At some point, we have to acknowledge we are living in the future. We are simply surrounded by technology and designs that could never have existed in the past.
The De Bethune DB 28 (Ref.DB28TIS8C6PN / S) is designed to help us embrace this concept. It possesses both an appearance and features that feel like they are from another time. Let us show you what we mean.
One of the standout features of the DB28 is the "floating lugs" system. Incredibly, this patented system allows the watch to easily adjust to the size of the wearer's wrist and its various movements, ensuring maximum comfort at all times. This is particularly impressive given the watch's surprising lightness, which is achieved through the use of mirror-polished and blued grade 5 titanium in the dial as well as the case.
The dial of the DB28 is where you might first be at a temporary loss for words. It possesses a mirror-polish and is adorned with a blued, grade-5 titanium hour ring, polished steel hour markers, and a silver, silken minute ring. At 6 o’clock you’ll find a spherical moon-phase indicator (in palladium and flame-blued steel) that is equally stunning, as is the performance indicator is situated between 2 and 3 o'clock. The hands are hand-polished and flame-blued steel, adding a captivating contrast to the dial.
Look away from the dial (if you can) and you’ll find the mirror-polished grade 5 titanium case of the DB28 is just as impressive, measuring 42.6mm in diameter and 9.3mm in thickness. This lightweight-yet-durable case is complemented by the short or long floating lugs, which are also made from mirror-polished grade 5 titanium. In fact, these are a De Bethune patent from 2006, and no wonder–they allow the watch to fit perfectly on any wrist.
Finally, the strap of the DB28 is made from alligator leather with an alligator lining that is so supple, you can barely feel it against your skin.
Thankfully, the back of the DB28 is open, revealing the hypnotic DB2115V4 caliber movement. The movement is decorated with a mirror-polished steel motion-work bridge, a ruthenium plate and barrel bridge cover adorned with "Côtes De Bethune," and ruthenium circular-grained power reserve decoration.
This mechanical hand-wound movement has a power reserve of 6 days. The self-regulating twin barrel is a De Bethune innovation from 2004, and the titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts is a De Bethune patent from 2016. The "De Bethune" balance-spring with flat terminal curve is another De Bethune patent from 2006, while the spherical moon phase indication is accurate to a degree of one lunar day every 122 years and is also a De Bethune patent from 2004. The triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system is a De Bethune innovation from 2005, making the DB28 a truly unique and special timepiece.
Overall, the DB28 feels like a timepiece from a future era. It boldly combines innovative features with beautiful design elements to create a watch that seems as if a time traveler accidently left it behind while visiting our present era. The DB28 truly embodies the brand's unapologetic avant-garde vision of all that a watch can–and should–possess.
