Yellow Submarine – Blancpain has been a longtime supporter of AMM (Association Monégasque contre les Myophaties), and it is no surprise to see the Manufacture taking part in Only Watch 2017, the biennial fundraiser for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. For the occasion, Blancpain has decided to customize the Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC.
This is not the first time that Bell & Ross participates to Only Watch. Indeed, the military-inspired Parisian brand already created several unique watches to be auctioned for this good cause, as for instance in 2011, 2013 and 2015 (see here). This year, B&R will also have a specifically modified model, based on the recently introduced BR-X1 RS17, the result of their partnership with Formula 1 team Renault Sport. So expect some strong racing car inspiration here… and there’s more than just a watch to be auctioned.
When looking at the independent watchmaking scene, what other watchmaking companies than Laurent Ferrier and URWERK could be more different. On one side is the essence of classicism, of traditions and of high-end, hand-finished watchmaking. On the other side is the very definition of bold creativity, avant-garde display and futuristic design. Who could have imagine that one day, these two could find an agreement on creating a watch. But as with magnetic fields, opposites attract each other. And the result, to be auctioned at Only Watch 2017, is a stunning unique piece made by Laurent Ferrier and URWERK, named the Arpal One.
For its 2017 edition, Only Watch is attracting more and more brands, which want to participate to this charity auction. Absent from the previous edition, Audemars Piguet is back in the long list of manufactures, with a unique piece based on quite an impressive watch: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Black Ceramic. And now, it adds some color to its previous monochromatic look, as featured with a bright blue dial.
For Only Watch 2017, the 7th edition of the biennial charity auction, Armin Strom is also part of the 49 partners that are coming with unique pieces or special projects. This year, the modern Swiss watchmaker presents a unique timepiece, which is a fusion between art and watchmaking. The art of watchmaking meets up with the expressive painting of an American artist. Here is the Artistic Armin Strom Manual Made With Painter Hunt Slonem.
This year, the charity auction Only Watch 2017 will of course feature unique wristwatches but, new for this 7th edition, some special projects too, lead by some of industry leaders or greatest watchmakers. As an example, the first production piece of the revolutionary Agengraphe movement is to be auctioned at Only Watch 2017 – Meet Carpe Diem, a table chronograph designed with HEAD students.
Let’s be honest, the unique Patek and F.P.Journe for Only Watch 2017 we just introduced to you are massive pieces… But let’s not forget the brand that created the surprise in 2015, with a watch that sold for way above its estimate: Tudor. For the 7th Edition of the charity auction, they are back, with a unique left handed and Khaki Green Bronzo, the Tudor Black Bay Bronze One.
After the unique Patek Philippe 5208T for Only Watch 2017 we just introduced to you, you might think that you’ve seen the best of the upcoming charity auction… but you’d be wrong, as F.P.Journe will have a unique Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante (the first split-seconds he ever created), with the usual tantalum / blue chrome combination. And that is quite something!
Only Watch 2017, the biennial charity auction, just unveiled its highly special pieces… and because we know that many of you will ask for it, here is the big one, the unique, titanium Patek Philippe 5208T, made for the 7th edition of Only Watch.
Treat yourself with a good cause… Only watch 2017, the much-awaited 7th edition of the biennial fundraiser for research on muscular dystrophy, will soon reveal its unique pieces. We took some time to talk with Luc Pettavino, President of Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies (AMM) and founder of Only Watch, who gives us a sneak peek of the 2017 edition.