De Bethune DB28XP Meteorite Limited Edition

De Bethune presents a new version of its iconic “DB28XP” watch. Limited to ten numbered pieces, this timepiece has a black zirconium case and a meteorite dial featuring distinctive geometric shapes.

Believed to have struck planet Earth more than one million years BCE, somewhere between Finland and Sweden on the banks of the Muniono River, Muonionalusta Meteorite is probably the world’s oldest known meteorite to date. The first fragment was discovered in Sweden, in 1906. Composed mainly of iron and nickel, it is distinguished by the perfectly geometrical lines of its 60° angle cross-hatched “Widmanstätten” pattern.

The dial of the DB28XP Meteorite is adorned with this ancestral stone. A metal alloy that endows the dial with a distinctive texture, along with geometrical patterns aligned in a precise way that makes each timepiece special and unique.

De Bethune’s mastery of the thermal oxidation of metals has once again enabled it to raise the level of complexity by creating a starry sky accompanied by its Milky Way on a previously blued meteorite dial. This azure shade results from the heat released by the chemical reactions of the heated meteorite.

Dotted across this blue dial surface is a multitude of small white gold pins, delicately driven in between the different shapes and thicknesses of the octahedral geometrical structures. Like tiny suspended marbles, these glittering flashes of light endow the celestial vault with its aura of timeless depth. In addition to bringing a unique fragment of space to the wrist, each sky is different: the customer can choose a given constellation, according to a precise sky map, at a specific date, time and place.

Alongside its classically inspired round, ultra-thin crown at 12 o’clock and its hunter-type back typical of pocket watches, the DB28XP Meteorite’s ultra-light, polished black zirconium case with patented floating lugs nevertheless asserts the watch’s modern and futuristic character.

The DB28XP Meteorite features the distinctive graphic codes of the Manufacture, with a zirconium hour circle, minutes ring bearing Arabic numerals and the discreet De Bethune signature at 12 o’clock, complemented by pink gold hands identical to those on the DB28XP Starry Sky dial. The design of the Microlight engraving and the slenderness of the case reflect De Bethune’s contemporary expression of watchmaking art.

Stemming from De Bethune’s research into materials and new processes, the use of zirconium for the case represents a natural and sustainable alternative for achieving a black colour. The hardness of the metal and its stable oxidation, which does not deteriorate at room temperatures, are key assets in guaranteeing the resistance and durability of a watch exterior.

The hand-wound movement is equipped with the De Bethune balance, visible through the 6 o’clock dial aperture. It represents the outcome of a consistent physical and mathematical approach to improving its operation undertaken by De Bethune. It is equipped with the latest technical advances, including an adjusted diameter, the use of titanium, as well as small white gold weights placed around the rim and endowing it with remarkable inertia, reliability and regulating properties.

De Bethune has equipped this model with its very own balance spring. Its centre of gravity is maintained in the very centre by means of a flat curve affixed to the outside of the balance spring. Differences in the thickness of the blade further enhance the almost perfect precision of its concentric development. The numerous advantages include reduced thickness, improved adjustment of the concentricity quality, finer adjustment of the index (regulator) and no more need for its pins, while the shape of the curve even acts as a shock absorber in case of impacts.

Technical details

Model Name: DB28XP Meteorite
Reference: DB28XPZM

Function
Hours, Minutes

Movement
DB2115v7
Type: Mechanical hand-wound movement
Adjustment: Winding and setting the time by means of the crown (2 positions)
Technical features of calibre DB2115v7
Number of parts: 175
Jewelling: 27 jewels
Diameter: 30 mm
Power reserve: 6 days, ensured by a self-regulating twin barrel, De Bethune Innovation (2004)
Titanium balance with white gold inserts, optimised for temperature differences and air penetration – De Bethune Patent (2016)
De Bethune balance-spring with flat terminal curve De Bethune Patent (2006)
Silicon escape wheel
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour
Adornment: Hand-crafted finishing and decoration

Dial
Titanium dial with “microlight” decoration – De Bethune Innovation (2007)
Anthracite hours ring with transferred Arabic numerals in pink
Transferred circular satin-brushed titanium minutes ring
Starry sky with white gold stars
Dial featuring an opening revealing the balance, surrounded by a chamfered blue polished steel rim
Polished pink gold hands

Case
Case material: Mat anthracite zirconium with “microlight” case middle
Case diameter: 43 mm
Case thickness: 7.2 mm
Lugs: Mat anthracite zirconium floating lugs – De Bethune Patent (2006)
Crystal: Sapphire (1,800 Vickers hardness) with double anti-reflective coating
Caseback: Solid, in mat anthracite zirconium; Engraved ring in blued circular satin-finish titanium; Mat anthracite zirconium plate with “microlight” decoration and De Bethune logo
Water resistance: 3 ATM

Strap
Extra-supple alligator leather with alligator lining
Buckle: Mat anthracite zirconium buckle and pin