Tomorrow will witness the 6th edition of the Only Watch charity auction jointly organised by the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy and the Monaco Yacht Show. For the first time in its history, this sale of one-of-a-kind timepieces will take place in Geneva, the epicentre of Haute Horlogerie, under the hammer of Aurel Bacs of Bacs & Russo, in association with Phillips. This broad-scale operation organised held the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco features an array of one-off horological creations especially developed for the occasion by the brands taking part in the event.
In 2013, the Only Watch charity auction raised the sum of 5.066 million euros. Will it better that record? One may reasonably expect it to do so, given that for this 2015 edition, no less than 44 watch brands – a record in the history of Only Watch – are lending their support to research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy by donating an exceptional timepiece.
The estimate range between CHF 20,000 and 50,000 (lower estimate) is the one encompassing the largest number of watches: 20 in all. 13 are situated in the range between CHF 50,000 and 100,000. Then comes the category of more “affordable” models with a lower estimate of CHF 20,000 and less, comprising eight watches. The last – and highest range with lower estimates of CHF 100,000 and more – is the one with the least timepieces, five in all. The latter category includes a loyal partner of the auction, Patek Philippe, which has chosen to offer its reference 5016 in a first ever steel-case version. A firm favourite among collectors, this watch is estimated at between CHF 700,000 and CHF 900,000. The second step on the podium is occupied by the prototype of the RM 27-02 from Richard Mille, the model entrusted to tennis champion Rafael Nadal during the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open tennis tournaments. Estimated at between CHF 600,000 and CHF 700,000, this unique model should thrill wealthy tennis fans. F.P. Journe completes the top three with its Tourbillon Souverain Bleu estimated between CHF 250,000 and CHF 424,000.
Nonetheless, when all is said and done, the watches themselves are doubtless far less essential than the creativity and generosity demonstrated by the brands in joining forces to support sick children.
Only Watch 2015 Charity Auction
3:00 pm (GMT + 1)
La Réserve Genève Hotel & Spa,
301 Route de Lausanne, 1293 Bellevue, Geneva
About Only Watch
Organised jointly by the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophies and the Monaco Yacht Show and under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco, Only Watch is a charity auction at which unique watches are sold in aid of research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disease that leads to a progressive degeneration of the muscles. Over ten years and five editions, Only Watch has generated over 15 million euros in proceeds, which have made a significant contribution to advances in research.
