The world’s biggest watch brands have come together to auction one-off creations for charity
Since 2005, Only Watch has become one of the most highly anticipated auctions amongst watch lovers and collectors. The event takes place under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and to date, has raised over 70 million Euros with 99% of the proceeds channelled into research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Luc Pettavino, president of the Association Monegasque Contre les Myopahthies conceived of the initiative years ago and this year’s event, held on 6 November marks the ninth edition of this special biennial event. This year, 54 luxury watch brands including Girard-Perregaux, Jacquet Droz, Bvlgari and Ulysse Nardin will come together to create unique timepieces for this exceptional cause.
This year’s event once more sees watch brands pushing the envelope in creating special one-off pieces for Only Watch, which will be auctioned by Christie’s. This includes these standout pieces, which will go under the hammer and captivate both watch afficionados and collectors the world over.
The Casquette By Girard-Perregaux
Founded in 1791, Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest fine watchmaking Manufactures. In celebration of its 230th anniversary and the biennial auction, the watchmaker has rebooted one if its signature icons from the 70s.
The Casquette has been reimagined by Girard-Perregaux with the help of the Bamford Watch Department. Putting a modern twist on the legend, the updated Casquette features a forged carbon case, a new and improved movement, as well as revised Tubular LED display. Key features of this unique piece include a second time zone, a chronograph and a ‘secret date’, allowing the wearer to program the watch to display a significant date at a time of their choosing.
The UFO By Ulysse Nardin
This year, Ulysse Nardin revives the UFO, which serves as testament to the watchmaker’s highly respected capabilities in mechanical movement. The UFO is not merely a unique and stunning table clock but also a work of art and a coveted piece of architecture.
Featuring three time zones and a one-year power reserve, the high complication clock is presented on a spherical aluminium base, which is secured by a bayonet system attached to a blown glass dome. The colour orange echoes throughout the design, seen on not just the base but also the three connecting cylinders, the three lower ties of the movement as well as the power reserve disk.
The Kanister Palladium By Reservoir
When it comes to retrograde watches, French luxury house, Reservoir has established itself with its range of timepieces inspired by the aesthetic appeal of counters and gauges from automobile, aeronautic, diving and submarine universes. For Only Watch Reservoir takes inspiration from the speedometer of the iconic 356-speedster from the 50s.
Combining the design from this newest Kanister collection and the famous Palladium case of the Reservoir Longbridge collection, this unique piece has been personalised by Only Watch 2021 colour codes hand painted on the dial. It features a module of complications including jumping hour, retrograde minute, and power reserve.
