At the highly anticipated Geneva Watch Days, De Bethune dropped two new XS models: the DB28xs Steel Wheels and the DB28xs Aérolite. These “double XS” releases demonstrate that exceptional craftsmanship and technical sophistication are not bound by size, showcasing the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary watchmaking.
DB28xs Steel Wheels: A Masterclass in Miniaturization
The DB28xs Steel Wheels is a smaller version of its predecessor, becoming a masterpiece that represents De Bethune’s unyielding quest for innovation. With a case diameter reduced to 39mm and a thickness of just 8mm, the DB28xs Steel Wheels is a bold reinterpretation of the iconic DB28 Steel Wheels, first introduced in 2018. Despite its compact size, the watch retains all the architectural and technical richness that has become a hallmark of the brand.
The openworked dial, a signature feature of the DB28 series, reveals the complex inner workings of the watch, showcasing De Bethune’s expertise in skeletonized design. The dial is framed by a titanium case, which, though smaller, maintains the sophistication and durability expected from De Bethune timepieces. This intricate design plays with light and shadow, creating an almost ethereal visual depth.
Beneath the dial lies the manually wound De Bethune caliber DB2115V13. This movement, meticulously refined for exceptional chronometric performance, features a titanium balance wheel equipped with grey gold weights to ensure perfect inertia and regulation. The unique flat terminal curve of the De Bethune balance spring guarantees unparalleled precision. Moreover, the 6-day power reserve—an improvement of 20% over its predecessor—speaks to the brand’s dedication to superior craftsmanship and innovation.
The DB28xs Steel Wheels is a testament to high-precision watchmaking and comfort and elegance. The lightweight titanium case and patented floating lugs allow the watch to naturally adapt to the wearer’s wrist, enhancing comfort without sacrificing style. This reimagined classic in a more intimate size is perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate exceptional timepieces that combine technical mastery with aesthetic beauty.
DB28xs Aérolite: A Fusion of Art and Science
The DB28xs Aérolite is a remarkable addition to De Bethune’s lineup, blending art and science in a way that captures the raw power of nature and the cosmos. The dial of this exquisite watch features a random guilloché pattern that contrasts with the perfect geometric lines of the Muonionalusta meteorite. This material has journeyed from the stars to the wrists of watch collectors. Each piece of meteorite used in the DB28xs Aérolite is unique, embodying a fragment of the universe’s history and energy.
Denis Flageolet, Co-Founder of De Bethune, eloquently captures the essence of this model: “No other metal is as infused with pure energy and emotion as iron meteorites, which have taken form in the furnace of stars.” This sentiment is reflected in every aspect of the DB28xs Aérolite, from its deep connection to natural elements to its precise craftsmanship.
Housed in a 39mm black zirconium case, the DB28xs Aérolite’s blue meteorite dial represents a union of earth and sky, ancient craftsmanship, and modern innovation. Drawing inspiration from previous masterpieces such as the DB28xs Starry Seas and the DB28XP Météorite, the DB28xs Aérolite introduces a new dimension to contemporary watchmaking while retaining the spirit of exploration and discovery.
Equipped with the miniaturized DB2005 caliber, the DB28xs Aérolite achieves impeccable chronometric quality while gaining lightness and resistance to shocks and accelerations. This combination of robustness and refinement is a hallmark of De Bethune’s approach to crafting timepieces.