Part of the highly coveted and collectable “founding collection”, the DB12 eloquently embodies the “no compromise” philosophy of De Bethune and is a potent mix of original design and innovative mechanics. Combining the unprecedented “ogival” lugs, shaped almost like bullets, the contemporary and the traditional meld together perfectly both within and without. Based on the Venus 175 caliber, the pink gold wristwatch features not only a chronograph, but date and month indications as well, equipped with a balance spring with Breguet overcoil and swan-neck regulator.

The dial, of silver-plated solid gold, is hand decorated in a guilloche pattern, with solid white gold dials for the date and month apertures. Though known for their avant garde designs, the genius of De Bethune is in fact their ability to honor tradition while not being constrained by it. Though their design has evolved in the two decades since this reference was introduced, one can recognize the design elements still found in De Bethune models today, such as the bullet shaped lugs and the hand-blued “feuille” hands.

In lovely condition, the watch is accompanied by its original De Bethune certificate of authenticity and outer packaging. Numbered “002”, it is one of the earliest DB12s produced and a testament to the legacy of technical prowess and audacity that still defines the brand today.