DBS Tourbillon

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DBS Tourbillon - De Bethune
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its DBS model, De Bethune has equipped it with a tourbillon.

Ten years ago, David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet decided to support the Only Watch project by creating the first DBS, a 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.

The cone-shaped lower lugs, along with the 12 o’clock crown, were subtle details that counterbalanced 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 and its movements.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its DBS model, De Bethune has equipped it with a tourbillon and produced it in a 10-piece anniversary limited edition.

This 30-second tourbillon features a high 36,000 vph frequency and is amazingly light at 0.18 grams for a total of 63 parts. 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 of materials such as silicon and titanium.

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The dial providing a 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 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 technical sophistication of the movement explores the technical and artistic skills of the Manufacture.

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