1 / 6
Premium Artcurial
133
-
DE BETHUNE DB25 WS1 No. 049 Circa 2009
18k white gold (750) …
See original version (French)
133
-
DE BETHUNE DB25 WS1 No. 049 Circa 2009
18k white gold (750) …
See original version (French)
Estimate €15,000 - €25,000
Voluntary lot
Description
DE BETHUNE DB25 WS1
No. 049
Circa 2009
18k white gold (750) wristwatch with power reserve
Case: round, transparent caseback with clasp, recessed lugs, signed
Dial: silver-toned guilloché with sunburst finish, featuring blue Roman numerals, stylised hands, external railway-track minute track, power reserve indicator, signed
Movement: automatic, stylised rotor, signed
Buckle: gold pin buckle, signed
Diameter: 44 mm
Gross weight: 107.45 g
Includes: a certificate dated 14 January 2009 bearing the stamp of the Parisian retailer Chronopassion, watch box and outer presentation box.
Provenance: Collection of a Parisian collector.
An 18k white gold automatic wristwatch with power reserve indicator, gold and signed. Comes with a certificate dated 14 January 2009 stamped by the Parisian retailer Chronopassion, box and outer packaging. From the collection of a Parisian collector.
Model overview
The DB25 collection embodies the most classic expression of the De Bethune universe. Designed as a counterpoint to the futuristic lines of the DB28 collection, it nevertheless retains all the aesthetic and technical hallmarks that have forged the manufacture’s identity. Its round case, inspired by the shape of a drum, its famous patented floating lugs, its dial with radiating sectors and its hand-finished blued hands make it one of the maison’s most elegant creations.
The model on display, crafted in white gold, stands out for the elegance of its dial, the refinement of its proportions and the quality of its craftsmanship. Its silver-toned guilloché dial with a sunburst pattern, punctuated by blue Roman numerals, perfectly illustrates De Bethune’s desire to reinterpret the codes of classical 18th-century watchmaking through a resolutely contemporary approach. The purity of its display highlights the exceptional quality of the finishes and its legibility, two essential characteristics of this collection.
On the back, the transparent case back reveals an in-house automatic movement whose architecture is dominated by a star-shaped openwork rotor, De Bethune’s iconic visual signature. Like the other calibres developed by the maison at that time, it benefits from innovations devised by Denis Flageollet, notably optimised regulating organs, exclusive shock-absorption devices and a particularly high standard of hand-finishing. De Bethune-signed movement, visible through the caseback. Signed crown.
Collectors’ appeal
With its understated aesthetic, the DB25 is often regarded as the most timeless expression of De Bethune’s craftsmanship. A true creative cornerstone of the manufacture, it has served as the basis for the development of numerous iconic complications, including spherical moon phases, perpetual calendars, tourbillons, world time functions and the Starry Varius models.
Occupying a key place in the brand’s recent history, the DB25 remains today one of the most prized models amongst connoisseurs of independent haute horlogerie for its rare balance between watchmaking tradition, technical innovation and excellence in craftsmanship. The earliest models are particularly sought after by collectors for their ability to embody, with great aesthetic restraint, the entire philosophy of De Bethune.
Model Overview
Introduced in 2010, the DB25 collection embodies the most classical expression of the De Bethune universe. Conceived as a counterpoint to the futuristic lines of the DB28 collection, it nevertheless retains all the aesthetic and technical codes that have shaped the manufacture’s identity. Its round drum-shaped case, famous patented floating lugs, radiating sector dial, and hand-crafted blued hands make it one of the maison’s most elegant creations.
Crafted in white gold, this particular example stands out for the elegance of its dial, the refinement of its proportions, and the quality of its craftsmanship. Its silver guilloché sunburst dial, accented by blue Roman numerals, perfectly illustrates De Bethune’s desire to reinterpret the codes of 18th-century classical watchmaking through a distinctly contemporary approach. The purity of the display highlights the exceptional quality of the finishing and legibility, two hallmarks of the collection.
The sapphire display caseback reveals an in-house automatic movement whose architecture is dominated by an openworked star-shaped rotor, one of De Bethune’s most recognisable visual signatures. Like the manufacture’s other calibres from this period, it incorporates innovations developed by Denis Flageollet, including optimised regulating mechanisms, proprietary shock-absorption systems, and an exceptionally high standard of hand-finishing. Signed De Bethune movement visible through the transparent caseback. Signed crown.
Collector’s Interest
Remarkably understated in appearance, the DB25 is often regarded as the most timeless expression of De Bethune’s savoir-faire. Serving as the creative foundation of the manufacture, it provided the platform for many of the brand’s most celebrated complications, including spherical moon phases, perpetual calendars, tourbillons, world-time displays, and the Starry Varius models.
Occupying a pivotal place in the maison’s recent history, the DB25 remains one of the most highly regarded models amongst collectors of independent haute horlogerie for its rare balance of traditional watchmaking, technical innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. Early examples are particularly sought after for their ability to embody, with great aesthetic restraint, the very essence of De Bethune’s philosophy.
CONDITION REPORT:
Movement operational at the time of catalogue compilation. Few signs of wear, a few scratches.
Please note that all watches are sold as is. No guarantee is given as to their working condition. Most watches have been opened to identify the type and quality of the movement, including water-resistant watches. Buyers are advised to consult a watchmaker to check the watch’s water resistance. Any information provided regarding restoration, damage or the state of preservation is subject to the buyer’s own judgement. The absence of any indication of replacement parts, restoration or damage does not in any way imply that an item is free from any existing defects. All items presented may have undergone previous servicing and may contain non-original parts. The dimensions and weight of the items are given as approximate figures.
*We advise potential buyers that straps made from the hides of protected species are displayed but not sold with the watches. Artcurial reserves the right to remove these straps in the event of importation.
CONDITION REPORT:
The movement was operational at the time of cataloguing. Few signs of wear, with some light surface scratches.
Please note that all watches are sold as is. No warranty is provided regarding their working condition. Most watches have been opened to identify the type and quality of the movement, including water-resistant models. Prospective buyers are advised to consult a qualified watchmaker to verify the water resistance of the watch. Any comments regarding restoration, accidents, or the state of preservation of a timepiece remain subject to the personal assessment of prospective purchasers. The absence of any reference to replacement parts, restoration or damage does not imply that an item is free from defects. All watches offered for sale may have undergone previous servicing and may contain non-original replacement parts. Dimensions and weights are provided for guidance only and should be considered approximate.
*Please note that straps made from materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (e.g. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these straps prior to dispatch.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like