The eighth edition of the biennial fundraiser for research on Muscular Dystrophy will take place on Saturday 9 November 2019 in Geneva, where unique timepieces created by some of the world’s best watchmakers will be auctioned. We took some time in Baselworld to meet its founder Luc Pettavino, President of the “Association Monégasque Contre les […]
We continue with Only Watch 2017 and the incredible prices that this charity auction is bringing. After the unique Patek Philippe 5208T sold for close to CHF 7.3 Million, what was under the hammer next was the unique F.P.Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante, a watch created especially for the occasion of the auction – and not only unique in its style, but featuring a movement created only for this watch, the first Ever Split-Seconds Chronograph done by Journe, and most probably the only one, as the watchmaker said that it will remain unique. This watch just achieved an impressive CHF 1,150,000, making it the most expensive F.P.Journe ever auctioned… and by far.
After the record-breaker that was the unique Patek Philippe 5016a for Only Watch 2015, sold for an astonishing CHF 7.3 Million – at that time, before the Steel Patek 1518 and Paul Newman’s Paul Newman, the most expensive wristwatch ever – today was another potential record-watch for sale, the unique titanium, Minute Repeater, Chronograph, Perpetual Calendar Patek Philippe 5208T made for Only Watch 2017. The hammer talked a few minutes ago: CHF 6.2 Million. Not a record itself, but still again an impressive amount.
Only Watch 2017, the much-awaited 7th edition of the biennial fundraiser for research on muscular dystrophy, is fast approaching. Only Watch kicked-off their world tour in Monaco on the occasion of the Yacht Show before heading to Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai, Istanbul, Hong-Kong, Taipei, New York and Los Angeles. 50 one-of-a-kind watches will be auctioned by Christie’s in Geneva, Hotel des Bergues, on November 11th, 2017. Today, we take a closer look at the MB&F Horological Machine N°8 ‘Only Watch’, made with young artist Cassandra Legendre.
We already knew that Only Watch charity auction was able to bring quite cool watches – we already introduced to you several crazy pieces. So when we received the news from Montblanc, and the fact that they were creating a unique version of the Superb (with a capital “S” indeed…) 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, the idea simply gave us, at the Monochrome redaction, a huge smile on the face. We all love the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, and its magnificent movement. And when it comes in a unique Bronze Case and Vintage Green Dial version, it becomes just amazing…
Not only large brands, such as Patek or Tudor, are participating to the Only Watch 2017 auction… There are many more watch companies, including some of the very best independent watchmakers who will also donate one unique, purpose-built timepiece to help research on muscular dystrophy. One of them is a favorite amongst Monochrome team: H. Moser & Cie, and for the 7th edition of the charity auction, they are coming with a one-of-a-kind piece, featuring their now classical “nude” style, and a few details to make it special. Here is the H. Moser & Cie. Venturer Concept Only Watch.
As the month of July flies by, we continue to explore the different watches that charity auction Only Watch 2017 has to offer. We already saw impressive watches, exclusively developed to help research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy – and this is not over yet. Part of the 48 brands to participate is Frederique Constant, which has decided to tweak its flagship watch, the Manufacture Perpetual Calendar, by giving it a unique meteorite dial… And what was the most affordable QP on the market will certainly (and hopefully) loose its title with this edition.
At Baselworld 2017, a brand that is definitely more known for its jewelry pieces and historical eggs made for Russian Empire, Fabergé, came with what certainly was the most impressive piece of the show: the Visionnaire Chronograph and its movement created by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and his team at Agenhor. Revolutionary might sound cliché however, it’s exactly what this watch is, in terms of technical solutions and display. For Only Watch 2017, Fabergé has created a unique black-and-yellow version of this watch, which also happens to be the very first “for delivery” piece to come out of the manufacture.
While Only Watch charity auction was usually presenting unique pieces to raise funds to help research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, this year some brands are going a few steps further by not only having unique watches but also offering in the package special experiences (Bell & Ross, Carl F. Bucherer or Blancpain do so). This is the case for Chopard, which for Only Watch 2017, will present a unique high-beat watch in honor of legendary pilot Jacky Ickx (the Chopard Superfast 8Hz Power Control Porsche 919 Only Watch 2017) – and talking Mr. Ickx, there’s something priceless that you’ll be able to bid on too…
While some brands have decided to go bold and loud for Only Watch 2017, others have chosen discretion, subtlety and elegance. Based on the technically impressive and desirable Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral we reviewed here, the brand introduced a unique version with special dial, nice surprise on the back and an great experience for the future owner. Here is the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral Only Watch 2017 Unique Piece.