardened steel to improve the durability of watches’ black floating lugs and bezels. While the two-tone colour scheme of the DB28GS ‘JPS’ is in equal measure dark and bright, matt and glossy, it also features a blend of lighting and enlightenment. The movement was developed in such a way as to light up the dial and movement from the inside. A white light source is produced by an entirely mechanical means that works on a dynamo-inspired principle.
A pusher at 6 o’clock serves to provide light on demand thanks to a gear train driven by the double barrel. By means of an original miniature dynamo, this gear train supplies the energy necessary to light up the face of the watch without affecting its operation and the smooth running of its movement. This is comparable to the highly technical operation of a minute repeater movement, in which the overall energy efficiency must be maximal and perfectly controlled.
Measuring 44 mm and water-resistant to 10 ATM, the DB28GS ‘JPS’ is comfortable on the wrist due to the softness of its hand-polished finish; the 12 o’clock position of its crown; and to the presence of the patented floating lug system with their famous cone-shaped tips, comprising polished yellow grade 5 titanium inserts recalling the side of the case. The result is a construction that adapts particularly well to the size of each wrist.
