73 of the finest luxury watchmakers are participating in the biennial Only Watch charity auction, which will feature 62 unique timepieces.
The 10th edition of the biennial Only Watch charity auction is set to take place on November 5, 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. Christie’s auction house will be leading the special event, which Luc Pettavino—President of the Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies—began in 2005.
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The special charity auction has grown a large following in the past decade. At present, it stands as a highly-anticipated event among both luxury watchmakers and collectors. With the continuous support of stakeholders like H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the initiative has been showcasing and auctioning unique timepieces made by the world’s greatest watchmakers.
Timepieces for a Cause
Only Watch funds research efforts on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The rare genetic disease affects one in 3,500 boys, and leads to the progressive weakening of their muscles. Pettavino’s son, Paul, was diagnosed with the condition—hence his dedication to helping alleviate the illness. As of November 2021, the charity raised a total of €100 million (roughly over $100 million) for research.
“The auction has become a defining moment in the watch industry, offering the world’s finest watch manufacturers a unique opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and create beauty to do good,” wrote Remi Guillemin, head of Christie’s Watches division in Europe, in the event description.
Watches Galore
The watches in every Only Watch auction are one-off pieces, which certainly adds to their value. This edition of the initiative will feature 62 distinct timepieces. This includes 16 collaborations from 73 of the finest luxury watchmakers.
The roster not only boasts prestigious names, but also “several young brilliant watchmaking talents.” As per a recent press release, these rising stars will be “collaborating to bring an innovative fresh touch to the offering.”
“This anniversary edition celebrates Only Watch’s bright and colorful story by including all colors of previous editions in its visual identity, and adding the color green, an emblem of hope, as a new component,” added the press release.
A list of featured timepieces for the 2023 auction is now available on Only Watch’s official website. Participating brands include Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Piaget, Boucheron, Richard Mille, and Chopard. This year’s pieces will be going on a global tour throughout September as an exclusive preview prior to the auction itself.
Banner photo edited by Agatha Romero, photos from the Only Watch media press release.