In his latest Instagram appearance, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg once again captivated horology enthusiasts, not with an update on the metaverse or a new gadget, but with a stunning timepiece adorning his wrist. The post, which aimed to announce Meta’s new partnership with Oakley to expand the lineup of Meta Smart Glasses, inadvertently unveiled a different story altogether. As Zuckerberg discussed the future of wearable tech, eagle-eyed watch lovers noticed he was wearing the strikingly rare De Bethune DB28xs Purple Rain, a watch that quickly became the focal point of conversation.
The DB28xs Purple Rain is already one of the most talked-about watches of 2024. Unveiled in April of this year, it represents a remarkable fusion of contemporary design and artisanal watchmaking at its most experimental. The watch is based on the DB28xs platform, which is the smallest version of De Bethune’s flagship DB28 series. Measuring just 38.7 millimeters in diameter and a mere 7.4 millimeters thick, it is surprisingly compact for a timepiece of such high caliber.
The entire case, along with the dial and parts of the movement, is crafted from grade 5 titanium that has been meticulously heat-treated to produce an intense and vivid purple color. Developed by De Bethune’s co-founder Denis Flageollet, this unique process involves thermal oxidation at over 700 degrees Celsius, creating an iridescent finish that shifts between shades of plum, aubergine, amethyst, and lavender depending on the light.
The dial of the DB28xs Purple Rain is equally dramatic. It features a wavy, random guilloché pattern designed to evoke water reflecting the night sky. Tiny gold spheres are applied by hand to represent stars, while the openworked titanium hands are custom-made for this model. Notably, the minutes hand has a slight curve at the tip, allowing it to glide over the rounded chapter ring that hosts silver-toned Arabic numerals. The overall effect is otherworldly, blending mechanical elegance with cosmic abstraction.
Powering the watch is the hand-wound De Bethune Caliber DB2005. While compact, this movement is packed with advanced features, including a titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, De Bethune’s proprietary triple pare-chute shock protection, and a flat terminal curve hairspring for enhanced accuracy. It delivers an impressive six-day power reserve through twin self-regulating barrels, showcasing the brand's dedication to precision.
The DB28xs Purple Rain is a limited edition watch, with only 25 pieces available, each priced at $99,000. It comes with both a supple alligator leather strap and an alternative canvas strap, each featuring a purple titanium buckle to match the case. This exquisite timepiece is available through De Bethune and selected authorized retailers, making it a coveted addition for any serious watch collector.
