The Outstanding Results of Only Watch 2021
Only Watch has always been a charity with a unique approach. They fund research to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by organizing a biennial auction for which the world’s leading watch manufacturers donate a piece unique. This weekend, Christie’s auctioned the 53 creations in a packed Palexpo in Geneva, raising CHF 30 million, over 32 million US dollars.
The Patek Philippe Complicated Desk Clock raised one-third of that amount. This is not so surprising as the piece is a true mechanical marvel, while a desk clock is also not part of Patek Philippe’s regular collection. Crafted in sterling silver, decorated with American walnut and vermeil elements, this is a sensational creation that features a perpetual calendar and a 31-day power reserve. It was sold for CHF 9,500,000.
Richard Mille also did well with the RM 67-02 Charles Leclerc prototype. Designed to be worn as a second skin, this refined and ultra-light timepiece raised CHF 2,100,000. The case is crafted in red and white Quartz TPT, a composite material proprietary to Richard Mille. With its extra-flat skeletonized in-house movement, calibre CRMA7, this watch is not only a steady performer but also the lightest timepiece in the collection of Richard Mille.
The unique UFO clock donated by Ulysse Nardin also achieved a great result. It smashed through its high estimate of CHF 80,000 by selling for CHF 380,000. Made out of 675 parts, it shows three time zones simultaneously, and its mechanical movement only needs to be wound once every year. Ulysse Nardin opted to give the distinct orange color that Only Watch uses as theirs, center stage, decorating the base of the clock, as well as various components inside the sapphire crystal dome.
Hublot also did very well with their transparent Big Bang Tourbillon Only Watch. This watch showcased the brands’ achievements in the field of sapphire, featuring a transparent case of this material and an orange-colored bezel. Inside houses Hublot’s manufacture caliber for which they also utilized sapphire crystal. This tourbillon watch was sold for CHF 320,000 against a high estimate of CHF 180,000
Other tourbillons that did well were the Defy Double Tourbillon Felipe Pantine by Zenith. This tantalizing piece sold for CHF 480,000, more than double its high estimate of CHF 220,000. Louis Vuitton‘s Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon was also well received and went on to more than double its high estimate, selling for CHF 220,000.
Bovet‘s charming Miss Audrey Sweet Fairy watch was without a doubt the sweetest watch at auction. Not only because it achieved CHF 180,000 for the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy but also because the dial featured a miniature painting made of sugar. This is quite a contrast with the watch TAG Heuer donated. The Only Watch Carbon Monaco featured a unique case made from forged carbon fiber, a material also used for its dial. It was sold for CHF 290,000, making a vital contribution for Only Watch to achieve its goal: to ensure that no child will ever suffer or die from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
