De Bethune - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: De Bethune
    Year: Circa 2005
    Reference No: DBS-W
    Case No: 037
    Model Name: DBS-W
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. DB 2014.157, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold De Bethune pin buckle
    Dimensions: 45mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Delivered with De Bethune Certificate of Origin dated 12th April 2023.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Debuted in the 2005 Only Watch auction, the De Bethune DBS was first introduced as a prototype timepiece that embodies the perfect union between technical mastery and contemporary design, which later flourished into various variations. The DBS was considered an innovative benchmark that set the design language for the firm’s iconic DB28.

    Featuring a mesmeric and futuristic case design that resembles elements of a pocket watch due to its positioning of the crown at 12 o’clock, and its articulated hooded lugs on the top side and the firm’s bullet-style lugs on the bottom side, the DBS is a fusion of the past and the future.

    While its case design is considered rather traditional within the space of De Bethune models, the dial is nothing short of extraordinary. The semi-skeletonized dial is purely what the firm is all about. With an arrowhead-shaped plate on the dial decorated with Geneva stripes, it further features an open balance that is another signature of the firm. Indicated via a pair of blued hands, it also features a 3D spherical moon phase display at 6 o’clock, a remarkable feature and an iconic complication for the firm. Furthermore, the timepiece boasts an impressive 8-day power reserve that the wearer can indicate from the aperture on the case back.

    Since its launch in 2005, the DBS has been available in several variants, including white gold, pink gold, and platinum. Offered in excellent condition, the present white gold DBS-W is further delivered with its Certificate of Origin provided by De Bethune will surely impress and garner interest from collectors of great independent timepieces.

Σ944

Ref. DBS-W
A very fine and unusual white gold semi-skeletonized wristwatch with spherical 3D moon phases, power reserve indication and Certificate of Origin

Circa 2005
45mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$350,000 - 650,000 
€40,800-75,800
$44,900-83,300

Sold for HK$444,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023