Amongst the litany of independent brands that have popped up in recent years, few of them can compete with the timepieces that De Bethune has been creating. Although the brand has only been around the block for around two decades, they are recognized as one of the most exciting and important independent watchmakers today to come out of the Sainte Croix in the Swiss Jura mountains. De Bethune has created a powerful ‘DNA’ as they have unrelentingly developed and stuck with their own unique style. The De Bethune DB28 Steel Wheels you see here today are a perfect example of the Maison's spirit and disruptive horological creativity.
The DB28 is somewhat of a brand icon for De Bethune, it assumed the role of a catalog constant and it has been the brand’s creative canvas/medium for many different iterations in showcasing the core values and design prowess of De Bethune. The first DB28 was introduced back in 2011 which also immediately won them an award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, and to this very day, I have not seen any other watch that is quite like the DB28. Its sheer beauty is complicated to explain in mere words but easily understood when worn on the wrist.
The DB28 Steel Wheels was conceived with a remarkable focus on ergonomics, finishing, and raw craftsmanship. It features a highly polished grade 5 titanium case in 42.6mm (and 9.3mm in thickness) surrounding a silver openwork dial. Encased within is a manual winding Cal. DB2115V4 features an array of cutting-edge technology - a double self-regulating barrel ensuring an impressive 6-day power reserve, a signature balance spring with a flat terminal curve, a silicon escape-wheel, and a triple parachute shock-absorption system, as well as a titanium balance-wheel with white gold inserts.
The dial of the DB28 Steel Wheels is nothing short of amazing, in fact, amazing is an understatement. You will find a spherical moon phase indication at the 6 o’clock position which is composed of palladium and blued steel. Turn over to the case back of the watch and you will be greeted by the beautiful Cal. DB2115V4 in all of its glory. Here you will also find a power reserve indicator. Another notable feature of the watch is the patented floating-lug system, which aids in the fitment and adjustment to the wearer’s wrist size and movements. Given its
size and the amount of tech utilized in its design, you will be surprised at how light the watch physically feels on the wrist, this is mostly due to the usage of titanium in its construction. In terms of production quantities, only 25 pieces were ever made.
The DB28 Steel Wheels is a special watch, and it is not difficult to see why. Insane craftsmanship, impressive movement, intricate dial details, and an extremely wearable case. It has been an absolute pleasure to be able to handle, and now offer this beautiful piece of wearable art on the site.
