Antiquorum Auctioneers since 1974

Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, May 31, 2026

LOT 331

DE BETHUNE, REF. CS252, PIECE UNIQUE, PERSONALIZED “STARRY SKY” DIAL, TITANIUM

HKD 500,000 - 1,000,000

EUR 55,000 - 110,000 / CHF 49,800 - 100,000 / USD 64,000 - 128,000 / JPY 9,980,000 - 19,960,000

Sold: HKD 1,062,500

A very fine, unique creation, unworn manual-winding wristwatch features a unique star-studded blue sky dial (Saudi Arabia) with Eastern Arabic numerals and transparent caseback .


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 1-8

As new

Slightly scratched
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 1-01

As new

HANDS Original

Brand De Bethune

Model Starry Varius

Reference CS252, DB25V

Year Sold on 4 Aug 2022

Movement No. DB.E.145.095

Case No. CS252

Bracelet leather strap with De Bethune titanium pin buckle

Caliber DB2005, 27 Jewels

Diameter 42mm.

Weight 47gr. (approx.)

Signature dial, case and movement

Accessories De Bethune fitted leather box, Certificate dated 4 Aug 2022, personal “Starry Sky” dial specification sheet, instructional booklet, extra leather strap

Notes

This De Bethune CS252 Starry Varius is a fully bespoke titanium timepiece produced in 2022. It features a custom “starry sky” dial that precisely replicates the night sky visible from Salwa Palace, Saudi Arabia (24.751°N, 46.535°E) on 23 September 1932 at 00:00.

The unique dial was created using individually hand-fitted white-gold star pins of varying sizes and a laser-micromilled Milky Way pattern gilded in 24-carat gold leaf. The silver-toned chapter ring is adorned with stylized Eastern Arabic gold numerals in pink gold.

Housed in a Grade-5 titanium case (42 mm × 8.8 mm) with integrated hollowed lugs and double AR-coated sapphire crystals, the watch is accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin and Warranty (dated 4 August 2022), a complete instruction booklet, and a dial specification sheet confirming its full authenticity and bespoke provenance.