n its quest for perfection driven by a dynamic of perpetual evolution, Manufacture De Bethune expands its flagship DB28 collection with a new interpretation of the DB28xs Yellow Tones, now available in a 39 mm version. True to its creative spirit, De Bethune is not simply offering a compact alternative to this model, but has completely revisited the aesthetic balance of the timepiece while continuing to explore the colour spectrum. for master watchmaker and founder Denis Flageollet, it is a matter of constantly returning to the drawing board: helping the design evolve by modifying an element, a process or a technique and sometimes making tiny, often imperceptible improvements.

The Manufacture has designe a new watch entirely around the slimmer 39 mm diameter, retaining the character as well as the rich architectural and technical characteristics of the DB28, while subtly standing out. The refined, understated aesthetic approach focused on Denis Flageollet’s cherished tone-on-tone time read-off, expressed here in fiery yellow mode. Through a play on superimposed volumes and finishes (notably including microlight engraving and mirror polishing), the multiple light reflections playing across the yellowed titanium components ensure perfect dial legibility.

To achieve a fiery yellow with natural, intense and vibrant shades, the artisans plying their trade in L’Auberson treated the case and movement components individually, according to the type of metal, shape and mass. This palette of warm tones - evoking amber, fawn, sunshine and flames - would not have been possible without mastering and adapting an exclusive metal thermal-oxidation process. The result is a veritable symphony of mesmerising, shimmering fiery yellow grade 5 titanium and naturally oxidised steels.

“Rethinking the light of a creation means playing with an infinite number of details. The rigorous choice of lines, volumes and surface finishes is defined by the material, its intrinsic qualities and its propensity to catch or reflect light. These nuances are essential for De Bethune, as they create unique visual resonance”. - Denis Flageollet.

The meticulous aesthetic care devoted to the open worked dial serves the cause of technical horology dedicated to function. The hand-wound calibre - which continues to evolve in step with advances made by the Manufacture’s technical department - is equipped with De Bethune patented features and innovations to ensure optimal precision timekeeping. The titanium balance fitted with white gold weights ensures impeccable inertia and regulation; while De Bethune hairspring with its unique flat terminal curve guarantees remarkable precision. a triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system protects the heart of the movement from impacts. Low energy consumption made possible by optimised mechanical components increases the power reserve by more than 20% - equivalent to six days - provided by a self-regulating twin barrel, indicated in linear mode on the back of the timepiece.

Delicately polished grade 5 titanium ensures that the DB28xs Yellow Tones is extremely light and pleasant on the skin, like all models in the collection. Its compact, particularly comfortable 39 mm case is equipped with a patented floating-lug system that adapt to wrist size and movements. Complemented by an extra-supple double-lined alligator leather strap and titanium buckle, these features all contribute to the exceptionally agreeble feel of this timepiece.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Name: DB28xs Yellow Tones

• Reference: DB28XSY

• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Power reserve on the back

• Movement: DB2115V14

• Type: Mechanical hand-wound movement

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

• Number of parts: 244

• Jewelling: 36 jewels

• Diameter: 30 mm

• 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 Bethune Patent (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 per hour

• Adornment: Hand-crafted finishing and decoration

• Display: Yellow polished titanium hands

• Dial: Circular satin-finish titanium hours and minutes ring with yellow polished titanium hour-markers Yellow titanium barrel bridge with microlight decoration, sandblasted and polished chamfered contours Yellow polished titanium dial base

• Case material: yellow polished grade 5 titanium

• Case diameter: 38.7 mm

• Case thickness: 8 mm

• Lugs: Yellow polished grade 5 titanium floating lugs De Bethune Patent (2006)

• Crystal: Sapphire crystal (1800 Vickers hardness) with double anti-reflective coating

• Case back: Screwed case back in yellow polished grade 5 titanium opened on a linear power reserve indicator Sapphire crystal (1800 Vickers hardness) with double anti-reflective coating

• Water resistance: 3 ATM

• Strap: Alligator

• Buckle: Yellow polished grade 5 titanium buckle and pin