Credits: Article and images by Martin Green @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/06/01/de-bethune-db28xs-purple-rain/
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Movement
The movement is prominently shown through the sapphire insert in the caseback, and here, De Bethune shows its dedication to excellence. Shaped at what looks a bit like the Star Trek logo is the massive main bridge, under which you can see the mainspring barrels poking out from underneath.
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/06/DeBethune_DB28_Purple_Rain_Back-1.jpg)
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/06/DeBethune_DB28_Purple_Rain_Back-1.jpg)
Movement visible from the back of the De Bethune DB28xs Purple Rain
At the six o’clock position, it is graced by an elegant and perfectly finished full bridge supporting the balance wheel.
While it all may look simple, the movement is packed with innovation, many of which De Bethune has patented. It has a silicon escape wheel, which is combined with a titanium balance wheel (patented in 2016) and a special ‘De Bethune’ balance spring (patented in 2006).
Older innovations by the brand, applied to the movement inside the DB28xs Purple Rain, are the patented Triple para-chute shock-absorbing system and the patented self-regulating twin mainspring barrels. This latter ensures that this De Bethune has a generous power reserve of 6 days.
Starstruck
For the dial, De Bethune opted for its signature random guilloche that made quite an impact when they launched it last year in another DB28xs called Starry Seas. Stars are also something that the Purple Rain has in abundance, with white gold pins hand set in the purple titanium dial evoking stars in the sky.
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/06/De-Bethune_DB28_Purple_Rain_1-1.jpg)
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/06/De-Bethune_DB28_Purple_Rain_1-1.jpg)
De Bethune DB28xs Purple Rain
Combined with the hands, these are the only parts on the dial that are not purple, with the exception of the Arabic numerals and minute dots on the chapter ring. In quite a subtle way, they ensure perfect legibility, without taking away from the purple splendor of the rest of the dial.
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/06/De-Bethune_DB28_Purple_Rain_dial-1.jpg)
![](https://wristnews.com/storage/2024/06/De-Bethune_DB28_Purple_Rain_dial-1.jpg)
De Bethune DB28xs Purple Rain random wave-like guilloche
As the guilloche pattern is random, no two of these watches are alike, although the differences are subtle. So subtle, that it doesn’t take away from the perfect symmetry of the DB28xs Purple Rain, which De Bethune ensures by positioning the crown at twelve o’clock. De Bethune could have fitted this watch with a purple strap, but then it would be hard-pressed to find a color and finish to match the case.
Instead, they went a different route and delivered the DB28xs Purple Rain with two straps, both featuring purple stitching: one made out of black alligator leather and the other made from canvas.
Again, a subtle difference, yet where the alligator leather brings out the stylish dress watch side of this De Bethune, the canvas strap offers a more sportive option. De Bethune opts for a titanium buckle, instead of a more bulky folding clasp, and yes, this gets the purple heat treatment as well.
For more information, please visit www.debethune.ch/en/collections/db28-collections/db28xs-pur
Quick Facts De Bethune DB28xs Purple Rain
Case: grade five titanium, 38.7 x 7.4 mm; floating lugs
Dial: Purple titanium plate hours and minute ring with Arabic numerals, random guilloché purple titanium dial (world’s first), starry sky with white gold stars, polished titanium hands
Movement: manually wound, twin spring barrels, silicon balance wheel with palladium rim, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency
Power reserve: 6-days
Functions: hours, minutes
Strap and buckle: Extra-supple alligator leather with alligator lining plus canvas strap, heat treated purple grade 5 titanium buckle and pin
Water resistance:30 meters
Price: CHF 90,000
You might also enjoy:
De Bethune DB Eight: The Ultimate in Chronograph Refinement!
De Bethune DB28XS Starry Seas Reviewed by Tim Mosso
De Bethune DB28: How I Launched It, Why I Bought It, And Why It’s The Perfect ‘One Watch’
Credits: Article and images by Martin Green @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/06/01/de-bethune-db28xs-purple-rain/