The De Bethune DB28XS Steel Wheels (reference DB28XSSW) pairs a polished grade 5 titanium case measuring 38.7 mm across and 8 mm thick with an openworked dial, blued titanium details and floating lugs. Its manually wound movement is specified to run for six days, with the power-reserve display on the back.
How compact is the DB28XS Steel Wheels?
De Bethune lists the polished grade 5 titanium case at 38.7 mm in diameter and 8 mm thick. The brand’s English launch release rounded the diameter to 39 mm; 38.7 mm is the specification on its current product page. The grade 5 titanium floating lugs are also polished, giving the case its distinctive suspended appearance.
A sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating covers the dial. On the screw case back, a sapphire window reveals the movement and its linear power-reserve indicator. De Bethune introduced this XS model as a smaller interpretation of the DB28 Steel Wheels; its 2024 release described the 2022 DB28XP Steel Wheels as a 43 mm watch. Those are the manufacturer’s comparisons, not independent assessments. De Bethune’s DB28XS Steel Wheels page
What makes the dial striking?
The openworked front centers on a titanium barrel bridge with microlight decoration and sandblasted and polished chamfered contours. Around it, a circular satin-finish titanium ring carries polished blued titanium hour markers. The dial base is polished titanium, and the hands are polished blued titanium. The contrast between the open architecture, reflective surfaces and blue accents gives the watch its visual character without relying on a conventional solid dial.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What movement does it use?
The DB2115V13 is a mechanical, hand-wound calibre. De Bethune specifies a self-regulating twin barrel and a six-day power reserve; the linear indicator is on the reverse, rather than the dial. The technical sheet lists 241 parts, 36 jewels, a 30 mm movement diameter and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Manufacturer-listed construction features include a titanium balance wheel with white-gold inserts, a De Bethune balance spring with a flat terminal curve, a silicon escape wheel and a triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system. These are the brand’s specifications; they do not establish an independently measured accuracy result. De Bethune product specifications · DB2115V13 technical sheet
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How does Steel Wheels differ from DB28XS Dark Sand?
The two versions share the listed 38.7 mm case diameter, 8 mm thickness and DB2115V13 movement, but take different material and dial approaches.
| Feature | DB28XS Steel Wheels | DB28XS Dark Sand |
|---|---|---|
| Case | Polished grade 5 titanium | Matte anthracite zirconium |
| Dimensions | 38.7 mm diameter; 8 mm thick | 38.7 mm diameter; 8 mm thick |
| Movement | DB2115V13 | DB2115V13 |
| Dial treatment | Openworked architecture with polished and blued titanium elements | Differently colored dial treatment |
The comparison is limited to the details published by De Bethune for these models; it does not imply a broader ranking. Steel Wheels specifications · Dark Sand specifications
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What is the DB28XS Steel Wheels price?
Monochrome’s launch coverage dated 5 September 2024 listed CHF 82,000 excluding tax. That is a dated launch-period figure, not a confirmed current price. De Bethune’s product page does not establish current pricing, and a 1916 Company listing says “Call for Price” without confirming stock or a live offer. Contact the brand or a retailer for current availability and pricing. Monochrome’s 5 September 2024 launch report · The 1916 Company listing
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is the watch for?
The DB28XS Steel Wheels brings the DB28’s openworked, sculptural design into a case that measures under 39 mm across and 8 mm thick. The visible movement architecture and blued titanium accents are central to its appeal; the hand-wound calibre’s six-day stated reserve and discreet case-back indicator add a practical counterpoint. Buyers considering it should confirm current price and availability directly, since the published CHF figure is from 2024 and the retailer listing does not verify stock.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
