De Bethune DB28xs Steel Wheels

De Bethune unveils the DB28xs Steel Wheels, a creation that transcends the concept of simple miniaturization. Behind its reduced dimensions lies a design of remarkable uniqueness, where every detail goes far beyond its compact size and functionality.

Representing the perfect union of technical innovation and contemporary aesthetics, this model offers a bold reinterpretation of the iconic DB28 Steel Wheels in a more compact format, with a case measuring just 39 mm and a thickness of 8mm. This remarkable evolution embodies the brand’s commitment to contemporary watchmaking.

The DB28 Steel Wheels, launched in 2018, embodies the spirit of transparency and light, revealing the contemporary architecture of its movement through an openworked dial. Marked by its iconic delta-shaped bridge—De Bethune’s signature—and its moon positioned at 6 o'clock, this watch stands out with a harmonious composition of hemispherical, concave, and spherical forms, offering a result that is both architectural and dynamic.

DB28xs Steel Wheels: The Art of Miniaturization

True to De Bethune's pioneering spirit, the DB28xs Steel Wheels embodies the brand’s ongoing quest to push the boundaries of modern watchmaking. By reducing the case diameter to 39 mm, De Bethune didn’t simply miniaturize the original DB28 Steel Wheels; the Manufacture created a new watch that preserves all the architectural and technical richness of its predecessor, while adapting it to a more intimate size.

There is no point in working unless it is to progress, and the only way to achieve that is by constantly questioning oneself. Continuously revisiting and rethinking the work, evolving it by modifying an element, a process, or a technique, and sometimes making subtle, often imperceptible improvements," comments Denis Flageollet.

A Smaller Design, Greater Intensity

The DB28xs Steel Wheels is instantly recognizable by its openworked dial, which reveals the intricate beauty of its movement. The titanium case, smaller yet equally sophisticated, enhances the harmonious blend of hemispherical, concave, and spherical shapes. This miniature design plays with light and shadow, creating a dial with captivating depth that appears almost weightless.

High-Precision Watchmaking Technique

Beneath the openworked dial lies the manually wound De Bethune caliber DB2115V13, meticulously refined to deliver exceptional chronometric performance. The titanium balance wheel, equipped with grey gold weights, ensures perfect inertia and regulation, while the De Bethune balance spring, with its unique flat terminal curve, guarantees unparalleled precision. The 6-day power reserve, a 20% improvement, is a testament to the brand's uncompromising craftsmanship.

Comfort and Compact Elegance

Thanks to its reduced size, the DB28xs Steel Wheels offers exceptional wearing comfort. The lightweight titanium case, combined with patented floating lugs, naturally adapts to wrist movements. With the DB28xs Steel Wheels, De Bethune reinvents one of its iconic creations in a more intimate version, without compromising on either technique or aesthetics. This watch embodies the essence of De Bethune's watchmaking art: a perpetual quest for innovation, precision, and beauty, now available in a 39mm format that will appeal to enthusiasts of exceptional timepieces.

Technical specifications

De Bethune DB28xs Steel Wheels

Reference: DB28XSSW

Case

• Material: Polished grade 5 titanium
• Diameter: 38.7 mm
• Thickness: 8 mm
• Lugs: Polished grade 5 titanium floating lugs – De Bethune Patent (2006)
• Crystal: Sapphire with double anti-reflective coating
• Caseback: Screwed case back in polished grade 5 titanium opened on a linear power reserve indicator with microlight decoration
• Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating
• Water-resistant to 3 ATM

Dial and hands

• Circular satin-finish titanium hours and minutes ring with polished blued titanium hour-markers
• Titanium barrel bridge with microlight decoration and sandblasted and polished chamfered contours
• Polished titanium dial base
• Polished blued titanium hands

Movement

• Calibre DB2115V13
• Mechanical hand-wound movement
• Diameter: 30 mm 
• Number of parts: 241
• Number of jewels: 36
• Power reserve: 6 days, ensured by a self-regulating twin barrel – De Bethune Innovation (2004)
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Adornment: Hand-crafted finishing and decoration

Specificities

• Titanium balance with white gold inserts, optimised for temperature differences and air penetration – De Bethune Patent (2016)
• "De Bethune" balance-spring with flat terminal curve De Bethune Patent (2006)
• Silicon escape wheel
• Triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system – De Bethune Innovation (2005)

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes
• Power reserve on the back

Strap and buckle

• Textile/leather strap
• Grade 5 titanium buckle and pin

MSRP: TBC

For more information, please visit debethune.ch