De Bethune - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: De Bethune
    Year: Circa 2015
    Reference No: DB25sJWS1
    Movement No: DB.E.004.038
    Case No: No. 15
    Model Name: DB25SJ Starry Night
    Material: 18K white gold, diamonds
    Calibre: Manual, cal. DB 2105, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold and diamond-set De Bethune pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm 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 slipcloth.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The inclusion of diamonds and smaller case sizes in contemporary horology is often seen as an indication of a brand appeasing women collectors without truly engaging with what they want. The DB25 “Starry Night” is the exception that proves the rule. Such a well-designed tribute to haute joaillerie and horlogerie combined cannot be better represented than the present example.

    The dark gleam of the mirror-polished blued titanium dial sets the stage of the cosmic Geneva sky. Illuminating the sky are delicate white gold and diamond stars that twinkle among the ever-wild night sky. Most impressive is the signature spherical moon phase of the brand, star-studded and casted in platinum and steel. The moon phase rotates on its own axis with exceptionally accurate precision that will diverge from astronomical reality by a mere one-day difference every 122 years. This exceptional creation was personalized by request; the starry sky can mimic a specific geographical place and date.

    With a sinuous case of 40mm in diameter with De Bethune’s signature hollow lugs, the firm goes further on bejeweling the center caseband with beautiful baguette-cut diamonds that resonate harmoniously with the star-lit dial. Powered by the hand-crafted DB2024 movement sporting a mirror-polished finish on the annular balance and triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system, the mechanism can be admired on the reverse of the timepiece. It is believed that, since 2012, only 12 examples of this reference have been made, with this one being assigned number 15. Drawing the bridge between innovation and elegance, the present example would be a superb addition to the collection of any enthusiast of independent watchmaking.

66

Ref. DB25sJWS1
An elegant and attractive white gold and diamond-set wristwatch with polished titanium dial, three-dimensional moonphase, certificate of origin, and presentation box

Circa 2015
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF27,000-54,000
€28,100-56,100
HK$234,000-468,000
S$40,700-81,500

Sold for $120,650

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