De Bethune - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII Hong Kong Friday, November 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: De Bethune
    Year: Circa 2019
    Reference No: DB28CEN
    Movement No: 2005.527
    Case No: 003
    Model Name: DB28 Skybridge
    Material: Grade 5 Titanium
    Calibre: Manual, cal. DB 2005, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Titanium De Bethune pin buckle
    Dimensions: 45mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by De Bethune certificate dated 3rd February 2019, instruction manual, travel case, fitted presentation box and outer pouch.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The De Bethune DB28 Skybridge revealed the window on infinity with its stunning blued titanium night sky in 2013. Debuted with an intense radiant blue night sky shimmering with white gold stars and diamonds, the dial paints a vivid night sky as if one gaze upon the Monte Carlo night sky on 19th November 1857. Extruding everything De Bethune, the 45mm diameter DB28 Skybridge cased in Grade 5 titanium features a beautiful set of spring-loaded lugs that are unmistakable from a mile away. An eminent reference to the famous 18th century clocks, this star-studded sky in mirror-polished and blued titanium derives its power and beauty from its concave shape and its multiple decorations crafted in the company workshops in the village of L’Auberson. Designed with perfect symmetry divided by the arrow-shaped Skybridge pointing towards infinity, the brand’s signature 3D moon phase anchored at 6 o’clock adds a gorgeous dimension to the minimalistic canvas. Balancing the dial with equal grace are ten spherical white gold hour markers that makes up the constellation of time discreetly. The overall aesthetic is almost identical to the DB28 Skybridge launched in the Only Watch auction in 2013. Only difference is that the latter example is cased in platinum with a blued titanium chapter ring instead of frosted titanium.

    Turning the watch over is the gorgeous movement featuring mirror polished bridges and complemented with blued steel triple pare-chute bridge and titanium plate. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the silicon annular balance encircled by white gold ring is a delight to admire. Offered in excellent condition with its full set of accessories, this is numbered 003 on the movement, making this the second piece with the earliest serial to appear in auction.

Σ1010

Ref. DB28CEN
An extremely fine and rare grade 5 titanium wristwatch with 3D moon phases, diamond-set dial, floating lugs, certificate and presentation box

Circa 2019
45mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$500,000 - 1,000,000 
€60,600-121,000
$64,100-128,000

Sold for HK$825,500

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII

Hong Kong Auction 24-25 November 2023