De Bethune DB1R

De Bethune DB1 in Rose Gold Number "001"

Basic Info Listing code : LO3F39 Brand : De Bethune Reference number : DB1R Dealer product code : 295 Case material : Rose gold Bracelet material : Alligator skin Year of production : 2002 Condition : Used (Very good) Scope of delivery : Original box, original papers Location : Switzerland, Zurich Price : CHF125,000 Availability : Item is in stock Case Case material : Rose gold Case diameter : 42 mm Bracelet/strap Bracelet material : Alligator skin Clasp : Buckle Clasp material : Rose Gold The DB1 watch has a unique status that is significant to the history of the brand and its heritage, as it is the first reference that started the De Bethune chronicle. Furthermore, this watch is historically important as it bears the number 001, meaning that it is one of the first timepieces to leave the De Bethune workshops. In the early years, the brand had only just begun to develop its own calibers, and the watches launched in 2002 and 2003 were equipped with calibers sourced from suppliers. This also applies to the De Bethune caliber [DB]2002 in this watch. It is based on a rare hand-wound monopusher chronograph movement developed by the THA (Techniques Horlogères Appliqueés) atelier for complicated movements. THA was founded in 1996 by independent watchmaker François-Paul Journe, who was joined by Vianney Halter and Denis Flageollet, also one of the co-founders of De Bethune. The [DB]2002 caliber is actually a version of the 045 MC caliber originally developed by THA for the reissue of the Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir. It is based on the layout of the early wrist chronographs from the first quarter of the 20th century, whose functions were switched by pressing the crown. This caliber also uses a rare combination of a column wheel control and a clutch with rocking pinion. After being produced by THA, the rights to this caliber were transferred to La Joux-Perret, a former Jaquet-Baume factory, and produced as the LJP5000-4 caliber. In 2007, the Bucherer watch division bought THA.