Independents

Mark in Paris
[Purist]
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I would say ...

it's a question of shape and theme.

But this is only my own opinion and, hence, remains subjective of course.

For me, the DB28 collection is more futuristic and also its case is quite round (quite distinguishing from the lugs).

On the other hand, the DB25 is a modernized version of a pocket watch (kind of neo-retro trend), which style is older looking compared to a DB28 (D. Zanetta is more involved in the style design and is, from what I heard, an expert in pocket watches).

Thus, when I saw the DB28 or the 28ST or the DB27 (same collection), I find the plain case back (as an "officer" type case back, more round) completly matching the case. I guess a sapphire flat case back would have shown a visual break between the case's flanges shape and the caseback's.

I see in the little round window a kind of aircraft or shuttle little window allowing to look at the balance wheel: style very futurisitc, imho.

My feeling is that if the DB28/27 line had been equiped with a sapphire case back the plates decoration would have needed to be completly different from the "cote de geneve" etc ... I would have found weird to couple a DB25's plate decoration (whether it be a manual or an auto wind), or DB15 etc ... with the DB 28's.

I guess it also helps the client to make a clear distinction between the 2 collections.

I feel that the plain case back on a DB25 wouldn't have been appropriate as the shape wouldn't have matched the flat front glass and the more classical look.

This is how should look an equivalent of the DB27 movement: the DB25 auto (the balance wheel, the weight of the rotor are different but I guess they are similar, even though I didn't see it):

My opinion and taste is that I prefer the polishing work and clean style of the plain casebacks rather than this.

When you take a DB25 in your hands, ofr the 1st time, and you watch the front side, you are very surprised when you discover the modern movement afterwards. This contrast is part of the interest of the sapphire caseback on a DB25.

On a DB28, I guess De Bethune would have had to do as much as the global futuristic design for the movement. If not, I guess it would miss the point.

DB27:

DB28 (the DB28ST is nearly the same but with no window):

One exception here with the DB28 "Aiguille d'or" Limited edition:

I must say, even if they chose a different decoration from more traditional ones,  I don't really like it that way, even if this is still very nice. But I think I got used to seing them the other way and thus that my opinion is biased.

But you understand this is just my opinion and how I see things.

I'm curious to know how do you appreciate the caseback choice ?

Best,

Mark