De Bethune celebrates the 10th anniversary of its iconic DBS timepiece by unveiling a limited edition DBS Tourbillon Anniversary model.
In 2015, steered by David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet, De Bethune supported the Only Watch project by creating the first DBS, an incredibly high-tech model with an innovative design. The white gold case of the DBS testified to a new thought process undertaken by the brand founders in terms of ensuring a wristwatch makes an ideally comfortable fit, and marked the start of in-depth work on forging a specific De Bethune functional aesthetic.
The cone-shaped lower lugs, along with the 12 o’clock crown, were subtle details that counter balanced the almost imposing size of the model that measured 45 mm across at its widest point. Continuing this approach, the pivoting gold plate connecting the upper section of the strap and the case middle was the forerunner of what would later become known as floating lugs – a patented system featuring a spring-type effect that helps adjust to the size of the wrist an d its movements.
In 2005, the DBS laid the first foundations of what has now become one of the watch industry’s most innovative and creative R&D labs. Youthful engineers under the guidance of Denis Flageollet have rolled out a number of unprecedented developments, world firsts and the ten patents filed by the Manufacture since its creation in 2002.The calibre of the original DBS was already packed with innovations and illustrated the expertise and ingenuity of this “grand” little independent firm.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this iconic model, De Bethune has equipped the DBS with its tourbillon, entirely emblematic of the extreme precision and performance of its in -house calibres. A 30-second tourbillon features a high 36,000 vph frequency ideal for a wristwatch and is amazingly light at 0.18 grams for a total of 63 parts – of which the lightest weighs less than 0 .0001g and the heaviest 0.0276 g. These important factors, guaranteeing the precision and reliability of the mechanism despite the abrupt and random nature of wrist movements, are made possible by the incorporation and the underlying technical mastery of materials such as silicon and titanium.
The dial providing a fascinating window onto DB2019 calibre reveals a wealth of technical and subtly decorated details. Held by a finely titanium annular bridge, the tourbillon at 6 o’clock performs an endlessly fascinating mechanical ballet. It appears to be suspended in mid-air, standing out against the anthracite deltoid-shaped bridges and delineating a time read-off zone by means of spherical steel indicators hand-polished and blued using the age-old flame blueing technique.
Subtle touches of blue, cleanly-cut hands and hour-markers, shimmering reflections playing across the materials, ruthenium-coated Côtes De Bethune contrasting with silver-toned finish of the minutes ring: the aesthetic construction of the DBS built around the extreme technical sophistication of the movement explores the technical and artistic skills of the Manufacture and celebrates ten years of exclusivity, excellence and beauty.
Technical details
Model: DBS Tourbillon, DBTW
10-piece anniversary limited edition
Functions
Hours and minutes
Power reserve indication on the back
Ultra-light De Bethune 30’’silicon/titanium Tourbillon 36,000 vph
Movement
DB2019 calibre mechanical hand-wound movement
Diameter: 30 mm
298 parts
Hand-crafted finishing and decoration
Côtes De Bethune
Titanium bridges with ruthenium treatment
Self-regulating twin barrel
Silicon/white gold balance
Balance-spring with flat terminal curve
De Bethune silicon/titanium 36,000 vph 30-second tourbillon
Silicon escape-wheel
Jewelling: 35 jewels
Frequency: 36,000 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 5 days
Case
White gold, distinctively shaped, 45 per 42.5 mm
Thickness 11 mm
Attachments: integrated cone-shaped lugs in white gold
Crystal: sapphire crystal, 1800 Vickers hardness with double anti-reflective treatment
Crown screw-down at 12 o’clock – setting in two positions
Back: solid, in white gold – linear power-reserve indicator
Dial
Anthracite
Titanium bridges with ruthenium finishing
Spherical hour indicators in hand polished flame-blued steel
Silver-toned minutes ring
Côtes De Bethune
De Bethune 30” silicon/titanium tourbillon, 36,000 vph
Hands: hand-polished and flame-blued steel
Strap
Extra-supple alligator leather with pin buckle
