Singer Alicia Keys spotted wearing a De Bethune

Alicia Keys was recently photographed wearing a titanium De Bethune DB28 — almost certainly the DB28GS (Grand Sport) or closely related DB28T Tourbillon variant — complete with the brand's iconic spherical moon phase complication and floating lug architecture. The sighting appears to have taken place at an industry or brand event, with the watch prominently displayed on a vivid blue textile strap that coordinates with her denim ensemble.

The DB28 family sits at the core of De Bethune's identity. Founded in 2002 by Denis Flageollet and Pierre Jacques, the Le Locle independent manufacture has built its reputation on metallurgical innovation and in-house movement development. The DB28 case is machined from grade-5 titanium and features the patented 'floating lug' system — articulated, spring-loaded lugs that absorb wrist movement and allow the oversized 42.6mm case to conform naturally to even slim wrists. It is one of the few genuine ergonomic innovations in modern watchmaking.

The dial visible in the zoomed inset displays the hallmark vertically brushed platinum-treated finish, a blued steel five-pointed star tourbillon bridge at 6 o'clock, and De Bethune's signature spherical moon phase — a polished blued-steel sphere that mimics the actual three-dimensional geometry of the moon with reported accuracy of one day's drift every 122 years. Red-jeweled bearings punctuate the movement architecture, while the openworked chapter ring reveals the regulation organ beneath.

Among collectors, De Bethune occupies a rarefied tier. The brand produces fewer than 500 pieces annually across all references, and the DB28 variants routinely appear on connoisseur shortlists alongside F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour. The tourbillon moon phase configuration is especially sought after, combining two of independent watchmaking's most demanding complications in a wearable, sports-casual package.

Alicia Keys has demonstrated consistent sophisticated taste in horology — previous sightings have included Richard Mille and high-complication dress pieces. Choosing a De Bethune signals real collector literacy; this is not a watch purchased for brand recognition but for mechanical and aesthetic substance. Retail pricing for DB28 tourbillon variants begins above $200,000 USD, with grey market demand remaining firm given limited production.