Only Watch 2015 is auctioning timepieces by prestigious brands that are bound to go under the hammer at impressive prices, as well as others that frequently opt for variously original forms of personalisation to enhance their value. The final purpose is of course to raise the highest possible sum on behalf of research into Duchene muscular dystrophy.
Alongside colour accents such as the symbolic red of Monaco and the blue reflecting the Only Watch logo, both of which are traditionally featured on watches gifted to the charity auction, which other kinds of personalisation appear on Only Watch models?
The supreme example of exclusivity is doubtless that provided by Richard Mille in a model endowed boasting a prestigious name and background. Who would not dream of treating themselves to the prototype of the Tourbillon RM 27-02 that Rafael Nadal wore this season when competing at the French Open or Wimbledon? While the retail price of this high-tech timepiece with its skeletonised monohull mainplate and its innovative materials is impressive, the prototype donated to Only Watch 2015 might possible be snapped up for less. In 2013, for example, another Richard Mille prototype, that of the Tourbillon Yohan Blake, sold for 350,000 euros, which was a hundred thousand or so euros less than its estimate – but still a fine sum raised on behalf for Only Watch.
Other watchmakers have also wagered on a well-known name to highlight their donation. The Classic Fusion Only Watch Britto by Hublot features an enamelled dial reproducing a work by Brazilian artist Romero Britto, known to the public at large for his work on the design of brands such as Pepsi and Apple, and for having created the logo for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The watch auctioned at Only Watch will be accompanied by the painting that inspired it. IWC has chosen Nico Rosberg as its standard-bearer in presenting the Ingenieur Automatic Edition “Tribute to Nico Rosberg” featuring a boron carbide case. Chopard developed the Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Only Watch 2015 in collaboration with its ambassador Mark Webber, former F1 racing driver and currently competing for Porsche in the World Endurance Championship. Finally, the Rolling Stones infuse the El Primero Only Watch by Zenith with added value dedicated to scientific research.
At the opposite end of the celebrity spectrum, the originality of the watch that H. Moser & Cie is giving to this year’s charity auction is forged by anonymous individuals. The Manufacture had the thoughtful idea of associating the children of its personnel in designing the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Only Watch, thereby signifying their support for the many young victims of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The children have hand-written the 31 numbers on the watch’s perpetual calendar, giving a unique cadence of hope and fraternity to the passing days. For its sixth consecutive participation, Louis Vuitton has developed its one-of-a-kind model in collaboration with Paul Pettavino, son of the President of the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy and one of the organisers of Only Watch. Paul has designed the colourful dance floor motif on the dial of the “Escale Worldtime, The world is a dancefloor”.
Perrelet and Bell & Ross have chosen to give a more playful nod to childhood via iconic heroes. On the Turbine Sheriff, the blades of the turbine have been replaced by the star badge worn by the lawkeepers of the Far West; whereas Bell & Ross have used a solid gold hand-engraved skull firmly anchoring the BR 01 Skull Bronze Tourbillon in the formidable world of piracy.
The place and date of Only Watch 2015 also provide a means of personalising the donated watch. Jacob & Co. highlights the time zone of Geneva – where Only Watch 2015 will take place on November 7th – in its Epic SF24 Only Watch, a GMT timepiece on which the 24 time zones are displayed by flaps reminiscent of airport mechanical information boards. On the Manero ChronoPerpetual OnlyWatch 2015 by Carl F. Bucherer, the month and year of the auction, November 2015, appear engraved in red on the black dial.
