De Bethune DB28xs Aérolite

The DB28xs Aérolite—levelling up from its predecessors—is a canvas where science, nature, and human craftsmanship converge. The dial, crafted from the Muonionalusta meteorite, features a random guilloché pattern, creating a compelling contrast with the geometric lines of the meteorite’s surface. This limited-production watch pays homage to the natural forces that shaped it, capturing a moment of cosmic energy frozen in time. As Denis Flageollet aptly notes, “No other metal is as infused with pure energy and emotion as iron meteorites, which have taken form in the furnace of stars.”

This timepiece is a continuation of De Bethune’s legacy of technical mastery, following in the footsteps of previous iconic models like the DB28xs Starry Seas and the DB28XP Météorite. The DB28xs Starry Seas, released in May 2023, was more than just a scaled-down version of the DB28. Its 39 mm diameter brought new advancements to the table while maintaining the avant-garde spirit of De Bethune.

Inspired by the concept of Wabi-Sabi, the watch celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. The random guilloché pattern evokes the rippling surface of a starry sea, reflecting a balance between man and nature. Each element of the DB28xs Starry Seas speaks to a deep philosophical approach to watchmaking, merging minimalist design with cutting-edge technology.

Two years earlier, the DB28XP Météorite was launched in 2021, an awe-inspiring homage to the vastness of the universe. The watch features the Muonionalusta meteorite on the dial, one of the oldest meteorites known on Earth. Its dial, adorned with precise geometric patterns, is an ode to the beauty of the cosmos. The deep blue of the dial, achieved through thermal oxidation, sparkles with grey gold flakes, creating a starry sky. Each watch is a unique piece, with clients able to customise the engraved constellation on the dial, forging a personal connection with the passage of time and the infinite expanse of space.

As Denis Flageollet explains, “There is no point in working unless it is to progress, and the only way to achieve that is by constantly questioning oneself.” This philosophy is at the core of the DB28xs Aérolite’s design, where every element has been reexamined and refined to achieve technical and aesthetic excellence.

One of the most significant advancements in the DB28xs Aérolite is its miniaturized DB2005 caliber. Historically, watchmakers focused on shielding mechanisms from external influences, but modern demands require watches that are both precise, comfortable and durable in extreme conditions. The DB28xs Aérolite meets these challenges with its lighter construction, improving resistance to shocks while maintaining impeccable chronometric performance.

The 39mm case, made from black zirconium, paired with a blue meteorite dial, symbolizes the union of earth and sky, ancient materials and modern innovation. The result is a timepiece that is visually stunning and technically advanced.