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De Bethune as John Player Special with DB28GS JPS

Originally launched in 2015, the DB28GS was the first sports watch created by independent watchmaker De Bethune. Like all of the brand's watches, it combines a neo-futuristic design with an innovative, radical approach to technology. The parent-child relationship with the DB28 is unmistakable, with its floating lugs, triangular bridges and exposed balance wheel. But the GS is bigger, bolder, sportier and water resistant to 105 meters. The model returns as a limited edition De Bethune DB28GS JPS and wears a black and gold livery to commemorate the golden age of motorsport, mechanics and aerodynamics...the golden age of John Platt Lotus racing.


To this end, Denis Flageollet and his team used their watchmaking magic and a unique mastery of the thermal oxidation of metals to create the black and gold versions of the models. The gold accents are actually titanium oxide. The ergonomic 44mm case also uses black zirconium for the case middle layer and hardened steel for the case back, bezel and floating lugs. These are all occasions that DLC handles. The brand mentions that the DLC coating is "often used inappropriately because it is applied to materials that are too soft - such as 316L stainless steel or titanium, which deform beneath the DLC layer and make it brittle - De Bethune only works on super soft materials. Treated with DLC on top. - Hard tempered stainless steel such as those used for engines or sharp surgical tools. The hard DLC layer adheres perfectly to hard materials and will not be damaged by impact.”


De Bethune DB28GS JPS is powered by the hand-wound movement DB2080, with hours, minutes, central seconds and a power reserve indicator. Made of no less than 400 parts, this superb movement is an integral part of watch design with its unique architecture. It incorporates several of the brand's innovations, such as an optimised titanium balance wheel and gold inserts, and is equipped with a De Bethune balance spring with a flat end curve. The escape wheel is made of silicon. The movement DB2080 operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and has a power reserve of up to 5 days when fully wound.


As you'd expect from De Bethune, the finish is top-notch and in a class of its own. For this JPS model, the movement bridges are in mirror-yellow polished grade 5 titanium. The bridges and tonneau bridges are black hand-polished grade 5 titanium with "Microlight engraving". The barrels are handmade snails. Steel parts are hand polished and chamfered.


Like the previous version of the GS, the crown sits at 12 o'clock, while a pusher at 6 o'clock allows you to illuminate the dial on demand. Completely mechanical, works without electronics or batteries. A small gear train powered by twin barrels can generate electricity and light (like a bicycle dynamo) in seconds...enough for the DB28GS JPS to show off its black and gold livery in the dark!


De Bethune DB28GS JPS comes with a rubber strap and a canvas/leather strap. The folding clasp is made of black hardened steel.