Only Watch 2017
THE SEVENTH EDITION OF THE ONLY WATCH CHARITY AUCTION.
The Principality of Monaco will be hosting the seventh edition of the exceptional “Only Watch” charity watch auction benefiting research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Recognized as the world’s first charity watch auction, Only Watch will take place on November 11th in Monaco. 49 of the world’s leading watch manufactures will each donate a unique timepiece specially created for the occasion.
The proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy – promoter of Only Watch – in order to help finance research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative neuromuscular disease affecting 1 in 3,500 boys, therefore 250,000 children, adolescents, and young adults around the world.
From September 27th, an international exhibit of the Only Watch collection of timepieces for men and women will travel the world starting at the Monaco Yacht Show from 27 until 30 September, followed by :
Participating manufactures: ANDERSEN GENÈVE – ARMIN STROM – ARNOLD & SON – AUDEMARS PIGUET – BARBIER MUELLER – BELL & ROSS – BLANCPAIN – BOUCHERON – BOVET FLEURIER – BREGUET – CARL F.BUCHERER – CHANEL – CHOPARD – CHRISTOPHE CLARET – CHRONOSWISS – DE BETHUNE – DEWITT – F.P. JOURNE – FABERGÉ – FRÉDÉRIQUE CONSTANT – GIRARD-PERREGAUX – H.MOSER & CIE – HARRY WINSTON – HAUTLENCE – HERMÈS – HUBLOT – JACOB & CO – KONSTANTIN CHAYKIN – LAURENT FERRIER – JAQUET DROZ – LOUIS MOINET – LOUIS VUITTON – MAURICE LACROIX – MF&F – MCT – MONTBLANC – MORITZ GROSSMAN – PATEK PHILIPPE – PIAGET – REBELLION – RESSENCE – SPEAKE MARIN – TAG HEUER – TUDOR – ULYSSE NARDIN – URWERK – VOUTILAINEN – ZENITH. Special Projects : (Agenhor X Head/Haute Ecole d’Art et de Design – Genève), Wostep (Ecole Horlogère – Neuchâtel)
BELL & ROSS
This year, for the Only Watch charity auction, Bell & Ross is offering thrillseeking fans and collectors of fine watches a unique experience: the chance to get a first-hand look behind the scenes at one of the foremost motor racing competition.
Bell & Ross and the Renault Sport Formula One™ Team, two prestigious French brands that share the same values and the same passion for the pinnacle of motor sports, are delighted to partner for this new auction. As the official watchmaking partner of the Renault Sport Formula One™ Team, Bell & Ross has designed the BR-X1 RS17 Only Watch specially for the occasion. This exclusive piece integrates the latest technological advances and state of the art materials. It boasts all the elements essential to a chronograph watch designed for racing drivers.
Highly sophisticated, its skeleton mechanism allows its gears to be admired from behind the grey-tinted sapphire crystal. The skeleton chronograph movement combines haute horlogerie finishes and extreme lightness. The instrument features an innovative design, with a carbon case protected by a “belt” made from high-tech ceramic and rubber to act as a guard. The dial is dressed in the colours of the on-board instruments of the Renault Sport Formula One™ Team R.S.17 car. The “rocker” type push-buttons, used for activating the chronograph function, allow a great accuracy. For the best grip, the pushers are done in high-tech ceramics, capped with yellow rubber. The bezel features a tachymeter scale, a measuring device used to calculate race speeds.
Driven by its ongoing quest for new challenges and a passion for performance and precision, Bell & Ross is underlining its support by participating in the Only Watch charity auction for the fifth consecutive time, with a model guaranteed to appeal to lovers of sports watches.
BLANCPAIN
Blancpain was the first watch brand to support the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy (AMM) in 2001. This year, the Manufacture is again presenting a one-of-a-kind model on the occasion of the Only Watch charity auction 2017. A timepiece directly inspired by the new Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC model presented at Baselworld this year.
The Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC “Only Watch unique piece” is equipped with self-winding caliber 1151, comprising 210 components notably including two series-coupled mainspring barrels ensuring a four-day power reserve. Nestling in a 40 mm-diameter stainless steel case, the movement is visible through the transparent sapphire case back that also reveals the solid gold winding rotor with an NAC coating (a ruthenium-based alloy), bearing the Blancpain logo as well as the “Only Watch” logo marking this occasion.
BOVET
BOVET 1822’s charity work has always supported childhood and education. It was only natural, therefore, for Pascal Raffy and the House’s artisans to choose to support research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy again this year by participating in the 7th edition of Only Watch.
The timepiece manufactured specifically for the occasion is unique in more ways than one. BOVET’s two centuries of supremacy in terms of watchmaking decorative arts are evident here in an interpretation that combines the expertise from an age-old tradition with innovation in the service of art.
Made from Grand Feu enamel or applied to a mother-of-pearl or lacquered base, BOVET 1822’s miniature paintings have been enchanting collectors since the early 19th century. Consequently a miniature painting was chosen to personalize this timepiece. Numerous variations on the chosen theme – a Geisha – have adorned the backs or dials of BOVET timepieces since 1822. The version presented on this timepiece is, naturally, an expression that is entirely new. But it is above all the technique used to create it that lends the piece its prestige and uniqueness.
A world first, the method is as unprecedented as it is luminous, entailing a combination of the traditional miniature painting technique with the application of layers of luminescent material. The work painted by the artist on the dial’s surface therefore becomes visible both by day and by night. But the virtuosity of BOVET 1822’s artisans inspired them to take this approach even further. Not content with glowing once night falls, the Geisha that adorns the dial literally undresses, her kimono disappearing as she lights up in the intimacy of the twilight. The artist is thus creating two paintings simultaneously. The artisan is also faced with a new constraint, in that he must repeatedly move from a lit room to a dark one in order to gauge each step of his meticulous work.
BREGUET
The Breguet Classique Quantième Perpétuel en Ligne 7715 presented this year at the Only Watch event depicts the passing of time with a pleasing blend of elegance and accuracy. The customary indications are complemented by a perpetual calendar on which the display of the days, months, dates and years is designed to ensure optimal user friendliness and impeccable legibility. The hours and minutes thus play the starring role, with blued steel Breguet hands sweeping over a Roman numeral chapter ring. Set in the background at 6 o’clock, one of the most useful horological complications – the date itself – is nonetheless appropriately large and easily readable at a glance, while the other related indications are conveniently vertically aligned up to 12 o’clock.
This original design results in an apparently simple timepiece distinguished by a sense of visual balance and purity. The silvered gold dial, finely hand-engraved on a rose engine, highlights the traditional “Clous de Paris” hobnailing. The equally pure counters, rimmed by a guilloché border pattern, feature a circular satinbrushed finish. The sapphire crystal fitted on the back of the watch reveals the technical sophistication of this Only Watch special model, driven by Calibre 502QPLT. The entirely hand-engraved self-winding movement and its offset oscillating weight once again testify to the exceptional degree of expertise and skill cultivated by the artisans of the House of Breguet.
CHOPARD
For the sixth time, Chopard commits to supporting the Only Watch charity auction by donating an exceptional creation in tribute to the world of motorsports: the Superfast 8 Hz Power Control Porsche 919 Only Watch 2017. This one-of-a-kind model equipped with a high-frequency movement has been specially created for Only Watch. It honours an exceptional driver: Jacky Ickx. Chopard has chosen this motor-racing legend and ambassador of the Geneva-based Maison to collaborate in creating this watch which aims at raising funds for muscular dystrophy research. This timepiece reflects the values shared by Jacky Ickx, Porsche Motorsports and Chopard: a passion for racing, backed by excellence and precision.
CHRISTOPHE CLARET
For the third consecutive year, Christophe Claret is proudly taking its place alongside the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy (AMM) and donating a timepiece to Only Watch for its 7th edition: Magicafiore, an exceptional and one-of-a-kind ladies’ watch.
This altruistic momentum has driven Christophe Claret to take an authentic artistic approach in giving life to the Magicafiore watch. Inspired by the Marguerite watch that is part of the collection, Magicafiore is a unique floral marvel stemming from a blend of fine craftsmanship and aesthetic creativity.
F.P. JOURNE
F.P.Journe has developed an entirely new watch exclusively for Only Watch. It is a unique watch that will never exist in the F.P.Journe collection.
The watch is unique, the dial is unique and the case is unique. The case is in Tantalum of 44 mm. A movement of 15 lines in 18K rose Gold, constructed in the purest horological tradition, each lever and spring is mirror polished, featuring a long autonomy of 80 hours and make it possible to use the chronograph and the split-seconds efficiently after 2 days. A blue chrome dial adorned with an unusual topography and adorned with vivid colors.
While we look at this work, one can say that horology is sometimes a major Art !
FREDERIQUE CONSTANT
As a passionate supporter of charitable foundations, Frederique Constant continues to show its support to this noble cause. This year, the brand does so with the Perpetual Calendar, which has been praised as one of the most reliable and affordable grandes complications in the industry. For this exclusive Only Watch edition, the brand wanted to present a variation of this timepiece that is incredibly jaw dropping. The timepiece features the functions of a perpetual calendar, such as hours, minutes, moonphase, date, day, month and most importantly the leap year. All in an 18k polished rose gold 42mm case with a see-through back case revealing intricate Perlage and Côtes de Genève decoration on the FC-775 in-house caliber. However, what makes this piece truly exclusive is the one-of-a-kind meteorite dial giving the once classic timepiece, an edgy twist! Meteorite stones are often found in desert areas; in this case, the one used for this unique piece was uncovered in the desert of Namibia. A perpetual calendar perpetuates the endless passing of time, this unstoppable force by which all of mankind’s actions are defined. It was only fitting that the brand chose a material that has most likely wandered through space for millions of years before hitting earth to symbolize the etherealness of our lives, a symbol of eternity and a message to live to the fullest, making every minute count.
GIRARD PERREGAUX
An iconic model born in the 1970s, the Laureato has now been revived in the form of an extremely coherent collection presented at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in January 2017. The formidable success encountered by this reinterpreted line has confirmed the aptness of its design as well as the avant-garde nature of the Girard-Perregaux Manufacture.
Based on the natural aura of this inspired and timeless design, as well as its ability to embody values cherished as much by the up-and-coming generation as by this Maison founded in 1791, the company management has chosen to donate a strictly one-of-a-kind version of the Laureato to Only Watch 2017.
The art of daring to be unique. The Laureato exclusively offered for bidding at Only Watch, representing an extrapolation of a line of contemporary products with a powerful identity, is a distinctive and ideally proportioned watch.
Ensuring a pleasant feel on the wrist with its substantial 42 mm diameter and a thickness of just 10.16 mm, this model loyal to the original spirit of its watchmaking legend is attired on this occasion in a case made of bronze – a noble, artistic and firmly on-trend material – teamed with a chocolate brown alligator leather strap.
This marvellously balanced timepiece with its contemporary casual chic style, thus issued in a one-off edition, is destined to epitomise the generosity of a true aesthete. Exuding an innate power stemming from noble refinement, this model draws its strength from the values that shape the creations bearing the Girard-Perregaux. Unique in terms of its destination, it embodies through its sporting and elegant lines the very essence of the standards of excellence upheld by the Manufacture that has brought it to life.
H.MOSER & CIE
H. Moser & Cie. joins the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by participating for the second time in the Only Watch Charity Auction organised by the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy through the Only Watch campaign. For this occasion, the Manufacture has created a unique piece, the Venturer Concept Only Watch. A minimalist ode to red, it is a reminder of the importance of focusing on the essential. A symbol of life and of renewal, in all its striking force, red takes centre stage in this watch, which showcases a vibrant red fumé dial. This red is beautifully offset by the white finish of the hour and minute hands, in reference to the colours of the flag of Monaco.
HARRY WINSTON
The 2017 edition of Only Watch marks Harry Winston’s sixth year of participation in this altruistic biennial auction. This year, Harry Winston will be donating a custom Ocean Big Date model from its Project Z Collection, the House’s designated series for some of the most refined mechanical complications in watchmaking, and the use of cutting-edge materials and innovation in design.
The 42mm white gold case of the Ocean Big Date Only Watch exudes a masculine, sporty aesthetic and displays Harry Winston’s signature excentered hours and minutes with a big date window at 6 o’clock. The yellow accents on the dial and strap allude to the thematic color of the 2017 edition of the Only Watch auction. Furthermore, in order to make the watch incredibly easy to read in the dark, the yellow accents marking the tips of the hour markers, the Harry Winston logo at 12 o’clock and framing the big date window, have been treated with a phosphorescent material that emits a long-lasting blue glow in the dark effect.
HUBLOT
For the 2017 edition, Hublot has created a transparent watch out of sapphire, one of the most difficult materials to machine. In choosing this material, it has sought to convey a message – that of pushing limits ever further, always believing that they can be exceeded or overcome. A watch that embodies hope and the desire to win. Inspired by one of champion Usain Bolt’s favourite models, the Big Bang Unico Sapphire Usain Bolt for Only Watch is emblazoned with the Jamaican sprinter’s trademark gold and vibrant colours. A symbol of victory to adorn the wrist.
To fully underscore the commitment of Hublot and Usain Bolt to the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy, and to illustrate the notion that it’s the time you give to a cause that makes the cause so important, Hublot will organize a meet & greet between the winner of the bid and the fastest man of the world, Usain Bolt.
JAQUET DROZ
Time is generosity. It’s a credo that Jaquet Droz has always stood behind, joining forces with Only Watch, a biennial charity featuring unique watchmaking pieces sold to raise money for research in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a serious affliction of the muscles and cardiac system. Convinced that treatment is within reach, the brand known by its twin stars proudly shows its commitment through a unique edition of the Grande Seconde Off-Centered.
This reinterpretation of the legendary Grande Seconde watch and its playful figure 8 – the symbol of infinity and completeness that has come to represent Jaquet Droz – features a cuprit background. Discovered in the mid 19th century, this copper-oxide-rich stone kindles celestial reverie of the planet Mars. Its fiery red color embodies all the passion dedicated to both the timepiece and the Only Watch project.
LOUIS VUITTON
Spin Time watch. Three shades – orange, yellow and red – can be found at the centre of the Louis Vuitton-designed movement, as well as on its distinctive dial for a free and contemporary reinterpretation of time display. Orange has come to symbolise the collaboration between the House and Only Watch. The hypnotic “Black & Fire” Escale Spin Time incorporates the ingenious hour display principle of the Spin Time movement in the Escale case. A reflection of the unique expertise of the watchmakers and dialmakers at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, this dial boasts an exceptional finish and features an array of warm and vibrant shades of orange. Positioned in the centre of the sapphire crystal, a disk in the same colours – bearing the inscription “Louis Vuitton Only Watch” – evokes the shape of a stylised globe, continuing in the Louis Vuitton tradition of world travel. A trunk in Ardoise Taiga leather accompanies this timepiece, with a printed leather patch that represents the globe featured in the centre of the dial.
URWERK
It’s neither a Laurent Ferrier watch nor an URWERK, yet the signatures of both firms appear on its back. The existence of this unexpected watch defies logic because it is the joint effort of two watchmaking companies that couldn’t be more different. Each bases its identity on the opposite ends of watchmaking’s stylistic spectrum. On one side, the expression of time-honoured traditions; on the other, an anarchic effort to overturn conventions. Laurent Ferrier and URWERK have created a piece of work that is unique, for only one-of-a-kind watches qualify to be sold at the Only Watch auction 2017.
Further information : http://www.onlywatch.com/