De Bethune Unveils the DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon Sapphire — Making A Strong Case For The Blue Hue

De Bethune Unveils the DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon Sapphire — Making A Strong Case For The Blue Hue

Adrienne Faurote
By Adrienne Faurote December 4, 2023

In the heart of Hong Kong, De Bethune has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon Sapphire. This limited edition timepiece, a mere 10 pieces strong, represents the seamless fusion of two iconic models from the De Bethune collection, merging the elegant design of the DB28XP with the timeless charm of the DB28 Kind of Blue Tourbillon, all with a captivating touch of sapphire.

Denis Flageollet, the visionary founder and master watchmaker of De Bethune, personally introduced this horological gem during his tour across Asia, engaging with passionate collectors and enthusiasts who resonate with the brand’s rich history and culture. The DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon Sapphire is a testament to De Bethune’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking artistry.

De Bethune Unveils the DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon Sapphire — Making A Strong Case For The Blue Hue
Photo Credit: Courtesy of De Bethune

This timepiece captures the essence of De Bethune’s signature style, which seamlessly marries sleek design with a captivating blue aesthetic. Crafted from blued titanium, the watch’s striking deep blue hue is achieved through the natural oxidation of the material, resulting in each timepiece being a unique work of art.

The dial, meticulously crafted in Microlight, breathes new life into the traditional guilloché technique, introducing depth and modernity to the watch’s aesthetic. This interplay of light and shadow on the expansive flat surface creates a structured and dynamic architectural outcome, firmly rooting the DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon Sapphire in contemporary horology.

De Bethune’s dedication to ultra-thin watchmaking is evident in the DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon Sapphire, which continues the brand’s legacy of excellence in this domain. The manually winding DB2009v4 movement, featuring the distinctive De Bethune balance wheel visible through a 6 o’clock opening, represents a culmination of ongoing physical and mathematical innovations to enhance functionality and precision.

Equipped with the renowned De Bethune hairspring, known as the soul of the mechanical watch, this timepiece maintains its center of gravity with precision, thanks to a meticulously designed flat curve fixed externally to the hairspring. This innovation contributes to improved concentricity, reduced height, finer adjustment of the pallet, and overall shock absorption, enhancing the timepiece’s performance.

De Bethune Unveils the DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon Sapphire — Making A Strong Case For The Blue Hue
Photo Credit: Courtesy of De Bethune

The tourbillon, a centerpiece in De Bethune’s intricate complications, takes on a remarkable role in the DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon Sapphire. A lightweight cage, weighing a mere 0.18 grams and rotating every thirty seconds, showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation. Designed to withstand the rigors of contemporary wristwear, this tourbillon operates at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, offering pristine accuracy. Comfort and innovation coalesce in the lightweight construction of the case, crafted from polished blued grade 5 titanium with a microlight case. Sapphire rods and floating lugs, part of De Bethune’s patented system, adapt to various wrist sizes and movements. The contoured profile of the case follows the natural lines of the wrist, creating a harmonious union between form and function.

Completing the ensemble is an alligator leather strap with a titanium buckle, ensuring practicality and comfort during wear. The DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon Sapphire is more than a timekeeping instrument; it’s a masterpiece that exemplifies De Bethune’s dedication to horological artistry, innovation, and elegance.