De Bethune is an independent Swiss manufacture that recently relaunched their brand after the company recently went through a complete restructuring. DB28 Steel Wheels is De Bethune’s first major release by the new owners, a consortium led by chief executive Pierre Jacques.
De Bethune has always been, and still remains, one of the most surprising members of the “independent watchmaking scene”, known for its modern, highly technical and superbly finished pieces. The new DB28 Steel Wheels comes in a grade 5 polished titanium case (42.6 mm x 9.30 mm) with the company’s patented floating-lug system that adjusts to wrist size and movements.
The De Bethune DB28 Steel Wheels has been created using a known technical base, yet it provides a new decoration and style to its movement, now fully opened to reveal wheels and pinions. The signature triangular bridge on top of the movement has been opened to the max to reveal the gear train and twin barrels (which ensure a solid 6-day power reserve) and the wheels underneath have also been redesigned to offer a technical and modern look. A blued titanium inner ring provides contrast to the hour markers and outer ring.
The dial is enhanced by the large signature spherical moonphase indication at 6 o’clock (patented 2004). Just above the moonphase is the large blued balance wheel supported by a traversing balance bridge the is polished to a mirror finish.
Further distinguishing this new model is an hour hand made of sapphire and rimmed with blued steel and chamfered edges. Driving the functions is a new hand-wound movement that consists of 275 components, 35 jewels, and beats at 4Hz. De Bethune caliber DB2115V4 features a patented double self-regulating barrel that provides six-days of power reserve.
Production will be limited to 25 pieces, The retail price is approximately $80,000. Available April 2018.