Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Stunnning De Bethune DB28XP Kind Of Blue (Live Pics)
Liftoff for De Bethune’s cosmic blue ultra-slim vessel.
With Geneva Watch Days in full swing, independent watchmaker De Bethune launches a futuristic spacecraft combining the slim silhouette of the DB28XP and the magnetic blue colour that launched on board the DB28 Kind of Blue. One of De Bethune’s most recognised models, the DB28 features the brand’s hallmark floating lugs, a crown at noon and a delta mainplate in the centre of the dial that looks very similar to the logo of the Starfleet Commando in Star Trek. Crafted in blued titanium, the hybrid limited edition DB28XP Kind of Blu has more than enough mechanical and aesthetic propellants for liftoff.
As master watchmaker and founder of the brand Denis Flageollet explains in this video, the mystical colour blue so profoundly associated with De Bethune was the result of playing with fire. By applying the same thermal procedure used to blue steel and iron to protect it from rust, Flageollet and his team discovered that titanium could also be blued, and there was no turning back. Launched in 2018, the DB28 Kind of Blue created a sensation with its blued titanium mirror-polished case and movement parts.
The DB28XP (XP for extra plat or ultra-thin) was designed to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the DB28 in 2020, represented by three models in 43mm cases with lean profiles. By combining the cosmic blue aesthetic of the DB28 Kind of Blue and the slim, sleek silhouette of the DB28XP, you get the latest DB28XP Kind Of Blue. The polished grade 5 titanium case is feather-light and measures 43mm across with a thickness of just 8.5mm. Despite the width, the airy mobile lugs adapt to the size and movements of the wrist and, coupled with the extra-supple alligator strap, ensure maximum comfort.
The dial is a fascinating composition of shapes, layers, colours (predominantly blue) and textures. Most of the elements are made of blued titanium, with the signature triangular delta bridge in the centre allowing a view of the two barrels. The titanium balance wheel with white gold weights and the balance spring with a silicon escape wheel are exposed at 6 o’clock, and the entire regulating organ is held in place by a transversal, mirror-polished, blued titanium bridge.
The spherical hour markers are rose gold, matching the rose gold hour and minute hands, and sit inside a satin-brushed blued titanium minutes ring. Reimagining traditional guilloché decoration, the dial features a ‘microlight’ pattern (concentric circles) emanating from the balance.
Also crafted in blued titanium, the caseback reveals a series of curving bridges and a power reserve indicator. The movement itself might be ultra-thin, but it is nevertheless powerful. This hand-wound calibre DB2115v12 made in-house and entirely finished by hand, is equipped with two barrels and stores up to 6 days of power reserve. It is equipped with many of the brand’s patented innovations, such as the titanium balance, the balance spring or the triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system.
Availability
The new DB28XP Kind of Blue is a limited edition of 25 pieces – price to be confirmed. For more information, please visit debethune.ch.
2 responses
Lovely, I think the hands should be white gold or platinum to better suit the blue.
Stunning looking watch, however it’s a bit big. It’s either that or the person wearing it has average wrists and not the Goliaths it was made for.