Innovation in all directions: De Bethune DB28YT "Yellow Tint"

True originality is rare to see in the world of horology. Unlike other material goods or fashion items, watches have changed very little over the past few hundred years. Show a Victorian a pair of New Balance or someone in athleisure and you're likely to surprise them. However, show Calatrava to the same people and they will immediately understand its use and appeal. While I admit that the dated look is often an attractive feature of a timepiece, not all watchmakers are content with making watches that look 200 years old. Case in point is this futuristic DB28YT “Yellow Tones” from independent watchmaker De Bethune.

Founded in 2002, De Bethune is one of the most creative watchmakers working today. The award-winning brand has reimagined every aspect of watchmaking, and in addition to offering unique designs, they have created their own finishing techniques and introduced numerous mechanical innovations. They have produced more than 25 original movements and hold several patents, while employing less than 50 people, with an annual output of about 150 pieces. For reference, another 'small' watchmaker you may know, FP Journe, produces close to 1000 watches per year. De Bethune's independence and innovative spirit have resulted in some of the most interesting and original replica watches for sale on the market today. The DB28 series is one of the most famous series they produce. In fact, the founding model of the DB28 collection won the Golden Pin at the Grand Prix de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva. The watches we have here are a unique part of that prestigious collection.

This is the DB28YT that came out in 2019, nearly a decade after the original DB28. The YT in the name stands for yellow tint, as this is not gold but heat-treated titanium; we'll get into that later. While the colors and finishes are different, the rest of the watch is very similar to the previous DB28s, as this watch fully embodies Bethune's avant-garde spirit. Almost every component on this watch has been examined from every angle, and if De Bethune figured out a way to improve that component, they did.

My first impression of the watch was that it looked like the kind of timepiece Spock would wear to his wedding. The case looks like a spaceship, and the Côtes De Bethune finished bridges are even shaped like the Star Trek logo. It's just De Bethune's unique design language and has no official relationship to Star Trek, but it's undeniable that this thing looks like Gene Roddenberry's head.Richard Mille RM67-02 Extra Flat Sebastien Ogier

And then you've made a remarkable case. As I mentioned before, this is not a gold watch, but specially treated grade 5 titanium. Traditional heat-treated titanium watches are a deep, rich blue with various shades of purple. This watch has undergone a special fire oxidation process that is performed very quickly, resulting in the various shades of gold that you see here. Not only does this allow De Bethune to showcase their in-house finishing, but it also adds luster to the watch compared to many other genuine gold watches.

Measuring 42.6mm in diameter and only 9.3mm thick with a symmetrical crown at twelve o'clock, the DB28YT fits a wide range of wrist sizes. This versatility is further enhanced by its unique spring-loaded 'floating lugs', which curve down to the wrist, with lug-to-lug distances ranging from 55mm to 51mm, depending on the wearer. the wrist size of the recipient. This is just another example of De Bethune's habit of rethinking and improving components that have remained unchanged for decades.Wholesale replica watch

On the dial, we find a more futuristic design queue. The movement is exposed and visible through the dial, but is still very legible. Contrasting finishes and shades of yellow, gold and silver provide the right visual separation. Along the outer ring, you'll find a silver minute track with cutouts to denote the minutes and polished titanium spheres to indicate the hours. At six o'clock, just below the finely crafted balance wheel and mesmerizing escapement, is a unique 360-degree spherical moon phase. One half of the sphere has been oxidized yellow, while the other half is polished white palladium. This complication has existed for centuries. It just wasn't done the way de Bethune did. This sentiment really sums up the entire design of this watch. There is simply nothing else like it.

Inside the DB28YT is the hand-wound caliber DB2115V4, which boasts a six-day power reserve and plenty of mechanical ingenuity. The components of the movement invented by De Bethune include the self-regulating double barrel, the patented titanium balance with white gold inserts, the patented De Bethune balance spring with a flat terminal curve, the triple chute shock absorption system and the patented spherical moon phase indicator. Combined, these make for a very efficient, reliable and durable watch movement. It's not really a sports watch, but it might be fine if you happen to find yourself exercising.Maurice Lacroix replica

In addition to its mechanical innovations, the movement is adorned with beautiful yellow titanium components, which can be seen from both the front and back of the watch. The fired titanium and steel components are expertly hand-finished to provide visual appeal from every angle.

If you like timepieces that push the boundaries in terms of design originality and mechanical innovation, you can't go wrong with Richard Mille. Sure, it's become the "stretch" item of choice for the rich and famous, but Richard Mille isn't resting on its laurels. This pink gold RM32 automatic flyback diver's chronograph has a unique futuristic and technical aesthetic, while offering first-class functionality and reliability. If you're looking for a different, modern timepiece, but feel the De Bethune is a little too formal, then this edgy yet robust rose gold watch might be for you.Jacob & Co. Astronomia Sky 750.110.40.AA.SD.1NS

On the other hand, if you're not really into futuristic design, but do appreciate creativity and innovation, this FP Journe Octa Lune Automatic might be worth a look. It still fits the traditional dress watch model, but like all FP Journe, its movement is top-notch and has an original and unique design language. Also, like the De Bethune, the Octa Lune has a huge power reserve – it has a runtime of 120 hours – and a moon phase display. If you want something different but not too different, then this FP Journe will be perfect.

Simple and straightforward, this watch is for those with very personal taste. There is very little about this watch that could be classified as "traditional." The DB28YT isn't just for people who want to be unique; it's for people who hate normal.

I will admit, I love traditional luxury replica watches, and part of what I love about them in general has to do with nostalgia. However, the industry as a whole cannot just recycle design and expect to thrive in the 21st century. Either way, while they all get it, you can own the future of this DB28YT now.