The De Bethune DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon is the latest ultra-thin timepiece in the iconic collection, characterized by its futuristic aesthetics. The unique stylised bridge on the dial holds the movement gears, escapement, and hands. It is a striking blend of artistic design and technical innovation. While the look is instantly recognisable, the mechanical movement, most of it on view from the front of the watch, is protected by a raft of various patents that De Bethune has acquired in the last two decades since their foundation.
The architecture of de De Bethune DB28XPSWT is enhanced by different blue and metal finishes in the components.
The watch is striking. Thanks to the all-titanium construction, from the polished case with its patented floating lugs and triangular central bridge to the satin-finished chapter rings and bridges with their blue microlight decoration, the De Bethune DB28XP Steel Wheels Tourbillon feels ethereal on the wrist.
At its heart, we find the patented ultra-light titanium tourbillon that completes one rotation every 30 seconds. This ensures enhanced precision, as the faster the tourbillon the less the impact of gravitational forces upon it, and showcases DeBethune’s advanced engineering. The speed at which the escapement revolves, accentuated by the blue escape wheel, is mesmerising and unlike any other in the horological world.
The De Bethune DB28XPSWT comes on either a blue canvas (left) or alligator (right) strap
With the layout of the dial, De Bethune is demonstrating its contributions to watchmaking over the past two decades. The brand’s balance wheel is made from titanium with white gold inserts, coupled to the patented balance-spring with flat terminal curve and silicon escape wheel. The various elements of hand-crafted finishing and decoration highlight the manual wind movement.
The main barrels are snail finished, featuring blued microlight titanium inserts and polished blued bevelling. The hour ring is in titanium with blued microlight decoration and polished hour markers, whereas the minute ring and 30-second dial are in circular satin-finished titanium, offset against a polished titanium triangular central bridge and dial base.
Limited to just 10 pieces, the DB28XPSWT has anti-reflective sapphire crystals, is water resistant to three atmospheres, and comes with both a blue alligator and a canvas strap.
Author: Dr Andrew Hildreth
More about De Bethune DB28X watches HERE.
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