Raider Bivouac 9000 Auction

The ground-breaking watch was successfully auctioned in Geneva on the 12th of May 2019.

All the 6,000 CHF will go to support Sherpa community in the Himalayas. This watch reached Mt Everest on the wrist of Adrian Ballinger, record-breaking world-class mountaineer, on 20th of May 2018. Thus, the Bivouac 9000 became the first mechanical altimeter wristwatch to accurately convey altitude, air pressure and time, on the roof of the world.

Raider Bivouac 9000 Auction

Antiquorum, the expert watch auction house, was identified as the perfect partner to present the comeback of the Bivouac, and such an iconic one at that. The opportunity to sell the unique watch was created by the exclusive Swiss auction house Antiquorum. “Not only is it a fantastic watch that has climbed all the way up to Everest on the wrist of Adrian Ballinger, but on top of that we are really happy to have always participate in charity and help out the communities that need help. We can convert the value of the watch into a good cause”, said Julien Shaerer, managing director at Antiquorum.

Raider Bivouac 9000 Auction

“We had no idea what to anticipate”, shared marketing manager of Favre-Leuba Reema Vazirani. “What we knew is that we are doing it for the right cause and with the right intent. After the watch had climbed with Adrian to Mt Everest in May of 2018 and was tested at the altitude of 8,848 meters, we decided to contribute the victory back to the mountaineering community. It was the quiet and not as often highlighted Sherpas for whom we wanted to do something. While they are the backbone of mountaineering world, they don’t get as much attention and support from the non-mountaineering community”.

Together with Adrian Ballinger, Favre-Leuba chose to donate all the proceeds to the Khumbu Climbing Centre. The KCC was co-founded by Jenni and Conrad Anker. Influential members of the local Sherpa community were also crucial to the center’s development. The proceeds from the sale of the Raider Bivouac 9000 will be dedicated to teaching a wide range of mountain skills to the local Nepali community: safety and rescue, wilderness first aid, technical climbing knowledge and English communication.

“What makes Mt Everest so challenging is we are really not in control here. Every year, we are surprised by different things here, whether it’s the weather, health or other challenges. Every person on the mountain is pushed to their physical limit here”, said Adrian Ballinger, who ascended the highest mountain eight times. “The auction of my Bivouac 9000 is really significant for KCC. It will help to run the school and give more Sherpas opportunity to continue building their skills.”

Favre-Leuba is honored to play part in improving the safety and wellbeing of the local community and everyone coming to the region. We hope that this support will help to at least minimize the perils for thos who conquer frontiers every day.

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