De Bethune - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: De Bethune
    Year: Circa 2005
    Reference No: DB8W S1
    Case No: No. 000
    Model Name: DB8
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. DB5008, 21 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold De Bethune buckle
    Dimensions: 41.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, strap, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by De Bethune Certificate of Authenticity confirming purchase in May 2005, wooden presentation box, and outer box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Not only is the present De Bethune reference DB8 only the second ever to be offered at Phillips, but it bears the unique number “000”, confirmed by the brand to be a prototype.

    Revered as one of the most innovative independent watchmakers of our time, De Bethune ceaselessly impresses collectors with their unconventional displays of time and exceptional watchmaking. Evolving from the first De Bethune model, the DB1, the DB8 is a single-button chronograph that has elegantly inherited the traits of its predecessor with subtle updates.

    Stepping away from the typically audacious designs, the present timepiece features a hand-guilloché dark grey dial with pink gold feuille hands and applied numerals. The same dial variation would be seen later that year on the limited edition DB12 for Chicago retailer Swiss Fine Timing. Sporting a large dial with substantial wrist presence, De Bethune opts for maximum wearability with its slim white gold case and bullet-shaped lugs that sit comfortably on the wrist. Long discontinued, this specially numbered “000” DB8 is accompanied by its original certificate of origin dated from May 2005 and all its original accessories.

Σ10

Ref. DB8W S1
Numbered 000, an interesting and innovative white gold single-button chronograph prototype wristwatch with special dial, ogival lugs, certificate, and presentation box

Circa 2005
41.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, strap, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF27,000-54,000
€27,700-55,500
HK$235,000-469,000
S$40,300-80,700

Sold for $139,700

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023