De Bethune unveils DB28 Steel Wheels
The new avatar of the iconic DB28 from the De Bethune marque – the DB28 Steel Wheels – is all about transparency and light, thanks to a dial providing stunning views of the mesmerising movement architecture; an ideal blend of daring aesthetics and exceptional mechanics
Over the years, the DB28 has become a Manufacture De Bethune classic. Interpreted in various contemporary iterations, from the “Skybridge” to “Kind of Blue”, it notably won the “Aiguille d’or” Grand Prix in 2011, the most prestigious distinction awarded by the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
At the SIHH 2018, De Bethune exhibited its latest iteration by highlighting the original architecture of its movement with an exceptional timepiece: the DB28 Steel Wheels, issued in a limited edition of 25.
In unveiling the very heart of its horological expertise, De Bethune is revealing cutting-edge technology dedicated to serving art: a double self-regulating barrel ensuring a six-day power reserve, a signature De Bethune balance-spring with flat terminal curve, a silicon escape-wheel, a triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system, as well as a new even more high-performance titanium balance-wheel with white gold inserts.
The distinctive architecture of Calibre 2115V4 is beautifully highlighted by open-working the barrels and ratchet wheels, as well as cutting out the heart of the central delta-shaped bridge. The latter is adorned with a “Côtes De Bethune” decoration, produced using the Microlight micrometric engraving technique developed by De Bethune, thus creating an impression that the entire movement is levitating.
The ratcheted chapter ring inspired by gear-wheel toothing surrounds 12 polished spheres marking the hours and adding to the overall volume of the mechanism. The new hours hand, made of sapphire rimmed by blued steel, reveals the heart of the movement. The Manufacture’s signature spherical moon composed of palladium and blued steel appears against its night-sky backdrop at 6 o’clock. It spins on its axis with such precision that it will take 122 years to accumulate a one-day discrepancy.
Like all the models in this collection, the DB28 Steel Wheels is entirely crafted in titanium with the De Bethune’s patented floating-lug system adjusting to wrist size and movements. The DB28 Steel Wheels is water-resistant to 3 ATM.
Powerfully mingling the graceful charm of daring beauty with the power of an exceptional mechanism, this horological work of art reflects the constant evolution of De Bethune creations in their most contemporary expression.
