Baselworld welcomes three new versions of the DB28. Two of are of the “T” for tourbillon type, equipped with hand-wound Calibre DB 2019. This movement endowed with a five-day power reserve is housed within a 42.60 mm-diameter case featuring De Bethune’s famous floating lugs that ensure a perfect fit on the wrist. These first versions are available in Black and Black Gold versions.
The third variation, this time not a tourbillon, is called the DB28 Black Matte. Driven by its hand-wound Manufacture-made Calibre DB 2115, it offers a spherical moon-phase indication at 6 o’clock, along with power-reserve and performance displays. The latter indicator, also exclusive to De Bethune, enables the user to check the winding range within which the watch runs at its best.
Once again, these models feature the innovatiosn developed by the brand such as the self-regulating twin barrel, the silicon/white gold balance wheel with flat terminal curve, as well as the silicon escape-wheel.
In addition to these three versions of the DB28, a new DB25 is also being introduced: the DB25 Lune. “We already had a tourbillon with moon phase in the DB16, a Grande Complication model that also featured a perpetual calendar and an age of the moon indicator”, explains Pierre Jacques, CEO. “But for the DB25 line, offering a tourbillon along with a moon phase is unprecedented”.
This model, which is part of the permanent collections and thus non-limited, will nonetheless be naturally restricted by the production capacities of the youthful manufacturer: “around ten a year at most, with a number 1 that should be ready by the end of the year”, says Pierre Jacques.
DB28, DB25: twin faces of the master plan
These new releases perfectly illustrate the strategy pursued by De Bethune, which involves placing the emphasis firmly on two distinct collections that form the backbone of the brand around which other exceptional models revolve. “They are two well-built, highly contemporary lines. The classic DB25 with its engine-turned dial and Roman numerals is an alternative to the more avant-garde DB28”, explains Pierre Jacques.
According to initial feedback perceived by the CEO, the DB28 models look set to be a great success in 2013. “This is a model that we presented to our retailers in January and already earned us a lot of pre-orders. The Black Gold, of which we should be able to produce around 20 per year, with its floating lugs, its black sculpted lines and its rose gold is undoubtedly the one getting the most attention so far!”
