De Bethune DB28

DB28 is a line from the independent watch brand De Bethune. In 2011 the DB28 won the top prize of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, the Aiguille d'Or. The line is recognisable by its crown at 12 o'clock, the central bridge over the open dial and the floating lugs that adapt to the wrist. The movements use De Bethune's own components: the patented silicon-titanium balance, the Triple Pare-chute shock absorber and the spherical moon-phase indicator.

A DB28 is chosen by its specific version. The reference identifies the exact model, and the calibre, case material, functions and power reserve show what it includes. The quality of finishing is visible on the dial, where traditional decoration sits alongside 21st-century engineering.

One example is the Skybridge: a 43 mm titanium case and hand winding, with the in-house DB2105 calibre with twin barrels, sapphire crystal and a transparent caseback. The blue titanium dial, inlaid with white gold and diamonds, depicts a starry sky, with a spherical moon at the bottom.