For the second time since its first edition in 2005, the world renowned biennial charity auction Only Watch will be staging in Geneva, epicenter of the world’s finest watchmakers. On 11 November, this exceptional fundraising for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy will be opening the autumn Geneva watch auction week, in presence of hundreds of connoisseurs, donators and collectors who will undoubtedly engage in strong bidding competition for the unique timepieces especially made by the finest watchmakers for Only Watch. Christie’s will be conducting the auction for the first time.
The 49 one-off models of the 2017 Only Watch collection will tour around the globe during one and a half months, thanks to Air France and Ferrari Group (world leader in logistics services), starting on 27 September in Monaco. The Monaco Yacht Show will launch the journey by exhibiting the watches from 27 to 30 September within the show venue. The collection will then be flown to Bangkok (02-03 October/Christie’s), Singapore (05-06 October/The Hour Glass), Dubai (October 09-11/Christie’s & Seddiqi), Hong Kong (23-24 October/Christie’s), Taipei (26-27 October/Christie’s), New-York (October 29-30/Christie’s), Los Angeles (1-2 November/Westime), and finally Geneva (9-11 November/Christie’s).
An experience money can’t buy
A unique high end timepiece is already exceptional. For the 2017 edition of Only Watch, it has been proposed, whenever possible and according to the brand’s culture and desire, to combine the timepiece with a unique experience with either a brand ambassador (athletics champion, car racing driver…) or an exceptional event (film festival, fashion show…). Collaborations between brands, brands x artist, brand x ambassador, brand x media…will also catalyze a lot of interest both from collectors and lifestyle donors.
Participating brands
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, MB&F, MCT, Montblanc, Moritz Grossmann, 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).
Since 2005, the uniqueness of a project such as Only Watch underlines how great brands from luxury groups or independent craftsmen have achieved to unite in the pursuit of a common goal: financing research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This synergy, under the patronage and support of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, driven by the enthusiasm shown by individuals within the brands and partners, shows a deep wish to help this noble cause. In six editions, Only Watch has raised more than 25 million euros for Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies (Monaco Association against Duchenne muscular dystrophy) helping make significant advances in research over a decade. On this 7th edition, we welcome the international leading auction house Christie’s, which will fully support the project throughout its 80 specialist departments, led in this case by Christie’s global watch team. Christie’s Geneva, the firm’s second oldest auction room will be looking forward to hold the Only Watch 2017 edition on 11 November.
Only Watch: 11 November 2017, 2:30 pm (UCT+1), Geneva, Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues
On Only Watch, the costs of organisation never exceed 2% of the auction result. All participating brands offer their watches, partners offer their services and logistical support, some host the collection stopovers…
