Luxury Watch Wrist Sculpture: New Collection

holdemchamp1225 · 2021-11-21T12:22:21Z

Explore the De Bethune DB28 RS8 LE, a 'next level' independent timepiece. Discover collector insights on its design, wearability, and unique appeal.

holdemchamp1225

WPS member · Independents forum

64 replies6626 views2 photos

In a captivating post, 'holdemchamp1225' shares his profound delight with his latest acquisition, the De Bethune DB28 RS8 LE. His candid reflections on the watch's 'next level' enjoyment and unique design, including hidden Star Trek symbols, offer a window into the passion driving independent watch collecting. This article delves into the community's immediate reactions and insights, exploring what makes this particular De Bethune reference so uniquely compelling.

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Hope everyone is well.

I have been very fortunate to own and have owned many really cool pieces throughout the years but I must say this latest one, the DB28 RS8 LE, is NEXT LEVEL in terms of fun and wearing enjoyment.

I just grin and get giddy every time I look at it, and isn't that what it's all about anyways? 🤷‍♂️

Being a fan of Star Trek also makes it fun, for you who don't already know the symbols hidden inside 😉

Already ordered a half dozen SICK straps from my favorite atelier in Paris yesterday before hanging out with the Paris Watch Mafia 😜🤣

I think this one will get tons of wrist time, sadly for the others who will have to be benched 🤷‍♂️🙊

I was thinking about changing out to the SHORT lugs profile as this is currently set up with the medium lug profile but I am getting used to the size. Doesn't help either that DB charges 6400 euros to change out the lugs 🤣😔🙊🙈🙉

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

The longer lugs on the DB28, while initially appearing substantial, provide superior strap articulation and even tension on the wrist, enhancing comfort and wearability.
The De Bethune DB28 RS8 LE is so captivating that it can diminish the appeal of other luxury watches in a collector's rotation, creating a unique and lasting impression.
The DB28 RS8 LE features a striking aesthetic achieved through heat-colored titanium components, contributing to its distinct visual appeal.
De Bethune is recognized for producing highly differentiated and enjoyable timepieces that stand out in the luxury watch market.
The rising prominence of independent watch brands like De Bethune is prompting traditional luxury brands to re-evaluate their market strategies.
The DB28, even with shorter lugs, offers an amazing on-wrist experience, highlighting the model's inherent comfort and design success.
The cost of changing lug profiles on a De Bethune DB28, at 6400 Euros, is a significant investment, comparable to the price of an entire Rolex Oyster Perpetual.

The Discussion

westrop

Nov 21, 2021

I love De Bethune and remember looking at them fondly many years ago along with De Witt. I wish I had the money to catch one back then! Enjoy Justin: it looks superb on your wrist!

holdemchamp1225

Nov 21, 2021

Many thanks Ian. DB pieces are really special and when you wear one for an extended period of time, it just becomes more and more apparent 😉🙏

Lankysudanese

Nov 21, 2021

Whenever you go MIA, I wonder what kind of sick timepiece you’ll end up re-surfacing with.

This one is spectacular. All titanium but different heat-colored parts? What’s on the caseback? 6400 for an extra set of lugs? That’s an entire Rolex OP. Congrats!

holdemchamp1225

Nov 21, 2021

Thanks brother 🙏. This particular example is made up of several materials: rose gold case, titanium lugs, and palladium components 😉. I find the mix of colors to be magical 😁

Lankysudanese

Nov 21, 2021

Ah. Quite the medley of colors. Congrats again!

Hit us with the caseback shot, whenever you end up taking it off for a second

holdemchamp1225

Nov 24, 2021

Forgot to take a case back shot bro but it is a simple caseback with a power reserve indicator. These early DB28 models did not have a full display back like thr later ones, of which I prefer...

Will do so when I have the chance 😉👍