De Bethune Fuses Past and Present with the DB28XP Kind of Blue - Geneva Watch Days 2023

 

Timeless beauty through innovation- this guiding ethos shines through in De Bethune's latest masterpiece - the DB28XP Kind of Blue. Unveiled at the 2023 Geneva Watch Days, this extraordinary timepiece seamlessly fuses horological traditions with contemporary aesthetics. It represents the pinnacle of the independent watchmaker's continuous spirit of innovation.

The Magic of Blue

De Bethune has long been renowned for its mastery of blued steel, achieved through carefully controlling the natural oxidation process to produce a mesmerizing depth of color. Each DB28XP Kind of Blue dial undergoes this transformation, making every watch a one-of-a-kind work of art.

But it's not just about the rich blue hue. The watchmakers expertly sculpt the titanium dial into a 3D architectural landscape that plays with light, shadows, and perspective. This is made possible through De Bethune's patented Microlight engraving technique - a modern take on traditional guilloché that removes material to form a dynamic, multi-faceted surface. It's horology as visual art.

Engineering Excellence

Beneath the hypnotizing dial lies yet another feat of innovation - the ultra-thin DB2115v12 manual winding movement. At just 2.7mm thick, it's a marvel of delicate mechanics encased within the slender case profile.

Visible through the opening at 6 o'clock is De Bethune's patented balance wheel, equipped with platinum weights for enhanced inertia. Alongside floats the brand's remarkable hairspring, boasting a flat terminal curve and variations in thickness to ensure a perfectly concentric spiral. This results in a finely tuned oscillator that delivers remarkable accuracy.

These advancements in balance design allow De Bethune to achieve an exceptional 6-day power reserve. The full beauty of the movement can be admired through the sapphire caseback. It is guarded by the triple pare-chute shock protection system - an innovation that firmly yet flexibly suspends the calibre to insulate against impacts.

Comfort at its best

De Bethune wraps this technical brilliance in a polished grade 5 titanium case, specially treated to achieve a blue tint. The signature floating lugs ensure a supple fit, pivoting gently to embrace the wrist. It is edged by a Microlight caseband that integrally continues the textural motif from the dial. An alligator leather strap with a titanium buckle completes the refined yet contemporary look.

With only 25 pieces being meticulously produced, the DB28XP Kind of Blue offers a rare glimpse into the future of high watchmaking. By harmoniously blending the refined identity of the DB28XP and the timeless charm of the DB28 Kind of Blue, De Bethune has created an exceptional work of mechanical art. This new iconic watch perfectly encapsulates the Manufacture's ability to reinvent classics for the modern connoisseur.