Article of the week
The New Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7340/1R Perpetual Calendar

Introduced in 1999, the Twenty~4 collection was Patek Philippe’s first dedicated line of feminine timepieces. The original model featured an Art Deco-inspired manchette (cuff) design, but in 2018, the brand unveiled the Twenty~4 Automatic, which is a round-cased iteration powered by an automatic movement. This year, Patek Philippe elevates the collection further by introducing a perpetual calendar complication, marking the collection's debut in the realm of Grand Complications.
Crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, the watch features a 36mm case with a slender profile of just 9.95mm, making it sit gracefully on the wrist. The case is meticulously finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Two dial options are available. The Ref. 7340/1R-001 features a silvery opaline dial with a vertical satin finish, evoking the texture of shantung silk that feature irregular texture, while the Ref. 7340/1R-010 presents an olive green sunburst dial for a more contemporary appeal.

Introducing The New De Bethune DB28xs Aérolite

The art and beauty of meteorite dials with De Bethune’s craftsmanship

In the world of independent watchmaking, creativity never stops evolving. Brands continue to push beyond their limits, surprising us with innovative craftsmanship and bold designs. De Bethune is one of the leading names in this new generation of watchmakers, having made a name for itself with striking designs that blend technical innovation with artistic flair. The DB28xs collection, in particular, symbolizes a new chapter for the brand. One standout is the stunning DB28xs Purple Rain, a watch that radiates a deep purple hue achieved through a unique titanium treatment.

On the occasion of Geneva Watch Days, De Bethune unveils the DB28xs Aérolite. This watch is truly something special—a beautiful fusion of art and science. The dial’s random guilloché pattern contrasts perfectly with the precise geometric lines of the Muonionalusta meteorite, showcasing De Bethune's exceptional ability to harmonize design and craftsmanship.

The case is crafted from matte anthracite zirconium, a rare material that we don’t often see in watchmaking, giving the timepiece a distinctive and modern look. The floating lugs, also made of matte anthracite zirconium and patented by De Bethune in 2006, ensure that the watch sits comfortably on the wrist. With a 38.7mm diameter and a slim thickness of just 7.4mm, the DB28xs Aérolite strikes the perfect balance between elegance and boldness. The sapphire crystal, with a double anti-reflective coating, covers both the dial and the open caseback, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of the movement within. 

The DB28xs Aérolite makes a bold statement by blending the unique elements of the DB28xs Starry Seas and DB28XP Météorite models while ushering in a new era of contemporary watchmaking. Its striking blue meteorite dial symbolizes the union of earth and sky, featuring De Bethune’s signature white gold starry sky—a hallmark of the brand’s celestial designs. The dial is further enhanced by polished pink gold hands and an anthracite hours and minutes ring, adorned with pink Arabic numerals.

The DB28xs Aérolite is powered by the Calibre DB2005, a manual winding movement featuring a titanium escapement with white gold inserts, optimized for temperature variations and air penetration. It includes a silicon escape wheel and De Bethune’s signature triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system, ensuring enhanced durability and precision. The movement offers a generous 6-day power reserve, maintained by a self-regulating twin barrel, and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz). The watch has a limited annual production and comes with a black textile strap with alligator lining and an anthracite zirconium pin buckle at a price of CHF 105,000, equivalent to AED 455,500.

For more information please visit De Bethune’s official website. 

Technical specifications: De Bethune DB28xs Aérolite
  1. Reference: DB28xsZM
  2. Case:  matte anthracite zirconium, floating lugs, sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating, sapphire crystal caseback
  3. Diameter: 38.7mm
  4. Height: 7.4  mm 
  5. Water resistance:30 m
  6. Dial: blue Muonionalusta meteorite dial, guilloché pattern, white gold starry sky, polished pink gold hands, anthracite hours and minutes ring, pink Arabic numerals
  7. Movement:Caliber DB2005, Mechanical hand-wound movement, Titanium escapement with white gold inserts, Silicon escape wheel, twin barrel, 27 jewels
  8. Power reserve: 6 days
  9. Frequency:  28,800 vph (4Hz) 
  10. Functions:  Hours, minutes
  11. Bracelet/Strap:  black textile strap with alligator lining, anthracite zirconium pin buckle
  12. Availability: Limited annual production 
  13. Price: CHF 105,000/AED 455,500

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