Only Watch is the biennial auction of one-off luxury timepieces by the finest watch manufacturers for research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Here are some of our favorite unique timepieces from the upcoming charity auction
With over 70 million Euros raised since 2005, Only Watch—a biennial auction of unique timepieces sold for the benefit of research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy—has not only become a recognized charity auction, but also a momentous event on the international horological calendar. It brings together watchmaking groups and independent brands that express, through variations of exceptional timepieces, their applied creativity and their openness of heart by offering the fruit of their work.
This year, the auction will take place on Saturday, November 6, 2021. Only Watch has just revealed the names of the 54 brands participating, and the 53 lots that will be auctioned. Here are some of our favorite unique timepieces from the 9th edition of the biennial charity auction:
Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Only Watch
Bell & Ross revisits the art of the skull watch exclusively for this year’s Only Watch. For this multifaceted and multiverse timepiece, the brand worked on clear and elegant transparency to their fullest potential. Each element of the watch, from the case, crown, skull and crossbones, is structured within the many faces that sculpt the surfaces, creating volumes and a 3D image. The Skull dial, on the other hand, was metallized in orange on the back.
Carl F. Bucherer Heritage BiCompax Annual Watch
The Heritage BiCompax Annual Only Watch from Carl F. Bucherer has all the charm of a vintage watch while featuring an automatic calibre, an annual calendar and a big date display. Design-wise, the watch features an 18K white gold 41mm case and is presented on an elegant calf leather strap with light blue flanks. At the back, the case is engraved with the words ONLY WATCH and PIECE UNIQUE.
Frederique Constant Highlife Monolithic Manufacture Only Watch 2021
Frederique Constant’s Highlife Monolithic Manufacture is the only timepiece equipped with the Monolithic oscillator wrapped in an 41mm 18K pink gold Highlife case. It features a dial that opens up to the FC-810 movement—which is the brand’s 30th in-house calibre. At the front, the open dial reveals elegant and intense blue Côte de Genève decoration enhancing the finely angled and circular-grained movement, which can also be admired through the crystal case-back.
Hermès H08 Only Watch
For Only Watch 2021, the Hermès H08 watch is unveiled in two interpretations — both housed in a single presentation box — combining its mineral materials and deep colors with a hint of orange. Through its enigmatic name, the watch also offers a nod to graphics, mathematics and metaphysics. Up front, the original font of its numerals chimes with the object itself, featuring a 0 and an 8 recalling the shape of the case.
Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin Hope
Laurent Ferrier has envisioned a unique timepiece specially designed for Only Watch 2021 and marked by the theme of hope. Aesthetically, for the first time on the Classic Origin, the brand’s iconic case with its rounded shape is available in stainless steel. This singular timepiece also reveals a unique green aquamarine dial with 18K white gold drop-shaped hour markers. If anything, this soft and refreshing color is intended to represent youth, renewal and optimism.
Patek Philippe Complicated Desk Clock
Patek Philippe’s complicated desk clock Ref. 27001M-001 for Only Watch is inspired by a desk clock delivered to James Ward Packard back in 1923 and now safeguarded in the Patek Philippe Museum. This unique piece is housed in a sterling silver cabinet with vermeil decorative elements and American walnut inlays. Equipped with the new caliber 86-135 PEND IRM Q SE, this exceptional Grande Complication features a perpetual calendar, moon phases, week-number display and power-reserve indication (31 days).
TAG Heuer Only Watch Carbon Monaco
For this year’s Only Watch, TAG Heuer reimagines its iconic ultra-rare Monaco “Dark Lord” in carbon, combining visionary avant-garde design and cutting-edge materials with exceptional traditional handcrafted savoir-faire. With its extensive use of carbon—from the case and skeletonized dial down to the hairspring, as well as the avant-garde design—the brand shows how disruptive the Monaco is more than 50 years after its introduction. In short, the Only Watch Carbon Monaco definitely looks towards the future.
Tudor Black Bay GMT One
Tudor unveils the Black Bay GMT One, a unique execution of its Black Bay GMT for Only Watch 2021, complete with aged case, bracelet and movement as well as its Master Chronometer certification. More importantly, the MT5652 Manufacture Calibre powering this unique watch is capable of keeping track of time in three time zones simultaneously.
Ulysse Nardin UFO
Ulysse Nardin’s UFO is making an energetic return to the center stage for this year’s Only Watch. Previously, the out-of-the-ordinary object in its metallic blue version of which the house produced only 75 pieces, was already sold-out when it was released back in April 2021. This time around, the table clock’s work of art comes with an orange hue. Put simply, this is a golden opportunity to acquire a unique original of this art object.
Zenith Defy Double Tourbillon Felipe Pantone – Unique Piece for Only Watch
Zenith’s Defy Double Tourbillon Felipe Pantone Unique Piece for Only Watch is presented in a 46mm sapphire case. Inspired by the Defy 21 Felipe Pantone recently launched in 2021, the watch comes with an open-worked dial and is powered by the El Primero 9020 movement. As a final touch, the watch will be sold and delivered with a special Felipe Pantone watch box, signed by the artist himself along with an artwork made especially for this occasion.
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