The launch of the new Twenty-8-Eight collection of DeWitt is an inspired evolution of the brand, as it harmoniously integrates a more classical style and extremely pure lines and patterns into its unmistakeably recognizable DNA: the imperial columns on the flanks of its case.
Offering a subtle combination of character and refinement, the design of the new Twenty-8-Eight collection is sober and balanced. Presenting a slightly thinner case and more discrete columns on its flanks, the new Twenty-8-Eight collection gives a fascinating impression of lightness, however without denaturing the brand.
This new addition to the DeWitt family also intends to pay tribute to traditional watchmaking techniques and in particular to the historical 18th century guilloché machines still passionately restored and used today by the DeWitt artisans. The Twenty-8-Eight collection fully valorises the deep know-how of the DeWitt Manufacture through extremely high quality finishings that enable light and shades to delicately play with volumes and colours.
Imagined and first committed to paper on August 28, the new “Twenty-8-Eight” is also a friendly wink to Mr de Witt’s illustrious ancestor, Napoleon Bonaparte, proclaimed “Emperor of the French” by the Senate on 28 Floréal of the French republican calendar. Twenty-8 is therefore a reminder of Mr de Witt’s imperial heritage, but as well as of the true passion for watchmaking that has accompanied his family throughout generations.
The master watchmakers of DeWitt have created the first entirely home-made Tourbillon movement. A major step forward, a landmark in the history of the brand. DeWitt’s audacious approach to contemporary watchmaking is once again brought to light. In these challenging times for the industry, DeWitt has recognized a fantastic opportunity to create, to consolidate, and to showcase its autonomy and the depth of its know-how.
The new DeWitt calibre DW8028 is a manually wound movement integrating a solid and reliable Tourbillon mechanism. Its construction is rather classical, using age-old and recognized technical parameters as a basis: 18’000 A/h, 72 hours power reserve. The movement is equipped with a Swiss anchor escapement with a variable-inertia balance and a spiral with a Breguet curve sequenced at 2.5 Hz. The balance, as well as the escape wheel and the anchor are made of 18 carat yellow gold.
As for the finishings, entirely hand-made, they are of extremely rare quality. Meticulously angled, polished and satin-finished, the barrel and cage-bridges are finely decorated with Côtes de Genève. A little plate, bearing the signature of the master watchmaker and placed on the barrel-bridge, further witnesses the pride and affection put into the creation of each timepiece. A direct connection is therefore established between the client and the Manufacture.
The dial is sober and reassuring, echoing the faces of traditional masterpieces, but at the same time, it is joyful and lively, thanks to the heartbeats of the movement visible through a discrete opening on the Tourbillon cage. In the centre of the dial, an extremely refined guilloché tapestry, created by specially trained artisans with DeWitt’s historical 18th century machines, displays a miniature “W” pattern. Finally, three hand-engraved dotted circles elegantly surround and structure the dial, as they separate the hours, the minutes and the seconds indications.
The 43 mm round case is made of 18 carat rose gold and presents particularly comfortable proportions. It is slightly thinner than the famous Academia collection and features 48 imperial columns on its flanks. The bezel is particularly interesting as its polished and satin-finished columns provide eye-catching reflections. The lugs were also redesigned and slightly curved to preserve harmonious lines. The movement and the quality of the finishings can be observed through the sapphire crystal back.
Technical details
Movement
Movement: Mechanical manually wound movement integrating a Tourbillon manufactured by DeWitt
Functions: Hours, minutes
Reference: DW8028
Power reserve: 72 hours
Introduction: 2010
Vibrations: 18’000 A/h
Balance: Variable-inertia balance
Spiral: Spiral with Breguet curve sequenced at 2.5 Hz.
Escapement: 440 angle of lift
Jewelling: 19 jewels
Diameter: 14,6’’ (33 mm)
Total height: 7,45 mm
Number of components: 185
Case
Round-shaped, adorned with DeWitt’s imperial columns pattern on the flanks
Material: 18-carat rose gold
Diameter: 43 mm
Total thickness: 10,28 mm
Crown: 18-carat rose gold polished crown adorned with a ring made in blackened titanium featuring the “W” signature
Distance between lugs: 21 mm
Case back: Sapphire crystal, secured with screws
Water-resistance: 30 meters
Dial
Refined, hand-made guilloché tapestry in the centre displaying a miniature “W” pattern. Three hand-engraved dotted circles on the periphery separating the hours, the minutes and the seconds indications.
Hands: Hours and Minutes: Open-worked hands in the shape of two-edged swords
Wristband
Mat black Alligator leather
Buckle: 18-carat rose gold, triple blade folding clasp, polished, engraved “W” signature
Edition
Limited edition of 500 pieces
