De Bethune introduces a new meteorite dial watch
The DB28xs Aérolite features a blue meteorite dial with a random guilloché pattern. It is housed in a zirconium case and powered by a state-of-the-art hand-wound movement.
“A moment frozen in time, capturing the essence of a galaxy’s birth! De Bethune celebrates the raw power of nature, pure and unaltered energy. Crafted from a meteorite, the DB28xs Aérolite sparks inspiration and resonates with the soul of the explorer within.”
De Bethune has introduced the DB28xs Aérolite during Geneva Watch Days, held was from August 29 until September 2, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland.
“This exceptional timepiece sits at the intersection of watchmaking tradition and modern science, pushing the boundaries of creativity and horological engineering. It marks a new milestone in the brand’s history, drawing inspiration from previous masterpieces such as the DB28xs Starry Seas and the DB28XP Météorite, while introducing a unique and contemporary vision.”
Left: DB28xs Starry Seas (2023). Right: DB28XP Météorite (2021).
Key Features
Functions and Operations
The DB28xs Aérolite’s functions and operations include:
– Central hours and minutes.
– Winding and setting the time is done via its crown at 12 o’clock – 2 positions.
Dial
The DB28xs Aérolite’s dial features include:
– It’s blue meteorite dial features a random guilloché pattern, “harmoniously contrasted by the perfect geometric lines of the Muonionalusta meteorite.”
– The dial features a starry sky pattern with stars made from white gold.
– The skeletonized hour and minute hands are made of polished pink gold.
– Its outer dial features an anthracite hours and minutes ring featuring transferred Arabic numerals, minute dots and the brand’s name.
– Hours are denoted by Arabic numerals, and minutes by dots, graduated in increments of 5 minutes each.
– “De Bethune” is displayed above 12 o’clock.
Case and Strap
The DB28xs Aérolite’s case and strap features include:
– Its case is made of mat anthracite zirconium.
– Its case diameter is 38.70 mm and case thickness 7.40 mm.
– It features mat anthracite zirconium floating lugs. De Bethune Patent (2006).
– Its dial side features a sapphire crystal (1,800 Vickers hardness) with double anti-reflective coating.
– Its open case back features mat anthracite zirconium and a sapphire crystal (1,800 Vickers hardness) with double anti-reflective coating.
– The caseback features both a “flat polished steel barrel bridge guard” and “plate guard in titanium with microlight decoration.”
– Its crown is positioned at 12 o’clock, a typical feature of the brand.
– It is water resistant up to 3 ATM or 30 metres.
– It comes with an extra-supple alligator leather strap with alligator leather lining and black textile stitching. It features a pin buckle made of mat anthracite zirconium. (Several of the images provided by the brand feature a fabric strap.)
Movement
The DB28xs Aérolite’s movement’s features, innovations, patents, and finishing include:
– It is powered by DB2005, a mechanical hand-wound movement designed, developed and crafted by De Bethune. It drives the hours and minutes.
– It has a diameter of 30 mm.
– It comprises of 160 parts and has 27 jewels.
– It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph or 4 Hz.
– It has a power reserve of 6 days, which is guaranteed by a self-regulating twin barrel. De Bethune Innovation (2004).
– Titanium balance wheel featuring white gold inserts, which is optimized for temperature differences and air penetration. De Bethune Patent (2016).
– “De Bethune” balance-spring featuring a flat terminal curve. De Bethune Patent (2006).
– Silicon escape wheel.
– Triple para-chute shock-absorbing system. De Bethune Innovation (2005).
– It features extensive hand-crafted movement finishing and decoration.
Our Thoughts
Every time I write about a De Bethune watch, I am left in wonder and amazement. Each aspect is brilliantly conceived and executed, whether it is their dial, case, movement, movement finishing, materials, colours, gem setting, to name a few. I often wonder what sets them apart (of course they have the brilliant Denis Flageollet, Co-Founder, Master Watchmaker, and Creative Talent of the brand). Is there a secret ingredient, such as the air they breathe, or something they drink. Such thoughts came rushing in as I wrote this article.
The DB28xs Aérolite is anything but a simple two-hander watch affixed with a meteorite dial. It is a De Bethune, where the dial, case, even the lugs, and of course – the movement, have benefited from the brand’s designs, innovations, and patents. The DB28xs Aérolite includes a total of 2 De Bethune Innovations and 3 De Bethune Patents! Few watch brands can boast of this level of horological expertise. The ones that do are immensely larger and founded decades ago.
A few months ago, I wrote about the brand’s DB Kind of Grande Complication, a reversible double-sided grand complication, showcasing over 22 years of the brand’s technical and aesthetic expertise. The DB28xs Aérolite builds on this exceptional pedigree. It is expensive, will be limited in production, and its owners (once granted an allocation) can expect a long wait before it graces their wrists. A wait well worth it, as they will become custodians of an incredible and rare watch from one of the most elite watchmakers on the planet.
Additional Details
Name: De Bethune DB28xs Aérolite
Reference: DB28xsZM
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 105,000 (excluding taxes)
Please contact the De Bethune website for further information.
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