Founded in 2002, have quickly developed a reputation for excellence in the world of independent watchmaking. Only making several dozen watches a year, the brand has combined time-honoured skills and cutting-edge technology, to carefully craft each piece entirely within the watchmaker’s atelier in the Swiss town of Sainte-Croix.

In 2011, De Bethune were awarded the Aiguille d’Or distinction at the GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) – the prestigious award ceremony’s most coveted title - awarded for best overall watch in all categories, for the DB28. The DB28T follows this success by introducing the same high-beat tourbillon movement, seen in the Dream Watch series.

The independent watchmaker is best known for decidedly contemporary design innovations, which firmly push the boundaries of 21st century horology. In its quest for mechanical perfection, De Bethune continues to conduct research and development within the manufacture’s laboratory, embracing the creation of materials new to the watch industry.

The DB 2019 calibre movement of this DB28T not only displays finishing of the highest quality, with hand-decorated components, but is also technologically exceptional - representing De Bethune’s unique combination of cutting-edge precision and 18th century tradition. The stainless steel and titanium components display remarkable hand-finishing, with concentric graining and sharp, polished-bevels. With self-regulating twin barrels seen on the dial-side of the watch, a power-reserve of 120 hours (5 days) is achieved, shown by the rose-gold power-reserve indicator on the reverse of the watch.

Separating this reference from the standard DB28, is De Bethune’s claim to the lightest tourbillon in watchmaking - weighing just 0.18 grams - fully-displayed on the dial side at 6 o’clock. Made from silicon and titanium, the tourbillon in the DB28 uses a silicon balance spring and escape-wheel, with a blued titanium bridge. Making a full rotation every 30 seconds (rather than the more common 60), it is arguably the only high-beat tourbillon, oscillating at 36’000 bph.

By way of protection, the DB 2019 calibre also boasts a triple-parachute shock-absorbing system; unique to De Bethune calibres. The titanium bridge of the triple parachute is secured by a spring-based system, protecting the heart of the movement. The various architectural elements are connected by three jewels, thereby absorbing shocks and ensuring precise re-positioning of the bridge after displacement.

The DB28T displays a black-polished bridge in De Bethune’s signature ‘triangle’ form. The skeltonised, steel hands offer a modern interpretation of classic Breguet styling, creating depth and preserving legibility. Between the floating chapter-ring (marking the minutes) and black-polished inner-bezel, rounded indexes denote the hours. A brushed steel plate carries the “De Bethune” name, recessed below the tourbillon cage.

Sized at a contemporary 42.6 mm in diameter, the distinctive drum-shaped case of the DB28T features a flat, high-polished bezel. The manufactures’ articulated, hollowed lugs are spring-loaded, neatly forming around the wrist. The entire watch is mirror-finished, while the screw-down crown is located at the 12 o’clock position.

This pre-owned, DB28T Tourbillion is accompanied by its original box, papers (unsigned) and product materials. It comes fitted with an original, De Bethune black alligator strap and corresponding titanium buckle (open-worked in the same style as the lugs).

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look