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A Closer Look at the De Bethune DB28 XP Starry Sky

Our Take

13 years ago, De Bethune launched the DB28. The first watch with the brand’s patented articulated lugs, the DB28 solidified the design language of De Bethune and still remains the look that collectors love. There’s probably no timepiece more important to De Bethune’s history over the last decade. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of this modern icon in independent watchmaking, De Bethune launched the DB28 XP Starry Sky early 2020. And we’re thrilled to be able to participate in this anniversary celebration by offering the timepiece to collectors.

So what’s new on the anniversary DB28? The most notable difference is its overall slimness. Though the original DB28 was not thick at ~11mm, the DB28 XP Starry Sky trims the height of the timepiece down to a mere 7.2mm. The XP in the model name stands for “extra plat,” “extra flat” in English. This might seem like a minor detail, but it completely changes the profile and wearability of the timepiece, especially for smaller wrists. Without doubt, this is the most compact, sleek iteration of any DB28.

This updated interpretation of the DB28 ties together all the best facets of the timepiece’s 10 year history. With abundant black polish finishing, ultra comfortable articulated lugs, the starry sky blued dial, open-worked regulator, and space age design, this is truly the timepiece for collectors and enthusiasts who love the DB28 and its history.

The Details

DB28 XP Starry Sky

Functions: Hours, Minutes

Dial:

• Silver-toned hours ring with transferred arabic numerals.
• Transferred circular satin-brushed titanium minutes ring.
• Titanium dial with "Microlight" Decoration
• De Bethune Innovation (2007) Starry Sky with White Gold stars dial featuring an opening revealing the balance, surrounded by a chamfered polished steel rim.

Hands: Polished pink gold hands

Case: Polished Grade 5 Titanium with "Microlight" Middle

Dimensions: Diameter 43mm - Thickness 7.2mm

Attachments: Polished Grade 5 Titanium with "Microlight" case middle

Glass: Sapphire crystal, 1800 Vickers hardness with double anti-reflective treatment.

Back: Solid, in polished grade 5 titanium engraved ring in blued circular satin-finish titanium - Titanium plate with "microlight" decoration and De Bethune Logo.

Strap: Extra-supple alligator leather, alligator lining.

Movement: Mechanical Hand Wound

Power reserve: 6 Days

Features:

• Self-regulating twin barrel De Bethune Innovation (2004)
• Titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts
• "De Bethune" Balance-spring with flat terminal curve
• Silicon Escape wheel
• Triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system.