The DB28 has been the firm’s staple flagship model since its initial launch, and the collection has broadened in recent years with the release of the present DB28GS Grand Bleu in 2019. It is De Bethune’s first-ever diver’s watch, and to the best of our knowledge, less than 50 pieces of the present reference DB28GSV2AN have been produced to date.
Equipped with De Bethune’s signature floating lugs, the timepiece allows for optimal wrist comfort as the watch has a light profile. It also boasts a high robustness with the black zirconium and titanium case. The case middle of the watch is black zirconium, while the bezel and case back are titanium. Adding to the properties of corrosion resistance, durability and strength, the black zirconium is heated to feature a black oxide layer which renders exceptional scratch-resistance.
Unlike traditional diver’s watch, the scale for elapsed time is not found on the rotating bezel of the present watch, but rather it is featured on the crystal inside the bezel which rotates with the bezel. This allows for the scale to light up when the button positioned at 6 o’clock is pressed, activating 4 LED lights fitted at the quarters of the dial. In addition, the dial also features a special luminous material on the minute ring and rotating bezel, named Blue Moon, which is a new kind of Super-Luminova based on De Bethune’s signature heat-blued titanium, that glows in an irresistible blue when in darkness.
The present example is offered in "brand-new” condition. For the devoted fans of independents, and unorthodox yet practical and highly wearable, this may just be the perfect conversational diver’s watch.