De Bethune DB1 White Gold Chronograph

Samwan shares his latest acquisition, the De Bethune DB1 white gold single-button chronograph, a piece that perfectly aligns with his evolving collecting preferences for independent manufacturers, white metals, Roman numerals, and chronographs. His post not only showcases this significant addition but also provides a glimpse into his diverse collection, featuring other notable pieces from A. Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, and Ludovic Ballouard.

Lately, I found myself increasingly attracted by:

- time pieces made by independent manufacturers/watch-makers

- time pieces in the white metal

- time pieces with Roman indices

- time pieces with chronograph functions

So, when I spotted this piece sitting inconspicuously at a recent auction in Hong Kong, I knew what to do....

De Bethune DB1 white gold single button chronograph

It is one of the earlier models launched in 2005. Here are the specifications:

- Cal. DB 5001 mechanical lever movement

- Silver dial with engine-turned center

- Roman numerals for hour display, outer Arabic numerals for five minutes division

- Two subsidiary dials for 30 minutes register and constant seconds

- Single button chronograph operated through the crown

- Rounded lugs

My only regret is that the movement cannot be viewed through saphhire glass at the back.

 Some hastifly taken pictures:

BTW, a new piece from an Independent is coming along in two weeks. Stay tuned

Sam