Interstellar Style: Introducing the De Bethune DB28XP Meteorite


Inventive Swiss independent watchmaker De Bethune has unveiled the latest addition to its eclectic catalog, the new DB28XP Meteorite, a limited edition of only 10 pieces that continues the cosmic themes that the maison has explored through its timepieces in recent years.

As its name indicates, the new watch uses a meteorite dial, following in the footsteps of other celestial designs introduced by De Bethune, including the DB25 Starry Varius, the DB28 Kind of Blue Meteorite, and the Dream Watch 5. The meteoric model is the second follow-up to the brand’s first 2021 release, the DB Kind of Two Tourbillon DB29, which caught major attention for its reversible flipping case and two distinct dials.

The model’s 43-mm-diameter case is made of anthracite zirconium and sits close to the wrist at only 7.2 mm in thickness. The case is finished throughout with a matte finishing and features a “microlight” case middle design that contributes to its unique look. Like previous De Bethune models, the DB28XP Meteorite features a crown, here in blue, at its 12 o’clock position: both this unusual placement and the case shape take inspiration from vintage hunter-type pocketwatches. The unconventional case is secured to the wrist by De Bethune’s signature “floating” lugs, which also connect the watch to an alligator leather strap with a zirconium buckle.

Underneath the sapphire crystal lies the meteorite dial, with various blues, purples, blacks, and whites blending together to forge a “cosmic” look reminiscent of a starry night sky. Along its outer edge we find a blue titanium minute ring, curving into the dial proper along with a slim ring marked with printed rose-gold Arabic numerals for the hours. The main meteorite surface of the dial displays De Bethune’s artistry and its “mastery of thermal oxidation.” The buyer decides on the dial’s constellation, which is made up of tiny white gold pins for each star. Adding to the dial’s appeal is the openworked balance at 6 o’clock, surrounded by a chamfered, blue- polished steel rim, and two polished rose-gold hands for hours and minutes.

Inside the watch is De Bethune’s in-house Caliber DB2115v7, a hand-wound mechanism featuring a six-day power reserve, a frequency of 28,800 vph, and a host of hand-finished decorations. The titanium balance, with its white gold inserts, are positioned to be on display via the front of the watch, while the entirety of the movement is protected via a solid zirconium caseback with an engraved, blue titanium central insert.

The De Bethune DB28XP Meteorite will be limited to 10 total editions, each priced at $138,000.

To learn more, you can visit De Bethune’s website, here.

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  1. Mario da Silva

    Is it that difficult for these expensive watches to have good lume, at least on the hands, to be useful after sunset?

    Reply
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