Introducing DB28GS Swordfish: The Luxury Dive Watch from De Bethune

De Bethune has developed over 30 calibers, secured numerous patents, and produced 150 one-of-a-kind pieces. The brand is particularly recognized for using advanced materials and techniques, such as its proprietary balance wheel, as well as titanium and silicon components in its watches. De Bethune’s timepieces feature bold, asymmetrical designs and complex functions, earning the company several prestigious awards, including the "Best Men's Complicated Watch" at the 2011 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève for the DB28.

In conjunction with Watches and Wonders 2025, the brand today unveils its latest creation, the “DB28GS Swordfish”, a new dive watch that embodies De Bethune’s commitment to both innovation and excellence in the world of luxury timepieces.

The DB28GS Swordfish is presented in a case that exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship of the Auberson workshops. The case features a striking black zirconium middle with a "Microlight" decoration, paired with a black brushed and polished hardened stainless steel case back and bezel. This combination creates a sophisticated visual dynamic, with varying finishes that range from matte to glossy. The bezel also includes a unidirectional rotating design, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal, with 12 blue dots matching the crown and push-button at 6 o’clock.

The floating lugs, made from black brushed hardened stainless steel with blued polished Grade 5 titanium inserts, are another standout feature. These patented lugs (De Bethune Patent, 2006) adapt naturally to wrist movements, ensuring comfort throughout the day. The case diameter is 44mm with a thickness of 12.8mm and is secured by a sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating, offering superior clarity and durability (1800 Vickers hardness). The open case back is crafted from black polished hardened stainless steel, providing a clear view of the movement while maintaining its elegant design. Additionally, the watch offers a water resistance of 100m, ensuring reliability and robustness in various environments.

The DB28GS Swordfish stands out with its openworked dial, showcasing the intricate components of the movement, a hallmark of De Bethune’s signature design. The dial retains the familiar layout found in the brand’s timepieces, with a black satin-brushed Grade 5 titanium minutes dial featuring cut-out Arabic numerals, further enhancing its clean, modern look. The striking blued Grade 5 titanium inserts on the bridges, the inner edge track, and the second hand add a vibrant touch of color that complements the case. The black titanium hour and minute hands, featuring black polished steel inserts, and the seconds hand made of polished blued titanium with a luminescent tip, all work harmoniously to provide excellent legibility.

The wide hour hand, with its distinctive shape, draws attention alongside the minute and second hands, both shaped like arrows, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to both form and functionality. A power-reserve indicator is placed between 9 and 10 o'clock, offering a practical feature without compromising the sleek aesthetic. Additionally, the watch is equipped with De Bethune's manual lighting system, which diffuses white light from the four corners of the dial (3, 6, 9, 12 o'clock), illuminating the movement from within. This entirely mechanical system, activated by a push-button at 6 o'clock, offers a unique, battery-free solution for enhancing visibility, adding a touch of innovation to the already remarkable dial.

The watch is powered by the DB2080 mechanical hand-wound movement, a technical marvel designed to deliver exceptional precision and reliability. This movement, composed of 400 parts and featuring 51 jewels, boasts a power reserve of 5 days, made possible by De Bethune's self-regulating twin barrel, an innovation introduced in 2004. It also includes a titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, optimized for temperature stability and air penetration, alongside De Bethune’s patented balance-spring with a flat terminal curve. The movement is further enhanced by a silicon escape wheel and a triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system, both of which reflect the brand’s commitment to innovation and precision. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz), the DB2 080 ensures remarkable accuracy. One of the standout features of the movement is the manual lighting system, which operates entirely mechanically via a dynamo principle, powered by the twin barrel.

It comes with a rubber strap. Additionally, the watch comes with an interchangeable canvas and leather strap. Both straps are secured by a folding clasp crafted from black brushed hardened stainless steel. Priced at 105,000 CHF, equivalent to 438,600 AED.

For more information, you can visit De Bethune’s official website.