De Bethune - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: De Bethune
    Year: Circa 2019
    Reference No: DB28YT
    Movement No: DB.B.008.049
    Case No: No. 006
    Model Name: DB28 Yellow Tones
    Material: Yellow polished Grade 5 Titanium
    Calibre: Manual, cal. DB2115V4, 35 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Yellow polished Grade 5 titanium De Bethune pin buckle
    Dimensions: 42.6mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by undated De Bethune certificate stamped Handa Watch World Japan, instruction manuals, travel case, fitted presentation box and outer pouch.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Debuted in 2011 with immediate distinction recognized by GPHG the same year with the Aiguille d’Or award the same year, the DB28 has become one of the most iconic model that represents De Bethune’s technical and design prowess. Designed with its futuristic aesthetics, pronounced floating lugs and delta bridge that exposes its balance wheel in action, the model is famed for its heat-blued titanium treatment that has been a specialty for 15 years.

    In 2019, Denis Flageollet brought a fiery twist to the DB28. Unveiling the DB28 Yellow Tones, the entire watch is dressed in the brilliance of golden alchemy. Produced in titanium alloy, the yellow hue is achieved through thermal oxidisation. The alloy undergoes different stages of the colour spectrum under oxidation when heated: yellow is one of the first colour that is achieved. Heated by hand to a precisely lower temperature compared to the heat-blued treatment, the result of this magnetic yellow tone is extraordinary.

    Powered by the hand wound cal. DB2115V4 beating at 28,800vph with a 6-day power reserve, the calibre features a silicon escape wheel and four notable De Bethune patents: Titanium balance wheel with white gold inserts, triple pare-chute shock absorber and spherical moon phased indication accurate to a degree of one lunar day every 122 years.

    Juxtaposed with mirror polished and Cotes de Geneve finishing on the bridge, the exposed titanium balance wheel above the signature 3D moon phase animates the entire watch with excitement. Sized at a large 42.6mm diameter, the timepiece wears with maximum comfort thanks to the clever use of floating lugs that sits extremely well on the wrist.

    Numbered 6 and well-preserved, the present timepiece is complete with its certificate and accessories. The seductive yellow tones of this DB28 will definitely stand out from the crowd.

Σ863

Ref. DB28YT
A rare and cutting edge yellow polished grade 5 titanium wristwatch with exposed balance wheel, three-dimensional moon phase, power reserve indication, floating lugs, certificate and presentation box

Circa 2019
42.6mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$630,000 - 1,250,000 
€73,600-146,000
$80,800-160,000

Sold for HK$1,079,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023