By James Phang
De Bethune always had a clear fascination with the inter-galactic space, and we can once again enjoy the fruits of their labour with their latest DB28 ‘Kind of Blue’ watches which pay tribute to the most famous cosmic color, blue. The concept behind the De Bethune DB28 Kind of Blue and DB28T Kind of Blue is associated with infinity, harmony and “plenitude” – the concept of being within and beyond itself. Truth be told, staring into the watch I’d imagine myself floating away into infinitum, such is the beauty of its mesmerising and rich-looking hue of blue painstakingly developed through heating and oxidation.
The De Bethune DB28 Kind of Blue watch uses a 43mm grade 5 titanium case. At the 6 o’clock position sits a beautiful moon phase made of steel and palladium which requires adjusting only once every 122 years.
The De Bethune DB28 is powered by the caliber DB2115 incorporated with De Bethune’s pare-chute shock absorption system, an interesting design which features the heart of the movement in a separate bridge supported by springs. Other signature features include its silicon annular balance (encircled by a white gold ring) and a balance spring with flat terminal curve. The DB28 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph with 6 days of power reserve, which is indicated on its case-back between the 2 and 3 o’clock position.
Moving on to the De Bethune DB28T Kind of Blue, it features the same case as the DB28 with the inclusion of their 0.2-gram tourbillon. The tourbillon does a complete rotation in 30 seconds, and is claimed by De Bethune to be the lightest tourbillon in the world.
The visible DB2019 movement runs at 36,000 vph, offering a 5 day power reserve powered by a self-regulating twin barrel to ensure steady power is supplied to the watch. A minor aesthetic design between the DB28T and the BD28 is that its silicon balance wheel bears a white gold ring around it.
I would imagine that the DB28 and DB28T “Kind of Blue” timepieces have to be viewed in person to fully appreciate its majesty – rarely have I used such big words but De Bethune’s release this time round really pulls at my heart strings. Both models come paired with a blue alligator strap which is befitting of the watch. The De Bethune DB28 Kind Of Blue watch has a limited run of 10 watches this year priced at $150,000 each, while its more luxurious sibling, the De Bethune DB28T Tourbillon Kind Of Blue watch, only has 5 watches produced, with a sweet price tag of $250,000 each. For more info, please visit debethune.ch
JAMES PHANG – CONTRIBUTING WRITER
James Phang is a young watch enthusiast from Singapore and is a self-professed fanatic of independent brands for their unique avant-garde designs. Some of his favorite brands include MB&F, Urwerk, Romain Jerome, Sarpaneva, Peter Speake-Marin and Azimuth. His love for art extends out to all things handmade, and he has made it his personal mission to find the best handmade straps and buckles worldwide for his humble collection. Read his articles here
