Independents

AnthonyTsai
[PuristS]
22938

• Show profile
• Show other posts

Here's the official press release of the De Bethune DB25T Zodiac

De Bethune DB25T Zodiac

DB25TWS3V3

As the proud standard-bearer of a genuinely exclusive approach to Haute Horlogerie, the DB25T makes innovation the very heart of its construction reflecting a proud horological tradition.

Innovation has always been the touchstone of the masterpieces that have punctuated the history of horology. The grand masters used the technologies, the tools and the means of their era in order to surpass their own knowledge and push their achievements to ever-greater heights of excellence. It is this spirit of innovation that the watchmaking tradition cultivated by David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet interprets in a resolutely modern mode. This artistic approach and this vision of contemporary watchmaking are grounded on the solid foundations of technical knowledge, well-mastered expertise and a culture nurtured by several centuries of history and enriched with all kinds of beauty.

This creation features references to the imposing tower clocks that are still enthroned in certain European cities and which have been an infinite source of inspiration for horologists wishing to convey their beauty and their grandeur through the ages.

Table clocks or grandfather clocks, pocket watches and now wristwatches: the very essence of this horological culture graces the dial of the DB25T, notably in the aesthetic work on materials, the engraving and the light effects, but also and above all through consistently demonstrated miniaturisation technology.

The round case of the DB25 and its elegantly openworked lugs frame a polished and blued titanium sky adorned with hand-engravings on solid gold and representing the 12 zodiac signs. These symbols, which are an integral part of the aesthetic and artistic world of horology, lend a sense of infinity to the depth of the De Bethune star-studded sky.

The radiance instilled by the silver-toned guilloché decoration radiating from the dial centre contributes to the multiple shimmering light effects on the finely grained rings, and on the openworked polished yellow gold hands.

The technical nature and the high frequency of the DB2109 mechanism driving the jumping seconds display makes a striking contrast with the almost poetic delicacy with which this large blue hand finely points to every second. De Bethune wished to revive the traditions of the golden age of horology by infusing this movement with the soul and the majesty of the great historical regulator clocks. “Jumping seconds” was a natural choice to impart a noble cadence to the passing of time. The components are pared down to essentials and feature simplicity where required and complexity where necessary.

A deltoid-shaped bridge adorned with the “Côtes De Bethune” motif supports the central seconds hand, while a double lever with four pallets drives the double gold wheel of this “jumping seconds”. The latter performs an impressive mechanical ballet rendered technically feasible by new technologies, but which is bound to thrill the heart – and mind – of any devotee of classical mechanisms.

Further enhancing this intensely private performance visible exclusively on the back of the watch, De Bethune has equipped the DB2109 with its silicon-titanium tourbillon making one rotation every 30 seconds at the optimal frequency of 36,000 vph. This ultra-light tourbillon comprises 63 parts, of which the lightest weighs less than 0.0001 grams and the heaviest 0.0276 grams!

A light, airy style expressing a profound underlying idea. The subtle gyrations of the tourbillon carriage and the ample, steady beat of the seconds. Refined decorations and well-balanced lines: this creation embodies the very essence of horological emotions, along with a form of absolute and uncompromising beauty.

DB25T Zodiac

DB25TWS3V3

20-piece limited edition

Functions

Hours – minutes – central jumping seconds – movement operating indicator at 12 o’clock – tourbillon with 30-second indication on the back

Movement

DB2109 calibre – mechanical hand-wound movement

Power reserve: 4 days

Case

White gold, drum-shaped – diameter 44 mm – thickness 10, 6 mm

Attachments: hollowed lugs

Crystal: sapphire crystal, 1800 Vickers hardness with double anti-reflective treatment

Crown at 3 o’clock – setting in two positions

Back: open – De Bethune 30" silicon/titanium Tourbillon, 36,000 vph – central jumping seconds Calibre DB2109

Display

Dial: guilloché silver-toned – silver-toned hours and minutes rings – De Bethune star-studded sky in blued mirror-polished titanium inlaid with solid white gold stars, featuring solid gold inserts hand-engraved by artist Michèle Rothen representing the 12 zodiac signs

Hands: yellow gold hours and minutes hand, jumping seconds hand in hand-polished and blued steel.

Strap

Navy blue – extra-supple alligator leather with pin buckle

DB2109 calibre

Movement: mechanical hand-wound movement

Functions: hours – minutes – central jumping seconds – movement operating indicator at 12 o’clock – tourbillon with 30-seconds indication on the back

Diameter 30 mm – 320 parts – hand-crafted finishing and decoration – Côtes De Bethune – blued titanium bridges and parts

Self-regulating twin barrel*

Silicon/white gold balance – balance-spring with flat terminal curve *

De Bethune silicon/titanium 36,000 vph 30-second tourbillon*

Central jumping seconds*

Silicon escape-wheel*

Jewelling: 50 jewels

Frequency: 36,000 vibrations per hour

Power reserve: 4 days

* Manufacture De Bethune patents and innovations

Site Info.