De Bethune – CURRENT DB28XS Dark Sand Skeleton Dial 38.7mm Zirconium - 2026
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DE BETHUNE DB28XS
DARK SAND
De Bethune unveils the DB28xs Dark Sand, a new interpretation of the DB28xs Steel Wheels showcasing the Manufacture's research into materials. This compact creation clad in matt anthracite zirconium embodies a dense, more mineral and resolutely contemporary aesthetic.
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Featuring a crown at 12 0'clock, the DB28xs Dark Sand retains the aesthetic signatures and open architecture of the DB28xs Steel Wheels, while adopting a radically different approach. Light is no longer merely revealed but is instead absorbed, sculpted, then reflected in subtle touches, shaped by the finishes and volumes.
Matt anthracite zirconium: a quest for materials and longevity
Pursuing its research into materials and processes, De Bethune presents zirconium — a metal featured in its collections since 2012 as a natural and sustainable alternative due to its distinctive properties and colour. The metal's hardness, along with its stable oxidation that remains unaltered by atmospheric conditions, are key assets ensuring the resistance and longevity of a watch case.
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Here, the zirconium features a black satin-brushed finish, creating an understated, yet radical completely matt effect through which the material appears to capture shadows as much as light.
"Dark Sand": open architecture, exceptional hand-finished details
Offering a fascinating window onto the movement's contemporary architecture, the dial retains the openworked spirit of the DB28xs Steel Wheels. It is distinguished by a harmonious composition of hemispherical and concave shapes, enlivened by a captivating interplay of dark-toned depths and textures.
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The finely structured dial base in black sandblasted titanium provides both contrast and a mineral effect recalling the density and lustre of volcanic sand. The hours and minutes track in circular satin-finished black titanium is punctuated by polished mauve titanium hour-markers echoing the hands, contributing to the overall purplish touch and ensuring excellent legibility.
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At the centre, the anthracite deltoid-shaped bridge — De Bethune's iconic signature adorned with a barleycorn guilloché pattern stands out as a raised element that appears almost suspended in midair. Its bevelled, sandblasted and polished edges create a multitude of material transitions, forming a palette ranging from anthracite grey to deep black.
Top-flight horological technique visible from both front and
back
The DB2115V13 mechanical hand-wound movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour is designed to deliver exceptional precision timekeeping performance. Constantly updated, it incorporates several of the Manufacture's patents and technical innovations.
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Optimised for temperature variations and air penetration, the titanium balance-wheel with its white gold weights ensures inertia and regulation, while the De Bethune balance-spring with its unique flat terminal curve guarantees unrivalled accuracy. A silicon escape-wheel enhances energy efficiency and contributes to the calibre's power, protected by a triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system.
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On the reverse, the screw-down caseback is graced with a beautiful anthracite microlight finish, complemented by the mauve/golden tones of the linear six-day power reserve indicator, powered by a self-regulating twin barrel a De Bethune innovation.
Comfort and suppleness on the wrist
The DB28xs Dark Sand remains beautifully light and ergonomic with its 39 mm case, 8 mm thickness and floating lugs a patented system that adapts to the size and movements of the wrist crafted from matt anthracite zirconium.
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Paired with a leather-lined fabric strap and a matching zirconium pin buckle, this new model fits seamlessly into the DB28 collection, limited by the resolutely human scale of De Bethune's workshops.
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With the DB28xs Dark Sand, the independent Manufacture offers a more nocturnal, mineral variation on the DB28xs Steel Wheels. Its novelty is expressed first and foremost through the material: tough, durable matt zirconium dedicated to its open architecture and high-level mechanics.
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An interpretation highlighting De Bethune's technical advances and the meticulous finishing work of its artisans, custodians of centuries-old expertise.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Collection CURRENT
Name: DB28XS Dark Sand Zirconium
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Reference: DB28XSSWZ
Power reserve on the back
Movement
Calibre DB2115V13
Mechanical hand-wound movement
Diameter: 30 mm
Number of parts: 241
Number of jewels: 36
Power reserve: 6 days, ensured by a self-regulating twin barrel – De Bethune Innovation (2004)
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Adornment: Hand-crafted finishing and decoration
Specificities
Titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts optimised for temperature differences and air penetration
De Bethune Patent (2016)
"De Bethune" balance-spring with flat terminal curve De Bethune Patent (2006)
Silicon escape wheel
Triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system De Bethune Innovation (2005)
Display Polished purple titanium hands
Dial: Hour and minute ring in black circular satin-finished titanium with polished purple titanium hour markers
Anthracite barrel bridge cover with barleycorn guilloché and black sandblasted, bevelled and polished chamfers
Dial background in black sandblasted titanium
Hands Polished purple titanium hands
Case
Material: Matte anthracite zirconium
Diameter: 38.7 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Adjustment: Using the crown (2 positions) for winding and setting the time
Lugs: Matte anthracite zirconium floating lugs, – De Bethune Patent (2006)
Crystal: Sapphire with double anti-reflective coating
Caseback: Matte anthracite zirconium screw-down case back, open to reveal a linear power reserve indication
Sapphire crystal (1800 Vickers hardness), with double anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Strap:
Textile/leather strap
Buckle: Pin buckle in matte anthracite zirconium
🔰Edition by production
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Press release -- Geneva 2026
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De Bethune Geneva Office
25 Grand-Rue 1204 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 310 22 71
Fax: +41 22 310 33 40
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www.DeBethune.ch
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