De Bethune DB28

The DB28 is De Bethune's most defining creation: a sculptural, futuristic watch with floating lugs, ultra-light titanium cases, and unmatched technical refinement. Explore standout models like the Starry Seas and Steel Wheels.

5 Watches

De Bethune DB28 at The 1916 Company

The De Bethune DB28 is the heart of De Bethune's creative and technical expression. Introduced in 2010, it features the brand's signature floating lugs, mirror-polished titanium cases, and in-house calibers that showcase both engineering prowess and aesthetic harmony. Each DB28 is instantly recognizable: a futuristic reimagining of haute horlogerie that balances symmetry, lightness, and visual depth. Within the De Bethune family, the DB28 is uniquely versatile, spanning tourbillons, chronometry-first designs, and artistic métiers d'art creations. It is a platform for both mechanical innovation and visual storytelling — making it one of the most awarded independent watches of the modern era.

The Sculptural Core of De Bethune

The De Bethune DB28 watch is the most iconic and experimentally rich platform in the De Bethune universe. Its architectural titanium case and patented floating lugs adapt to the wrist for supreme comfort — a concept that has inspired dozens of modern independent brands. The DB28's signature blue titanium elements, starry sky dials, and ultra-finished movements reflect the philosophy of Denis Flageollet: where engineering, art, and astronomy intersect.

The 1916 Company is proud to be a global retail and strategic partner of De Bethune. Due to the rarity and exclusivity of DB28 watch models, we offer in-person consultations by appointment only at our De Bethune-dedicated salons in New York, Hong Kong, and Shanghai; as well as any showroom of The 1916 Company.

DB28xs Starry Seas

The DB28xs Starry Seas redefines the connection between performance and beauty. Featuring an aventurine-like dial made through a proprietary laser micro-engraving technique and a petite 39mm titanium case, it is worn by world-class athletes including Tommy Paul, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Min Woo Lee, and Wenyi Ding — all of whom wear it during active competition. This model demonstrates that high horology can also be wearable, lightweight, and resilient.

DB28xs Steel Wheels

The DB28xs Steel Wheels is a tribute to mechanical transparency. Its skeletonized design reveals the in-house manual-wind movement in full — with a central delta-shaped bridge, polished titanium components, and a suspended barrel system. At just 39mm wide and under 8mm thick, it maintains the DB28's presence while enhancing its architectural openness.

Is the DB28 Right for You?

Clients drawn to the DB28 often value technical innovation, design originality, and the intimacy of limited production. Whether you're a seasoned independent collector or seeking a first serious piece of mechanical art, the DB28 speaks to those who see watchmaking as sculpture, science, and personal statement — all in one.

By Appointment Only — De Bethune with The 1916 Company

As the majority investor and global retail partner of De Bethune, The 1916 Company offers exclusive access to DB28 models in our private showrooms in New York, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. To inquire about availability or schedule a private viewing, please contact our client advisors . These watches are produced in extremely limited quantities and require one-on-one consultation to acquire.

The DB28 features De Bethune's signature floating lugs and is often the platform for the brand's most complex innovations, including tourbillons, astronomical displays, and skeletonized movements.

Traditional DB28 models measure around 43mm, but the DB28xs (extra small) versions are a compact 39mm — perfect for more wrist sizes while maintaining visual impact.

The 1916 Company offers De Bethune DB28 models by appointment in our dedicated showrooms in New York, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Showings may be available at other showrooms of The 1916 Company. Please contact a client advisor to schedule a viewing.

The DB28xs Starry Seas is worn in active competition by athletes including Tommy Paul, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Min Woo Lee, and Wenyi Ding — showcasing its lightness, comfort, and durability.