New De Bethune DB28XS Ocean Tourbillon
The bridges of the latest compact DB28XS Tourbillon watch feature a flowing, ocean-blue guilloché pattern.
With its distinctively avant-garde design, the DB28 is De Bethune’s most recognizable timepiece. First unveiled in 2010, the DB28’s signature features include a futuristic silhouette, floating lugs, a central triangular bridge resembling the Starfleet insignia from Star Trek, and a crown at 12 o’clock. The DB28XS continues this evolution, condensing the classic elements of the original DB28 into a more compact case. The new DB28XS Ocean Tourbillon watch draws inspiration from the gentle rhythm of ocean waves, adorning the bridges with a delicate, random blue guilloché pattern.
Launched in 2023, the DB28XS (Ultra-small) is a compact interpretation of the classic DB28 series, incorporating the slim and stylish form of the ultra-thin DB28XP. Like all DB28XS watches, this Ocean Tourbillon’s case is crafted entirely from mirror-polished titanium. The lightweight yet robust properties of titanium, combined with ergonomically designed floating lugs, allow this slim 38.7mm diameter, 8mm thick case to naturally conform to the shape and movement of the wrist. chronowrist.ru
The iconic hot-blue titanium bridge, consisting of a barrel-shaped bridge cover and a triangular central bridge, is decorated with De Bethune’s signature random guilloché pattern, first used in the DBXS Ocean and Rainbow collections. A series of irregular blue wave-like guillochés on the bridges gives it a stunning sense of depth and contrasts sharply with the more intricate technical details on the dial with a natural, flowing brushstroke.
The outer titanium hour markers are adorned with the brand’s signature shimmering finish. This hand-engraved surface treatment gives the De Bethune’s blue shimmering decoration a dense, microgrooved texture that captures and scatters light. Polished titanium hour markers indicate the hours, while custom-designed, hand-polished, skeletonized titanium hour and minute hands indicate the time.
This Ocean Tourbillon watch is identical in specifications to last year’s DBXS Kind of Blue Tourbillon, featuring a 30-second tourbillon at 6 o’clock, secured by a skeletonized blued steel-titanium bridge. The ultra-light titanium frame comprises 63 parts, weighs only 0.18 grams, rotates twice per minute, and oscillates at a frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour). whereguidewatch.com
Due to the inverted design of the movement, the main features are clearly visible on the dial, resulting in a more understated appearance from the case back. Through the circular, radiating decorative baseplate, the brightly polished bridges and some brass gears are visible. The watch is powered by the manual-winding DB2009V7 movement, boasting a robust 5-day power reserve powered by double automatic mainspring barrels, and is resistant to magnetic fields, shocks, and acceleration. The entire timepiece is handcrafted, adorned with exquisite finishing and decoration, showcasing De Bethune’s consistently high standards.
Technical Specifications – DE BETHUNE DB28XS Ocean Tourbillon
Case: 38.7 mm in diameter x 8 mm in thickness – Grade 5 titanium, polished – Patented floating lugs – Crown at 12 o’clock – Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating – Screw-down titanium case back with sapphire crystal and double anti-reflective coating – Water resistant to 30 meters
Dial: Triangular central bridge and barrel bridge cover, polished blue titanium with random guilloché (wave-like) guilloché pattern – Outer titanium hour marker ring with blue titanium micro-engraving – Polished hour markers – Satin-brushed titanium minute and second rings – Polished skeletonized titanium hands – Tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock.
Movement: De Bethune DB2009V7 Caliber – In-house manual winding – 239 parts – 33 jewels – 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz) – 5-day power reserve – Double automatic mainspring barrels – Ultra-light 0.18-gram titanium tourbillon cage, rotating once every 30 seconds – Titanium balance wheel set in white gold – De Bethune flat-ended curved hairspring – Silicon escapement wheel – Triple shock absorbers – Hand-polished and hand-beveled finish
Strap: Ultra-soft alligator leather with alligator lining – Titanium pin buckle, polished