De Bethune DBS RG - 8 DAY-MOONPHASE-POWER RESERVE

FS: De Bethune DBS RG - 8 DAY-MOONPHASE-POWER RESERVE. RARE AND SELDOM SEEN.

Not only is the De Bethune DBS is an extremely rare and difficult watch to find, but perhaps on of the most impressive timepieces that I've ever had the pleasure of owning. Unlike most any watch you've ever had on your wrist. The stunning RG case is unique in so many ways. The large crown, which is beautifully articulated is located at 12. The iconic bullet lugs at 6 are what you've come to expect from De Bethune. However there are no lugs at 12, rather the strap is connected to the case via a RG horseshoe which rises over the crown and is attached to the strap from underneath by 3 gold screws.
The crystal is not the traditional round, but rather follows the shape of the case. At 45mm X 11mm it's perfect, comfortable, wearable, and fits under a cuff nicely.

Consisting of 28 parts, the dial, or lack there of, is the real work of art. Not only is the architecture magnificent, but the finish equally impressive. The blued hands and hour markers are deep, steely and beautiful, (complemented perfectly by the dark blue strap). The 3 dimensional 360 degree revolving spherical moonphase at 6 is the only one of its kind. A platinum and blued steel ball, one half silver the other the same blue as the hands, gives a unique portrayal of the moon that is accurate to 1 day every 128 years.

Inside is an in house 8 day manual wind movement (power reserve viewable on caseback). Making it unique is the escapement, which is unlike any other and patented by DeBethune. The balance wheel, the worlds lightest, along with the 4 platinum weights and terminal curve of the balance spring, make this unlike any escapement you've ever seen. Some of the pics below are with the watch stopped and allow an excellent view of the escapement.

Simply put the watch is just stunning, overwhelming aesthetically, technically and architecturally. The finish of the dial and its components is as fine as I've ever seen, brilliant in every respect. The attention to detail is further noted by the stylus, which is pictured, made of 18k RG and stamped, its design is harmonious with the unique function it controls, the moonphase. I hope the pics below allow you to get a sense of the watch as I see it, in the flesh it is even more impressive.

This is indeed a rare bird as the total output of all models by De Bethune is only about 130 watches annually, with a retail of $67,500

Watch is preowned and in absolutely mint conditions with almost no signs of wear. All functions are working perfectly. Complete with all box/papers form AD.


$43,950 + shipping/ins. International shipping available, Wire transfer only.

Watch is located in Miami for inspection and delivery if you like. Extensive and well known references will gladly be made available.

Please contact me at smschatzman @ aol .com (remove spaces) should you have any questions.

Thanks for looking,

Stephen

Additional photos: