The name of De Bethune’s new DB28xs Starry Seas, a part of the DB28 collection, explains both its collection family position and its sizing. With the DB28 XP Starry Sky being the design (and size) reference point against which this new model can be compared, the ‘xs’ refers to the size – the DB XP Starry Sky is 43mm and this new model, 38.7mm, with a thickness of 7.4mm.

The DB28xs Starry Seas is, as is the brand’s wont, in a titanium case and this time, the blue dial for which De Bethune is known has gone from its usual celestial influence to the sea – the skies cannot be escaped though, as the brand says that this new dial is inspired by the reflection of stars on water.

There is a silver-plated chapter ring with minute markers and Roman numerals surrounding a blued titanium dial with a random guilloché pattern that represents the seas’ waves. The ‘reflected stars’ are applied white gold and the hands are polished titanium.

Powering the new DB28xs Starry Seas is the manually-wound DB2005 which beats at 28,800 VPH and has a power reserve of six days. It has all the standard hallmarks of a De Bethune movement, such as the patented self-regulating twin barrel that gives it the long power reserve, a titanium balance with gold inserts, and the De Bethune balance spring with flat terminal curve and the triple pare-chute shock absorption system.

On the classic De Bethune floating lugs is an alligator leather with alligator lining with a grade 5 titanium buckle and pin. The RRP of the new DB29xs Starry Seas is CHF 77,000 (excl. tax). The floating lugs make even larger De Bethunes feel comfortable on smaller wrists, but this new 38.7mm sized model opens up the options for those who prefer their watches 40mm and under.

[Photo credit: De Bethune]

Categories: De Bethune, Watch Profile, watches, Women's watches