Manufacturer: De Bethune Year: Circa 2003 Reference No: DB12RT Case No: 008 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. Venus 175, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold De Bethune pin buckle Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by De Bethune fitted box, Certificate of Authenticity and instruction booklet
Catalogue Essay
De Bethune holds a special place not only in the hearts of collectors but also in the history of contemporary independent brands.
The brainchild of Davide Zanetta, a collector of vintage timepieces and art and Denis Flageollet, a genius watchmaker who started his career restoring vintage timepieces and developing über complicated movements for others, De Bethune was created in 2002 and in just over 15 years they have developed over 30 inhouse movements and are at the origin of a cavalcade of extraordinary technical inventions.
The present DB12 chronograph with big date and month indication is part of the brand’s original creations where one can recognize the design elements that can be found in De Bethune models today such as the bullet shaped lugs and the special “feuille” hands.
The DB12 was in production between 2003 and 2007. Only 12 examples were made in pink gold and open caseback like the present lot. The movement giving life to this gem of horological design and engineering is the Venus 175 modified as to feature a big date and month indication.
Part of the highly coveted and collectable « founding collection» this DB12 eloquently embodies the “no compromise” philosophy of De Bethune and is a potent mix of bombastic design and complex movement that is a must have in the collection of the aficionado of contemporary independent horology.
Please note that De Bethune kindly offers a complementary servicing of this watch to the new owner.