Live With The Piece Uniques Of ONLY WATCH 2017 – Part 1
ONLY WATCH has become not only a tradition of giving but also a true event, marked on the calendar of watch manufacturers and connoisseurs alike. What started in 2005 as a way for Luc Pettavino, founder-organizer of ONLY WATCH to raise funds for the Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies, a charity that fights for a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, has become a biennial event in which watch manufactures donate a unique timepieces, which will be auctioned off to eager connoisseurs.
With their contributions, they help in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and get a coveted, unique timepiece as a token for their generosity. The line-up is as always impressive, and here at Haute Time, we will show you the vast majority, if not all (some were not available as they are still at their respective manufacture), the unique watches that will be auctioned on Saturday, November 11th in Geneva by Christie’s.
F.P.Journe Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante
F.P.Journe goes all in for the ONLY WATCH 2017 and delivers a Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante that is unique in multiple ways. A 44mm tantalum case houses the movement, which has been exclusively developed for ONLY WATCH, featuring the brands 18K rose gold bridges and main plate. The pusher at two o’clock operates the chronograph, while the one at four o’clock activates the rattrapante function. It has an exceptionally long power reserve of 80-hours, as well as the superb finishing F.P.Journe is so well known for.
Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire Usain Bolt for Only Watch
Hublot brings its signature Big Bang Unico Sapphire to ONLY WATCH 2017. That is not all, as they do this together with Usain Bolt, the fastest man on earth. Not only does the counter at nine o’clock features an image of the “Lightning Bolt,” which gets an even more literal sense in the shape of the chronographs central seconds hand, but the future owner of this Hublot will also get a signed T-shirt by the athlete, as well as a meet & greet.
Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Unique Piece Only Watch’17
Some of the watches, like this Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, are so nice that it is almost a pity that they are a piece unique. While the blue version of this watch, limited to 100 pieces, won the Grand Prix Horlogerie of Geneva in 2016, the version for the ONLY Watch is equally tempting. Its gradated green lacquered dial compliments the bronze case perfectly, and blends in nicely with the design of the hands and the rest of the dial. Inside we find Montblanc’s Manufacture Monopusher Chronograph Calibre MB M16.29
“MOSAÏQUE” by Barbier-Mueller Prototype
Barbier-Mueller offers the prototype of the MOSAÏQUE for ONLY WATCH 2017. Made entirely in Geneva, the central theme of the watch is the art of mosaics. It displays this red, black, white and green jasper. Unique is that this mosaic not only decorates the dial, but also the sides of the 18k rose gold case, as well as the case back. Similar to an old pocket watch, the case back can be opened to reveal the movement, also in 18k rose gold, as it is based on F.P.Journe’s caliber 1304.
Hautlence Pinball, Ball-e – Mechanical Pinball
Hautlence brings one of its signature wrist games to ONLY WATCH 2017. With a Grade 5 titanium case, this Hautlence doesn’t show the time but allows you instead to disconnect and play a game of pinball, with this fully functional wrist device. The version created for the auction also has a special feature: when the lights go out the friendly face of a robot appears, outlined by SuperLuminova on the internal parts of the pinball machine.
Piaget Black Tie Vintage Watch
Piaget offers one of the brand’s specialties at the ONLY WATCH 2017: a dial cut from semi-precious stone! Outlined by the stunning case of the Black Tie “Vintage Inspiration” is a dial crafted from brown pietersite. Known as the Tempest Stone, it serves as a protective mineral. The texture of the pietersite truly compliments not only the cushion-shaped case but also the 18k yellow gold it is crafted from. Inside we find Piaget’s automatic manufacture caliber 534P.
Boucheron Epure Blé d’été
Boucheron brings elegance to the ONLY WATCH 2017 with their Epure Blé d’été. The 18k white gold case features a bezel set with colorless, brilliant cut diamonds, but it is the Métier d’art dial that will be the center of attention. Two wheat ears, sculpted from white gold and set with colorless, brilliant cut diamonds, adorn the mother of pearl dial. They are a reference to the use of nature as an inspiration, which was one of the principles on which Frédéric Boucheron founded the company in 1858. The case back of the watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, which allows you to admite the Girard-Perregaux calibre GP4000, which powers this unique Boucheron.
Arnold & Son Time Pyramid Only Watch
The Time Pyramid is one of the iconic models of Arnold & Son, and that is also the one that they offer as a piece unique for ONLY WATCH 2017. It has become a rather bold piece, with a black DLC coating on its stainless steel case, as well as on the bridges of the manufacture movement. To go even further, they have used red accents, not only as a bold contrast with the black DLC but also as a reference to the official color of the Principality of Monaco. A fitting reference as the ONLY WATCH auction takes place under the high patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Chronoswiss Flying Regulator Red Passion
With the Flying Regulator Red Passion Chronoswiss takes the same inspiration as Arnold & Son. Red and black dominate the watch in a very tasteful manner. The base of the dial features a red guilloche pattern on which galvanic black subdials are placed, creating an incredible depth. The case, and oversized onion crown feature a black DLC coating, while the rotor of the manufacture caliber C.122 looks very bold in its bright red coating.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon Only Watch
With its stunning dial in Grand Feu blue enamel, Ulysse Nardin sends its Marine Tourbillon to ONLY WATCH 2017. That dial fights for attention with the flying tourbillon with silicium escapement. The Roman numeral at seven o’clock is featured in yellow, as well as the power reserve indicator, as a subtle note to the fact that this is the seventh edition of ONLY WATCH.
