De Bethune - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: De Bethune
    Year: 2007
    Reference No: DB25WS3
    Movement No: 2024.626
    Case No: No. 023
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2024, 49 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold De Bethune pin buckle
    Dimensions: 44mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by De Bethune undated Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, travel case, fitted presentation box, and slip cloth.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 2007, the present DB25 is part of the first iteration of the reference which featured De Bethune’s inaugural automatic movement, the caliber DB 2024. Launched in 2006, it featured a six day power reserve, a titanium and platinum balance wheel, and an innovative shock-absorbing system for the ceramic ball-bearings used in the automatic winding assembly. Phillips was honored to sell a prototype DB25, formerly the personal property of David Zanetta, co-founder of the brand, in November 2022, for the impressive price of CHF 201,600.

    Bearing number 23 on the caseback (which is, ironically, the jersey number of one of De Bethune’s more recognizable collectors), the importance of this particular case number cannot be overstated, as only 23 examples of this first version of the DB25 were made. A silvered blue dial with a guilloché finish and subtle power reserve indicator sets this watch apart from its successors while giving an insight into the early design DNA of what is fast becoming an iconic brand.

4

Ref. DB25WS3
An early and interesting white gold wristwatch with power reserve, certificate, and presentation box

2007
44mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF18,000-36,000
€18,700-37,400
HK$156,000-312,000
S$27,200-54,300

Sold for $40,640

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and 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: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023