Our Take

In 2011 De Bethune launched the DB28. The first watch with the brand’s patented articulated lugs, the DB28 solidified the design language of De Bethune and still remains the look that collectors love. There’s probably no timepiece more important to De Bethune’s history over the last decade. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of this modern icon in independent watchmaking, De Bethune launched the DB28 XP Tourbillon. We’re thrilled to present the anniversary celebration watch with a hand-engraved “barley grain” guilloche pattern.

So what’s new on the anniversary DB28XP? The most notable difference is its overall slimness. Though the original DB28 was not thick at ~11mm, the DB28 XP trims the height of the timepiece down to a mere 7.2mm. The XP in the model name stands for “extra plat,” “extra flat” in English. This might seem like a minor detail, but it completely changes the profile and wearability of the timepiece, especially for smaller wrists. Without doubt, this is the most compact, sleek iteration of any DB28 yet. Coupled with the 30 second tourbillon, it’s easy to be mesmerized by the two-as-fast tourbillon spinning at 6 o'clock.

As a whole, this updated interpretation of the DB28 ties together all the best facets of the timepiece’s 10 year history. With abundant black polish finishing, ultra comfortable articulated lugs, the beautiful guilloche dial, open-worked regulator, and space age design, this is truly the timepiece for collectors and enthusiasts who love the DB28 and its history.

The Details

DB28 XP Tourbillon

Functions: Hours, Minutes, 30'' Indicator via the ultra-light De Bethune Tourbillon Cage at 6 O'Clock.

Dial:

• Blue-polished titanium hours ring with polished hours markers.
• Circular Satin-brushed titanium minutes ring silver-toned hand-guilloche barley-corn motif dial featuring an opening revealing the tourbillon.
• Surrounded by a chamfered blued-polished titanium rim and a titanium seconds dial.

Display:

• Blue-polished titanium hands with polished inserts.

Case: Polished grade 5 Titanium with "Microlight"

Attachments: Polished Grade 5 Titanium floating lugs, De Bethune Patent (2006)

Glass: Sapphire crystal, 1800 Vickers hardness with double anti-reflective treatment.

Strap: Extra-supple alligator leather, alligator lining.

Movement: Mechanical Hand Wound

Power reserve: 5 days