Immediately identifiable as a De Bethune watch thanks to the patented floating lugs system holding the case appearing here in a polished black zirconium version, the DB28 Maxichrono is distinguished by a dial that is both technically and aesthetically unique. For the first time in the history of the chronograph, a single axis regroups the five curved hands to ensure smooth readings of elapsed times and instant times. The blue hands indicate the chronograph hours and seconds, while the chronograph minutes are counted off on a rose gold indicator and the openworked hands blackened by oxidation point to the standard hours and minutes. All are activated by a mono-pusher crown and connected by the patented De Bethune absolute clutch mechanism – which combines two traditional clutches in order to ensure semi-autonomous operation of the various chronograph counters. The minutes counter is thus governed by an oscillating pinion system, the hours counter by a lateral clutch, and the seconds counter by the new absolute clutch – all three controlled by three interdependent column wheels. The considerable reduction in friction resulting from this innovation, compared with existing mechanisms, serves to improve performances in all modes. A likely contender in the Chronograph category of the 2014 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix ?