Every two years, the watch industry’s biggest names get together for Only Watch, a charity auction based in Monaco. The event raised just over five million euros for research into muscular dystrophy during its last edition, but hopes are high for a new record now that it has been moved to Geneva to be held by the Phillips watch department under the supervision and guidance of Aurel Bacs. Here are five unique pieces we think will contribute strongly towards that goal:
1 Patek Philippe Ref. 5016A-010
Patek Philippe is used to breaking records at watch auctions, and that goes for Only Watch as well. Two years ago, the luxury watch brand’s titanium Ref. 5004 raised just shy of € 3 million. This year, the brand is once again presenting a reference 5016 in steel, a material the Patek Philippe barely uses, contrary to most brands, which means collectors will surely battle it out for this one-of-a-kind timepiece. And who can resist that deep blue dial?
2 Vacheron Constantin Métier d’Art Mécaniques Ajourées
No one does skeleton watches like Vacheron Constantin. The brand’s Métier d’Art Mécaniques, hailed as one of the greatest examples of finely openworked construction, is one of the brand’s most iconic models. Unveiled last year with a blue enamel ring, the Métier d’Art Mécaniques makes a quick comeback, this time with a deep red enamel ring with an “Only Watch” cutout. Those who missed out on last year’s model will be fighting it out come December 7.
3 Breguet Type XXI 3813 Platinum
A vintage-inspired Pilot watch at Only Watch? How odd, and how wonderful! Breguet has decided to unveil a one of a kind Type XXI 3813 made in platinum. The watch features a flyback function enabling an instant zero-resetting and restarting of the chronograph counter in one smooth move. Its beautifully textured and legible dial makes it a certain winner.
4 Hublot Classic Fusion Only Watch Britto
Only a few months after it unveiled the Classic Fusion Enamel Britto, Hublot has decided to present a second model created in partnership with Brazilian artist Romero Britto. And this one’s even more vibrant than the original. This time, the ‘cloisons’ or cells have been sectioned to reveal the words “Only Watch” alongside the artist’s signature at 3 o’clock. For the very first time, the watch will be sold with along with an original piece of art, signed by Britto of course. Let’s see if the initiative proves worthwhile.
5 Ulysse Nardin Only Watch Stranger
The Stranger has delighted us over the years with some beautiful melodies, including Frank Sinatra’s “Stanger in the night,’ and Vivaldi’s “Violin Concerto in E.” For Only Watch 2015, the brand has decided to march to a different tune with Queen’s “We are the Champions,” rocking inside this musical watch. Its black titanium case and red blades set the mood.
