De Bethune - The New York Watch Auction: SIX New York Saturday, June 11, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: De Bethune
    Year: 2014
    Reference No: DB28TIS8NLE
    Movement No: 2115.333
    Case No: No. 01/50
    Model Name: DB28
    Material: Titanium
    Calibre: Manual, cal. DB2115, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Titanium
    Dimensions: 42.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by De Bethune Certificate of Origin and Warranty dated March 26th 2014, original sales receipt, instructions, setting pin, travel case, and outer box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The technical creativity of De Bethune seems boundless. Denis Flageollet – the brand’s co-founder and master watchmaker – spent decades restoring pieces made by the great masters of the 18th and 19th centuries and he used his knowledge of historical watchmaking to invent 21st century watches like no other, in his words “the tradition of watchmaking is innovation.”

    The DB28 has become today the watch that represents best De Bethune’s technical and design prowess and has become over time the most recognizable model from this exciting brand. The present example was released in 2012 as part of a special edition of only 50 pieces. The design of the DB28 is resolutely modern, there is no dial per se as the top movement plate – ruthenium-plated and decorated with Geneva waves – is visible along with the balance, triple pare-chute shock absorber and part of the mainspring barrels. Another De Bethune signature element is the 3D moonphase placed at the bottom part of the dial, a winding performance indicator placed discreetly between 2 and 3 o’clock, and a six day power reserve indicator on the caseback. This limited edition DB28 features blackened titanium spring-loaded lugs flanking a polished titanium case, with the exposed movement plate coated in ruthenium. The hour markers are slightly different as well, and not seen on other models of DB28: a shark-tooth form that appears to grip the edge of the dial, seemingly holding the entire watch together.

    Bearing number 1 of 50, the watch was hardly ever worn and is now offered at auction for the first time by its original owner in pristine condition, with all its original accessories – a trophy for the champion of independent watchmaking.

    PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

Σ159

Ref. DB28TIS8NLE
A well-preserved, attractive and avant-garde titanium wristwatch with exposed balance wheel, power reserve, torque indicator, spherical moonphase display, certificate of origin and presentation box, numbered 1 of a limited edition of 50

2014
42.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$25,000 - 50,000 
CHF25,100-50,300
€24,000-48,000
HK$196,000-392,000
S$34,900-69,700

Sold for $166,320

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: SIX

New York Auction 11-12 June 2022