Only Watch is a biennial charity auction of unique timepieces that has taken place since 2005 benefitting research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The auction features 49 watches in a wide price range, donated by 49 renowned and independent watchmakers. All watches are either a one-off timepieces specifically made for the auction or a one-off version of an iconic model. Some of 2017’s offerings immediately got our attention.
Patek Philippe Triple Complication (ref. 5208) was first launched in 2011. The watch is a showcase of the brand’s mastery of crafts and technology, featuring a minute repeater, a monopusher chronograph and an instantaneous perpetual calendar. The self-winding movement itself is no less complicated with 719 parts. For the auction Patek Philippe has created the first and only version of this style in titanium. The dial is changed to blue and adorned with a hand-guilloched carbon fibre pattern. The calibre R CH 27 PS QI movement has been entirely black rhodium-plated and can be viewed through the sapphire crystal back, while the platinum micro-rotor is also hand-guilloched with the same pattern as the dial.
Audemars Piguet is offering the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Only Watch in a one off colourway. The case, bezel and bracelet are made of hand-finished black ceramic. The ‘skylight’ blue Grande Tapisserie dial is matched with polished grey gold counters in solid grey gold and an orange tinted photo realistic moon can be found inside the moon phase. The one-off timepiece is the first black ceramic version of this style to feature a black ceramic case with sapphire display back, showcasing the hand-finished black oscillating mass.
Black Bay Bronze One is definitely one of Tudor’s signature models. For Only Watch the horologist has created a version intended to be worn on the right wrist with the winding crown on the left. The bronze is paired with khaki green dial, bezel and strap, a rarely seen combination from watchmaker. The auction winner will also be able to visit Tudor Headquarters, which has never welcomed visitors previously.
Ressence has specifically created the one off model TYPE 12OW with Hodinkee, bringing its previous collaboration Type 1H Limited Edition to the next level. The Only Watch special piece features a square Grade 5 titanium case created through sintering, a process of compacting different layers and forming a solid mass of material by laser heat. The indexes on the dial are in light green, signifying a sense of hope in fighting against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, while the winding key on the case back replaces the crown for a setting up and winding.
The auction will take place on November 11 in Geneva and there will be a promotional world tour before the sales auction for collectors and donators to view these exceptional timepieces. All 49 watches can also be viewed on the Only Watch website.
