De Bethune - DB28 Steel Wheels

1 0 Saturday, 13 January 2018 Edit this post

Daring aesthetics and exceptional mechanics are two of the signature traits of De Bethune. This is clearly evident in the latest creation of the Geneva-based Manufacture, the DB28 Steel Wheels.

The design of this timepiece, issued in a limited edition of 25, is a consequence of the unique architecture of the hand-wound 4 Hz (28,800 vph) Calibre 2115V4. By openworking the barrels and ratchet wheels, as well as cutting out the heart of the central delta-shaped bridge, the new DB28 Steel Wheels is all about transparency and light.

Not just beautiful, this movement reveals cutting-edge technology: a double self-regulating barrel ensuring a 6-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 “Côtes De Bethune” decoration of the delta-shaped bridge is produced using the proprietary Microlight micrometric engraving technique.

The new hours hand, made of sapphire rimmed by blued steel, reveals the heart of the movement. The ratcheted chapter ring inspired by gear-wheel toothing surrounds 12 polished spheres marking the hours.

The Manufacture’s signature spherical moon composed of palladium and blued steel appears against its night-sky backdrop at 6 o’clock, spinning on its axis with such precision that it will take 122 years to accumulate a one-day discrepancy.

The 42.6 mm x 9.30 mm case of the DB28 Steel Wheels is entirely crafted in titanium and features the patented floating-lug system characterizing this collection.

The De Bethune DB28 Steel Wheels (ref. DB28SWTIS1PN/S) has a price of Swiss Francs 83,000 before taxes. debethune.com