De Bethune and Denis Flageollet Are Reinvigorating Maritime Horology With the DB28xs “Sea Tourbillon”

Summary

• De Bethune introduces the DB28xs Sea Tourbillon as a continuation of its 21st-century horological mission
• The timepiece features a random guilloché blued titanium dial that captures the fragmenting light of the deep ocean
• A redesigned 30-second tourbillon weighs just 0.18 grams while operating at a high frequency of 36,000 vph

The De Bethune DB28xs “Sea Tourbillon” represents a rigorous technical exercise in downsizing without compromising mechanical complexity. Centered around the Calibre DB2009V7, this release showcases the brand’s ability to fuse high-frequency precision with a unique “exoskeleton” architecture, all while encased in a mirror-polished titanium shell that prioritizes ergonomic comfort.

Technically, the DB28xs “Sea Tourbillon” is defined by its redesigned tourbillon cage, which operates on a triptych of high frequency, rapid rotation, and significantly reduced weight. Comprising 63 individual components, the entire titanium frame weighs a mere 0.18 grams. This ultra-lightweight construction allows the tourbillon to complete a full rotation in just 30 seconds while maintaining a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. Founder Denis Flageollet notes that this specific exoskeleton structure is not only lighter than traditional three-pillar cages but also offers enough flexibility to act as a natural shock absorber.

The aesthetic and functional construction of the dial is equally advanced, featuring a random guilloché pattern executed on blued titanium to mimic the fragmenting light of deep-sea depths. Beneath the surface, the movement is built to withstand modern wearing conditions, utilizing a silicon escape-wheel and a balance-spring with a flat terminal curve. To ensure steady energy transmission, the watch utilizes a self-regulating twin barrel, which guarantees a power reserve exceeding five days. The exterior is finished in mirror-polished Grade 5 titanium, utilizing the signature DB28 floating lugs to ensure the smaller “xs” proportions remain perfectly balanced on the wrist.

Denis Flageollet’s pursuit of “21st Century Horology” has long positioned De Bethune at the vanguard of independent watchmaking. The DB28xs “Sea Tourbillon” is the latest evolution of this mission, bringing the manufacture’s patented floating lugs and mirror-polished titanium to a more intimate, wearable scale. Historically, the DB28 silhouette has served as De Bethune’s primary canvas for aesthetic innovation, known for its space-age architecture and ergonomic lugs that adapt to the wearer’s wrist. By applying this complex engineering to the “xs” platform, the manufacture maintains its “Star Trek” sleekness while answering the modern call for refined proportions.