Swiss independent watchmaker De Bethune has introduced the new DB28xs Sea Tourbillon, a striking haute horlogerie creation inspired by the vastness, mystery and fluid motion of the sea.
Announced in Singapore on 24 April 2026, the watch combines De Bethune’s signature mirror-polished titanium craftsmanship with a mesmerising blued titanium dial and a high-frequency tourbillon movement.
According to De Bethune founder Denis Flageollet, the watch reflects the Maison’s ongoing pursuit of pushing both technical and aesthetic boundaries while drawing inspiration directly from nature and the cosmos.
A Dial Inspired by the Depths of the Ocean
One of the defining elements of the DB28xs Sea Tourbillon is its blued titanium dial featuring De Bethune’s exclusive random guilloché pattern.
The intricate texture creates shimmering light reflections that evoke the constantly shifting colours and depth of the ocean.
Introduced by the brand in 2023, the random guilloché finish extends across both the bridge covers and the signature central deltoid bridge, creating the impression of waves flowing across the movement architecture.
Together, these elements help preserve legibility while enhancing the visual dimensionality of the watch.
A Lightweight 39mm Titanium Case with Floating Lugs
The DB28xs Sea Tourbillon is housed in a 39mm mirror-polished titanium case designed to balance comfort, slimness and durability.
The case incorporates De Bethune’s patented floating lug system, first introduced in 2006, allowing the watch to adapt naturally to the wrist for improved ergonomics.
Denis Flageollet described mirror-polished titanium as one of the brand’s signature design elements, though also one of the most technically demanding materials to finish due to its tendency to heat quickly and mark easily during production.
The brand says achieving the perfectly uninterrupted, polished surface requires years of experience and extremely precise craftsmanship.
High-Frequency Tourbillon with Lightweight Exoskeleton Construction
At the heart of the watch is a high-frequency tourbillon movement designed not only for precision but also for visual and technical innovation.
De Bethune highlights the tourbillon’s lightweight exoskeleton structure, which differs from traditional three-pillar tourbillon cages commonly used in watchmaking.
According to Denis Flageollet, the exoskeleton design offers two key advantages:
● Reduced weight
● Greater flexibility that allows the structure to function as a shock absorber
The open architecture of the movement also reveals De Bethune’s hand-finished surfaces and contrasting textures, reinforcing the visual depth and mechanical artistry of the piece.
A Watch Inspired by Exploration and Infinity
De Bethune describes the DB28xs Sea Tourbillon as more than a timekeeping instrument.
Instead, the watch is positioned as an artistic and philosophical interpretation of Earth, motion and infinity — a continuation of Denis Flageollet’s long-standing fascination with astronomy, natural phenomena and mechanical innovation.
The brand says the watch is intended for collectors and haute horlogerie enthusiasts who view watchmaking not simply as engineering, but also as storytelling and emotional expression.
The DB28xs Sea Tourbillon retails for S$297,000 including tax.
