Wristwatch · Automatic wristwatch with power reserve

De Bethune Reference DB22 Limited Edition Wristwatch

Partially verified

This De Bethune DB22 is a limited edition automatic wristwatch dating to circa 2007, numbered 05/50. Cased in 18k white gold measuring 48 mm in diameter, it features a distinctive multi-sided bezel secured by decorative screws and an open sapphire crystal display back secured by six screws. The watch houses the automatic caliber DB2024 with 49 jewels and movement number 268. Its titanium dial showcases central blued hands, an outer chapter ring with blue spherical markers, and an integrated power reserve indicator positioned beneath 12 o'clock. It is presented on a textured black strap with an 18k white gold buckle.

Front three-quarter view of the De Bethune DB22 in 18k white gold with titanium dial and blued hands — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.sothebys.com
Category: Wristwatch · Automatic wristwatch with power reserve
Maker / attribution: De Bethune
Reference: DB22
Catalogue / lot identifier: 5
Source-reported date: Circa 2007
Country: Not established
Source-reported serial: 268

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Exterior Format

The wristwatch is built with an 18k white gold case measuring 48 mm in diameter, described in catalogue notes as having a hexagonal-like shape. Visible features include a bezel secured with recessed round screw heads around the perimeter, alongside integrated-style lugs holding a patterned black leather or composite strap fitted with an 18k white gold De Bethune buckle.

According to cataloguing, the case back is fitted with a sapphire crystal display back secured by six screws, with the piece numbered as limited edition case number 05/50.

Evidence for this section

“Case: 18k white gold, sapphire crystal display back secured by six screws”
“Case number: no. 05/50”
“Closure: 18k white gold De Bethune buckle”
“Size: 48 mm diameter”
“Bezel secured with recessed round screw heads around the perimeter.”
“Patterned black leather or composite strap fitted to integrated-style lugs.”

Dial Display and Visual Indications

The dial is catalogued as titanium and arranged as a time-only format with an aperture for a power reserve indicator. Direct visual inspection shows openworked blued hands mounted to an elaborate central hub.

Positioned at the 12 o'clock area, a sub-aperture displays the power reserve indication against red and blue detailing.

Evidence for this section

“Dial: titanium”
“Openworked blued hands mounted to an elaborate central hub.”
“Sub-aperture at 12 o'clock showing power reserve indication against red and blue detailing.”
“With the power reserve aperture at the 12 o’clock window, the time only wristwatch has a stunning titanium dial that illuminates light, making the blued hands easy to read.”

Reported Movement and Accompanying Material

The movement is catalogued as the automatic caliber DB2024 with 49 jewels and movement number 268. Cataloguing reports that the case, dial, and movement are signed, though movement components and the sapphire display back are not visible in the provided photograph.

Accessories catalogued with the lot include a De Bethune presentation box with outer packaging, an instruction manual, an invoice dated August 21, 2007, and a Certificate of Origin dated August 23, 2007.

Evidence for this section

“cal. DB2024 automatic, 49 jewels”
“Movement number: 268”
“Signed: case, dial and movement”
“Accessories: DeBethune presentation box with outer packaging, Certificate of Origin dated August 23, 2007, instruction manual, and invoice dated August 21, 2007”

Open research questions

What movement finishing and rotor architecture of caliber DB2024 are visible through the exhibition display back?
Does the Certificate of Origin dated August 23, 2007, identify the original retailer or recipient of watch number 05/50?
What specific strap material (such as alligator, calfskin, or rubber composite) was fitted to the watch as delivered?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for De Bethune Reference DB22 Limited Edition Wristwatch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Caliber	cal. DB2024 automatic, 49 jewels	“cal. DB2024 automatic, 49 jewels”
Case Number	no. 05/50	“no. 05/50”
Movement Number	268	“Movement number: 268”
Case Material and Diameter	18k white gold, 48 mm diameter	“Case: 18k white gold, sapphire crystal display back secured by six screws Case number: no. 05/50 Closure: 18k white gold De Bethune buckle Size: 48 mm diameter”
Dial Material	Titanium	“Dial: titanium”
Closure	18k white gold De Bethune buckle	“Closure: 18k white gold De Bethune buckle”
Accompanying Documentation	Certificate of Origin dated August 23, 2007, instruction manual, and invoice dated August 21, 2007	“Accessories: DeBethune presentation box with outer packaging, Certificate of Origin dated August 23, 2007, instruction manual, and invoice dated August 21, 2007”

Visible details

Openworked blued hands mounted to an elaborate central hub.
Bezel secured with recessed round screw heads around the perimeter.
Sub-aperture at 12 o'clock showing power reserve indication against red and blue detailing.
Patterned black leather or composite strap fitted to integrated-style lugs.

Research qualifications

Movement and sapphire exhibition case back are not shown in the provided photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

De Bethune | Db22 | A limited edition white gold wristwatch with

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 95b114e0e4

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.