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.
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 0.0001 g 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 flameblueing 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.
Limited edition of 10 pieces
Technical Specifications
Functions
Hours – 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
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
Display
Dial: anthracite – titanium bridges with ruthenium finishing – spherical hour indicators in handpolished 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
