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Lot Essay
In 2011, De Bethune won the 'Aiguille d’Or', the highest distinction awarded by the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prize), for its DB28 model. The present timepiece is numbered '01' out of 50 examples, in which the Maison offered two different limited editions of the DB28 to celebrate their incredible achievement.
This series features striking ‘claw’-shaped hour indexes and a transparent caseback. The other series features a solid back and traditional round hour indexes, making the present version more desirable. Symbolic of the Aiguille d’Or, this edition includes a gold power reserve hand visible through the display caseback. With a stunning overall black-and-white aesthetic, this extremely lightweight DB28 - crafted from titanium and anthracite zirconium - stays true to the model’s DNA. A notable feature is the ‘best-performance zone indication’ or torque indicator, situated between 2 and 3 o’clock on the dial. Displaying the optimum energy supplied by the two auto-compensating barrels, the pointer moves between a sapphire (indicating optimal torque) and a ruby (indicating minimal torque).
De Bethune’s spherical ‘rolling moon’ is one of the brand’s most iconic patented inventions. Inspired by the moon phase mechanisms used in rare 18th-century clocks, this version features a three-dimensional sphere made of palladium and zirconium that rotates on its own axis. This mesmerizing and technically ingenious moon phase function is so precise that it will remain accurate for 120 years.
A sublime amalgam of design, craftsmanship, materials, and exceptional horological knowledge, the present DB28 is an undisputed masterpiece. Collectors now have the opportunity to acquire an extraordinary example of independent watchmaking at the highest level - a key piece from this exceptionally scarce limited series.
This series features striking ‘claw’-shaped hour indexes and a transparent caseback. The other series features a solid back and traditional round hour indexes, making the present version more desirable. Symbolic of the Aiguille d’Or, this edition includes a gold power reserve hand visible through the display caseback. With a stunning overall black-and-white aesthetic, this extremely lightweight DB28 - crafted from titanium and anthracite zirconium - stays true to the model’s DNA. A notable feature is the ‘best-performance zone indication’ or torque indicator, situated between 2 and 3 o’clock on the dial. Displaying the optimum energy supplied by the two auto-compensating barrels, the pointer moves between a sapphire (indicating optimal torque) and a ruby (indicating minimal torque).
De Bethune’s spherical ‘rolling moon’ is one of the brand’s most iconic patented inventions. Inspired by the moon phase mechanisms used in rare 18th-century clocks, this version features a three-dimensional sphere made of palladium and zirconium that rotates on its own axis. This mesmerizing and technically ingenious moon phase function is so precise that it will remain accurate for 120 years.
A sublime amalgam of design, craftsmanship, materials, and exceptional horological knowledge, the present DB28 is an undisputed masterpiece. Collectors now have the opportunity to acquire an extraordinary example of independent watchmaking at the highest level - a key piece from this exceptionally scarce limited series.