The DB28 is most probably the watch that represents best De Bethune’s technical and design prowess and has become over time the most recognizable model from this exciting brand.

Launched in 2010, this model won the prestigious Aiguille d’Or award the next year, at the Grand Prix Horlogerie de Genève as best watch of the year!

The technical creativity of De Bethune seems boundless, Denis Flageollet – the brand’s co-founder and master watchmaker – spent decades restoring pieces made by the great masters of the 18th-19th century and he used his abyssal knowledge of historical watchmaking to invent 21st century watches like no other, in his words “the tradition of watchmaking is innovation”.

The present DB28 case is made of Zirconium (a scratch-proof and incredibly difficult to work with metal) and features the brand’s signature spring loaded floating lug system enabling the watch to adapt to the wrist for ease of wear.

The design of the DB 28 is resolutely modern, there is no dial per se as the top movement plate, ruthenium plated and decorated with Geneva waves, is visible along with the balance, triple parachute shock absorber and part of the mainsprings. Another visible De Bethune signature element is the 3D moonphase placed at the bottom part of the dial, a wind performance indicator is placed discreetly between 2 and 3 o’clock and a 6-day power reserve indicator on the case back.

The movement features a cavalcade of elements that have been developed or patented by De Bethune making it truly unique and like no other, for example a self-regulating twin barrel, a titanium balance wheel with white gold insets, a “De Bethune” balance with flat terminal curve, silicon escape wheel and a triple pare-chute shock absorbing system.

This cutting edge technology is nevertheless merged with superlative hand finish of the components.

One of the most exciting watches from one of the most exciting brands of the 21st Century, the DB28 is a must have in the collection.