Tuesday, June 9, 2015

De Bethune – DBS Tourbillon














De BethuneDBS Tourbillon White Gold Anniversary Limited Edition NEW

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...           BIG FOTO





























10-piece anniversary limited edition

Ten years ago, David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet decided to support the Only Watch project – an auction placed under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco on behalf of research into Duchenne Muscular dystrophy – by creating the first DBS, an incredibly 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, and marked the start of in-depth work on forging a specific De Bethune functional aesthetic.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...           BIG FOTO




































The cone-shaped lower lugs, along with the 12 o’clock crown, were subtle details that counter-balanced 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.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...           BIG FOTO
















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.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...           BIG FOTO


































The calibre of the original DBS was already packed with innovations and illustrated the expertise and ingenuity of this “grand” little independent firm.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...           BIG FOTO






































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.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...           BIG FOTO
























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.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...           BIG FOTO





























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 flame-blueing technique.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...           BIG FOTO






































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.

--------------------------------------------------
Technical Specifications

Model: DBS Tourbillon White Gold Limited Edition

Ref: DBTW

Functions 
Hours – minutes – performance indication between 2 and 3 o’clock
Movement 
DB 2119 calibre – mechanical hand-wound movement
Movement: mechanical hand-wound
Functions:
Hours – minutes – Ultra-light De Bethune 30” silicon/titanium tourbillon,
36,000 vph – 5 days power reserve indication on the back
Diameter 30 mm – 298 parts – hand-crafted finishing and decoration – Côtes De Bethune
Titanium bridges with ruthenium treatment
Self-regulating twin barrel*
Silicon/white gold balance – balance-spring with flat terminal curve*
De Bethune silicon/titanium 36,000 vph 30-second tourbillon*
Silicon escape-wheel*
Jewelling: 35 jewels
Frequency: 36,000
Self-regulating twin barrel*
Silicon/white gold balance - balance-spring with flat terminal curve* 

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

* Manufacture De Bethune patents and innovations
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 
Water resistance: 100m
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

Limited Edition to 10 exemplaires 

--------------------------------------
Press release Geneva 2015
--------------------------------------

=============================
De Bethune Geneva Office 
25 Grand-Rue 1204 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 310 22 71
Fax: +41 22 310 33 40
Contact Katidja Valy
katidja.valy@debethune.com
---------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - DeBethune
-----------------------------------------------------
www.DeBethune.ch

Monday, June 8, 2015

LOUIS MOINET – JURASSIC Limited Edition


















LOUIS MOINETJURASSIC Chronometer Limited Edition NEW


Jurassic Watch:
150 million years on your wrist

Louis Moinet continues to explore the world of extraordinary dials. For the first time ever the Mecanograph, winner of an International Chronometry Competition prize for its outstanding precision, now boasts a dial made from 150-million-year-old fossilized dinosaur bone.

As every fan of Ateliers Louis Moinet knows, the firm loves all things beautiful, unusual and exceptional. On its Mecanograph City watches, it was the first to include fragments of lunar meteorites and other rocks from the far-flung corners of the universe.
Meanwhile, the Treasures of the World collection has opened up another creative path: that of dials made from rare, fossilized stones of mineral or plant origin, including petrified exotic wood.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                  BIG FOTO



























Today, the two approaches have now been combined: the Jurassic Watch, derived from the Mecanograph family, is the first to feature a dial made from Jurassic-era dinosaur bone – between 145 and 200 million years old.




Mineral emotion
The mechanical heart of the Jurassic Watch is the certified Mecanograph chronometer. This proprietary movement has been exclusively developed by Ateliers Louis Moinet.
It boasts not only extraordinary precision, but also a dial made from a genuine fossilized 150-million-year-old dinosaur bone. In another first, the caliber features a date window located at 3 o’clock. It also uses the exclusive Energie Plus (*) process, unveiled by Louis Moinet at Baselworld

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                  BIG FOTO

























This type of masterpiece is highly charged with emotion,” explains Jean-Marie Schaller, CEO of Ateliers Louis Moinet. For one thing, together with our craftsman Mr Daniel Haas, we’re working on an extremely rare material – fossilized dinosaur! In addition, just like the meteorites we already work with, this legacy from millions of years ago has come down to us today in excellent condition. Even though it’s 150 million years old, this fossilized dinosaur looks quite contemporary. Its texture recalls that of an abstract canvas; it’s a real honour to be able to work with a material like this.”
Specific craftsmanship is vital for the production of each dial. It begins with the choice of the right stone; this needs to be sufficiently dense to be worked on, taking into account its final size and texture. The ensuing handiwork takes over a week – and results in a dial thickness of just 0.65 mm.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                  BIG FOTO






































A self-evident choice
 The stylistic approach of the Jurassic Watch is absolutely clear: the beauty of the fossil takes pride of place. “There’s more to it than just aesthetics, though,” cautions Jean-Marie Schaller. “Immediately on release, the Mecanograph won a prize in the International Chronometry Competition, enshrining our desire to achieve ultimate precision: a core value for our Ateliers, whose founder, Mr Louis Moinet, not only invented the chronograph, but was also the pioneer of chronometry, measuring sixtieths of a second in 1816. Another advantage is that this Mecanograph features a broad dial surface; we’ve been able to make the most of that to show off the fossil to maximum effect. That’s how the Jurassic Watch came into being – a combination of chronometric excellence and beautiful craftsmanship.”

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                  BIG FOTO

























A relative of the Diplodocus
Described as being exceptional by experts, the colour and vein of these precious witnesses to the past have benefitted from excellent craftsmanship, in which the cutting and treatment protect the material itself. The dinosaur bone in question, discovered in North America, has been authenticated by renowned geologist Dr Andreas Stucki in association with the Aathal Dinosaur Museum in Switzerland.
The dinosaur bone is from the family of large herbivores, which also includes the Diplodocus. The Diplodocus is one of the most easily recognizable dinosaurs thanks to its highly distinctive shape, featuring both a long neck and a long tail. It was one of the longest dinosaurs, measuring up to 50 metres – and had an estimated weight of 50 tonnes!
Chronometer certified movement, 43.5 mm case made from rose gold. Date at 3 o’clock, seconds hand at 9 o’clock on the dial with a concentric Clou de Paris pattern, limited edition of 12 watches




* “Energie Plus” makes it possible to wind up the watch in both directions, with a minimum of excess travel. This optimizes each movement of the rotor, recovering its energy, and winding the movement more effectively. It comprises an automatic system, based on an automatic pawl winding system featuring an elegant spring with a ‘crab claw’ design. Completing the system, a miniature ceramic ball bearing is mounted on the dual-material rotor.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                  BIG FOTO















------------------------------------------------
Technical specifications:

Model: JURASSIC

Collection:  Limited Edition to 12 exemplaires 
Reference:  LM-34.50.01

Movement
Mechanical exclusive automatic LM34 calibre,
Chronometer COSC-certified movement conceived by Louis Moinet,
182-component movement,
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4Hz
Lines: 13 ¼
Power reserve: 48 hours
Jewels: 26
Balance: Glucydur, screwed
Energie Plus System:
  • Pawl winding mechanism
  • Pawl winding system: comprises a baseplate and two jewelled pawls
  • ‘Crab claw’ spring mechanism
  • Gearing: automatic wolf-teeth gear
  • Ball bearing: 7 Myrox balls (ceramic), diameter: 0.397 mm
  • Oscillating weight: Bi-directional featuring Côte du Jura motif
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, Date
Features and indications
   - Central hours & minutes
   - Small seconds
   - Date
   - Chronometer certified movement conceived by Louis Moinet
Case
18K 5N rose gold, original Louis Moinet® design featuring six-screw bezel
Size: 43.50 mm
Thickness: 15.6 mm
Patent-pending crown guard
Sapphire crystal and back
Water-resistant to 50 metres
Crystals: Two sapphire crystals with anti-reflective treatment
Dial
Fossilized 150-million-year-old dinosaur bone dial
Central Gouttes de Rosée hour and minute hands, gold-treated
Small seconds hand at 9 o’clock on the dial with a concentric Clou de Paris pattern
Date at 3 o’clock
Fleur-de-lis applique
Strap
Louisiana alligator leather, hand-sewn, 24mm width between lugs
Buckle: 18-carat pin buckle

-----------------------------------------------------------
 www.facebook.com - Louis Moinet
------------------------------------------------------------------

 www.LouisMoinet.com