Ever since the creation of De Bethune, 18th century fine watchmaking has been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for its founders, both of whom deeply admire and respect the mechanical ingenuity, the particularly refined aesthetic and the subtle elegance of French clocks from the Directory period. The DB28 Digitale, equipped with a mechanism powering multiple display modes —digital for the jumping hours and analogue for the minutes and spherical for the moon phases— embodies a highly contemporary vision of the aesthetic of that era. The watch fitted with a case measuring 43 mm in diameter and an outer bezel measuring 45 mm is a real treat for the eyes.

The dial adorned with a hand-guilloché barleycorn motif, together with the spherical moon and the star-studded sky, represent classical references that are arranged and executed in a manner that accentuates the modernity of the design. The silver-toned guilloché motif reveals all the beauty and finesse of its motifs. The visual equilibrium of the dial stems from the central spherical moon of which the two polished hemispheres —one in palladium and the other in flame-blued steel— indicate the moon phases with a degree of precision corresponding to a difference of just one lunar day every 1,112 years.

The peripheral depiction of the sky is spread from 9 and 3 o’clock above the minutes disc driven by a sophisticated micro-ball bearing mechanism that also powers the digital hours display. Like its dial, the polished titanium ultra-light case of the DB28 defines the modern and indeed futuristic nature of the DB28 Digitale. It is fitted with a 12 o’clock crown and equipped with a patented spring-based floating lugs system enabling millimeter-degree adjustment to the wrist and its movements.

The back of the watch reveals the finishing and technology of a Manufacture De Bethune movement, featuring flame-blued steel parts and bridges adorned with a Côtes de Genève style motif, reworked to accentuate the way light is reflected on the material and to draw the eye towards the heart of the movement. Several patents and innovations are displayed through this window onto the DB2144 calibre, notably equipped with the exclusive De Bethune self-regulating twin barrel, circular silicon/white gold balance wheel, balance-spring with flat end curve, as well as the triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system. The aesthetic balance and the readability of the DB28 Digitale, as well as the luminous shimmering effects created by the light playing across the material and its finishes, combine to create an atmosphere of gentle harmony imbued with refined elegance. The movement provides a power reserve of 5 days when fully wound.

Now, enjoy the rest of these live macro images we have prepared for you. This is a watch that will take your breath away and leave you in awe, as you find yourself admiring the dial and the movement. A watch with superb finishing, exceptional design and superior craftsmanship.

Sticker Price 95,000 CHF ex VAT. For more info on De Bethune click here.