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.