Known for their fascination with innovation, science fiction-esque aesthetic, and incredible dedication to high-end artisanal watchmaking, De Bethune rightfully exists as one of the most easily identifiable watchmakers in the industry. From the outset, De Bethune set out to create watches that combined traditional watchmaking techniques with innovative materials and design. Their watches are renowned for their striking aesthetics, technical excellence, and high-level complications, such as tourbillons, perpetual calendars, and moon phases. In the 2011 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) which is the Oscars of the horology world, the DB25 won the Aiguille d'Or award, equivalent to the Best Picture award. This award not only cemented De Bethune as one of the world's most forward-thinking luxury watch brands but also showcases clearly the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.
Celebrating DB28's 10th anniversary, De Bethune launched the Steel Wheels Sapphire Tourbillon ref. DB28SWTTIS1, an impressive open-worked concept executed to De Bethune's values of inventiveness and flawless craftsmanship. The watch is a perfect testament to the brand's capabilities and truly a rightful and special piece for De Bethune's 10-year anniversary. The case of the watch remains loyal to its predecessor's architecture and has a 43mm grade 5 titanium case. Not only will the watch be more durable than stainless steel, but it will also be much more resistant to corrosion. Titanium, however, is a much more difficult material to work with, and to be able to construct such a visually stunning aesthetic with the material is also a testament to De Bethune's legendary status as an independent watch-making brand. The watch's dial contains titanium blue and sapphire blue that were immaculately manufactured with precision, perfectly complemented by the regular titanium. The skeletonized dial reveals the stunning movement - calibre DB2019V5 capable of up to 120 hours of power reserve. Beyond the beauty of the movement, the watch also has a plethora of functions such as a Power Reserve Indicator and a Tourbillon. A black alligator leather strap completes the watch, alongside variable geometry floating lugs, which not only provide comfort but are durable and secure. The design of the variable lugs allows the watch to be extremely flexible to different sizes of wrists, which makes it perfect for many people to wear. This being said the limited edition timepiece is only limited to 25 watches which makes it extremely rare and sought-after. De Bethune never ceases to amaze with their out-of-the-world innovation and to own a piece like ref. DB28SWTTIS1 will definitely leave people awestruck.
