Geneva Watch Days 2024: De Bethune Brings The Entire Galaxy To Your Wrist With DB28xs Aérolite

These are exciting times we live in. Who would have thought that something as vast and enigmatic as the elements of the stars could be shrunk into a tiny piece of horological brilliance and worn around your wrist. But with De Bethune, this seems possible. Crafted from a meteorite, the DB28xs Aérolite sparks inspiration and resonates with the soul of the explorer within.

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. 

Historically, watchmakers have protected mechanisms from external influences, but precision quickly demanded timepieces that are comfortable to wear and capable of withstanding extreme conditions. The DB28xs Aérolite, with its miniaturized DB2005caliber, maintains impeccable chronometric quality while gaining in lightness, thereby improving its resistance to shocks and accelerations. The DB28xs Aérolite stands out by combining the distinctive elements of the DB28xsStarry Seas and DB28XP Météorite models while introducing a new dimension of contemporary watchmaking. A 39mm black zirconium case, paired with a blue meteorite dial, symbolizes the meeting of earth and sky, of ancient craftsmanship and technological innovation.

Technical Specifications

Name: DB28xsAérolite

Reference: DB28xsZM

Function: Hours, Minutes

Movement:DB2005

Type: Mechanical hand-wound movement

Adjustment: Winding and setting the time by means of the crown (2 positions)

Technical features of calibre DB2005

Number of parts:160

Jewelling: 27 jewels

Diameter: 30mm

Power reserve: 6 days, ensured by a self-regulating twin barrel 

De Bethune Innovation (2004) Specificities: 

Titanium balance with white gold inserts, optimised for temperature differences and air penetration–De BethunePatent(2016)

"De Bethune" balance-spring with flat terminal curve 

De Bethune Patent (2006)Silicon escape wheel 

Triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system–De Bethune Innovation (2005)

Frequency:28,800 vibrations/hour 

Adornment: Hand-crafted finishing and decoration Display

Display: Polished pink gold hands

Dial: Anthracite hours and minutes ring with transferred Arabic numerals in pink 

Blue meteorite dial with a random guilloche dial and a starry sky with white gold stars