De Bethune DB28 ST Tourbillon Central
Independents

De Bethune DB28 ST Tourbillon Central

By AnthonyTsai · May 3, 2012 · 4 replies
AnthonyTsai
WPS member · Independents forum
4 replies1211 views1 photos
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AnthonyTsai introduces the De Bethune DB28 ST, a timepiece that masterfully blends traditional mechanical watchmaking with contemporary design and technical innovation. This post highlights De Bethune's unique philosophy, where ancestral know-how meets cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs.

The noble traditions of mechanical watchmaking are subtly celebrated and reinterpreted in a contemporary masterpiece imbued with a blend of ancestral know-how and the latest technical and scientific breakthroughs. The DB28 ST is nurtured by a horological culture and philosophy that its creators David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet share and perpetuate in a resolutely avant-garde manner at De Bethune.

 

De Bethune DB 28 ST

 

A contemporary expression of traditional mechanical horology

The research conducted on the miniaturisation of the grand regulator timepieces that were admired and collected by one of the company founders and lovingly restored by the other, testifies to their desire to bring the horological quintessence of these historical works to the wrist.

 

Each aesthetic detail – from the choice of materials to the curves, the volumes, the shape of the hands, and of course the finishes – has its own specific reason for being. None are there by chance, and each contributes to a subtle equilibrium dedicated to purity, aesthetic restraint and readability.

 

The soft gleam of the platinum bezel effects the transition from the cool shade of the titanium case to the warmth of the sterling silver chapter ring.

 

The layered dial structure is built around suspension bridges featuring fine lines and multiple decorations serving to elevate the central mechanism as well as enhancing its functionality.

 

The silicon/titanium De Bethune tourbillon, the lightest and fastest on the market, combined with the jumping seconds mechanism, are proudly displayed at the heart of this model, endowing it with peerless technical and aesthetic splendour.

 

Excess is the avowed enemy of beauty, and De Bethune provides a resolutely 21st century expression of the grandeur of mechanical watchmaking through a determination to focus on excellence rather than excess.

 

DB 28 ST Technical description

 

Functions : hours - minutes – central jumping seconds -Tourbillon with 30-second indication

 

Movement : Calibre DB2119 – mechanical hand-wound

Hand-decorated mainplate, hand-chamfered and polished steel parts

 

DB2119 incorporates the major De Bethune technological breakthroughs:

 

Self-regulating twin barrel * – The barrels are specifically designed to eliminate friction and efficiently transmit a maximum of energy.

Silicon/white gold balance wheel* with flat terminal curve – Its exceptional lightness enables this balance wheel to reduce mechanical friction and deliver an ideal inertia/mass ratio. The principle of the flat end curve, placed on the same level as the balance-spring, compensates for off-centering and facilitates its fastening.

De Bethune 30" silicon/titanium Tourbillon 36,000 vph, the fastest and the lightest on the market, comprising 64 parts weighing 0.18 grams

Silicon escape wheel

Central jumping seconds

 

Jewelling : 47 jewels

Frequency : 36,000 vibrations per hour

Power reserve: 4 days

 

Case round shape, 43 mm in diameter, made of mirror-polished grade 5 titanium

Thickness : 12.3 mm

Lugs: floating type* in grade 5 titanium with pivoting system. Their springs follow the shape of the wrist and its movements

Platinum bezel

Glass: sapphire crystal with double glareproofing, 1800 Vickers

Crown: screw-locked at 12 o'clock – adjustable in two positions

Back: solid, hunter-type, in mirror-polished grade 5 titanium, inspired by pocket-watches

 

Dial : silver-toned with hand-decorated mainplate and bridges, hand-chamfered steel parts, Côtes de Bethune motif

Chapter ring in grained and engraved sterling silver

Linear power-reserve indicator with jewelled bars at 6 o'clock

Hands: cut-out, mirror-polished, flame-blued steel

 

Strap : extra-supple alligator leather with pin buckle

 

 

* Patents registered by the Manufacture De Bethune

 

 

Press Release

About the De Bethune DB28 Ref. DB28

De Bethune DB28 Reference DB28

The DB28 represents De Bethune's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie, featuring the brand's distinctive floating lug design within a 42.6mm case format. This reference showcases the manufacture's technical capabilities through its extended power reserve specification and proprietary movement caliber.

The 42.6mm titanium case houses the manual-winding caliber DB2115, delivering a 120-hour power reserve. The silver dial is protected by sapphire crystal, while the characteristic floating lugs define the case architecture. Water resistance extends to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.

This reference appeals to collectors focused on independent Swiss manufacture capabilities and contemporary case design. The DB28 represents De Bethune's technical approach to manual-winding movements, particularly notable for collectors interested in extended power reserve complications. Production commenced in 2010, positioning this reference within the brand's modern catalog offerings.

Specifications

Caliber
DB2115
Case
Titanium
Diameter
42.6 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
MO
moc
May 7, 2012

I only wish I could......just fantastic. Mo

HA
hans_jorgen_1968
May 7, 2012

... The best looking watch from their side.. Best Hans

MA
Mark in Paris
May 10, 2012

eager to see it in the flesh !

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