US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
156
De Bethune
Ref. DB1
DB1
A historically important and elegant pink gold single button chronograph wristwatch with certificate and presentation box
- Estimate
- CHF30,000 - 60,000€32,400 - 64,700$37,700 - 75,400
CHF152,400
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- De Bethune
- Year
- 2002
- Reference No
- DB1
- Case No
- 001/DB1R
- Model Name
- DB1
- Material
- 18k pink gold
- Calibre
- Manual, 22 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k pink gold
- Dimensions
- 42mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by De Bethune Certificate of Authenticity, Heritage Collection letter, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The historical importance of the present DB1 by De Bethune cannot be highlighted enough as the DB1 was De Bethune’s very first model launched in 2002 and the present pink gold example is numbered 01 making it one of the very first models ever made by De Bethune.
The brainchild of Davide Zanetta, a collector of vintage timepieces and art, and Denis Flageollet, a genius watchmaker who started his career restoring vintage timepieces and developing über complicated movements for others, De Bethune was created in 2002 and in over 20 years they have developed over 35 inhouse movements and are at the origin of a cavalcade of extraordinary technical inventions. De Bethune is certainly one of the brands that today best symbolises 21st century watchmaking. This independent watchmaker is known for creative contemporary design innovations, mechanical perfection and continuous research and development within the manufacture’s laboratory. The present DB’s rather classical design is far from the more audacious ones the brand has come to be known for today but certain design elements, such as the bullet shaped lugs, can still be found in the brand’s current models and demonstrates Flagoellet and Zanetta’s respect and knowledge of classical watchmaking and design.
The DB1 was made in 28 pieces in white gold, 21 pieces in pink gold and one unique example in yellow gold. The movement was originally created by Flageollet for Jaquet (now Lajoux Perret), a company creating high end mechanical movements for third parties. It is stamped C.D.B, standing for Chevalier De Bethune, an 18th Century French aristocrat and horologist known for his innovative escapement system and whose name inspired the founders of De Bethune.
The brainchild of Davide Zanetta, a collector of vintage timepieces and art, and Denis Flageollet, a genius watchmaker who started his career restoring vintage timepieces and developing über complicated movements for others, De Bethune was created in 2002 and in over 20 years they have developed over 35 inhouse movements and are at the origin of a cavalcade of extraordinary technical inventions. De Bethune is certainly one of the brands that today best symbolises 21st century watchmaking. This independent watchmaker is known for creative contemporary design innovations, mechanical perfection and continuous research and development within the manufacture’s laboratory. The present DB’s rather classical design is far from the more audacious ones the brand has come to be known for today but certain design elements, such as the bullet shaped lugs, can still be found in the brand’s current models and demonstrates Flagoellet and Zanetta’s respect and knowledge of classical watchmaking and design.
The DB1 was made in 28 pieces in white gold, 21 pieces in pink gold and one unique example in yellow gold. The movement was originally created by Flageollet for Jaquet (now Lajoux Perret), a company creating high end mechanical movements for third parties. It is stamped C.D.B, standing for Chevalier De Bethune, an 18th Century French aristocrat and horologist known for his innovative escapement system and whose name inspired the founders of De Bethune.