It's time for another Only Watch Auction. 50 unique pieces created by some of the most respectable watch brands.
Every couple of years, a selection of incredible watch brands that shape this industry each create one-off watches that are entered into an auction. These one of one, unique pieces are then auctioned off with proceeds benefiting research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
This muscular based disease affects 1 in 3,000 male births. As horology is a relatively male orientated industry, this seems like something that we can all get behind and support.
This year, 52 companies have submitted watches to the auction. Here are our top picks from the list…
Akrivia - Chronomètre Contemporain
Just when I thought I couldn’t love the Chronomètre Contemporain any more than I do already, AkriviA goes ahead and create this beauty. This has everything I already love about the CC but now with a beautiful hand hammered blue-grey enamel dial. AkriviA has managed to make one of the most classic unique watch designs of the 21st century somehow sporty?
Oh, and it’s platinum as well.
Estimate: CHF 40,000 - 60,000
Ben put together a great piece recently from when we spent some time with Rexhep and the AkriviA team at Baselworld, click here to check it out.
FP Journe Astronomic Blue
Next, we have an insane watch from FP Journe, a strong leader in the world of independent brands.
This piece uses a prototype movement with a unique tantalum 44mm case and 18 different functions. These functions include hours, minutes, seconds, 2nd-time zone, moon phase, day and night indicator, power reserve, minute repeater, an annual calendar, sunrise/sunset and a tourbillon (Just to name a few).
This took FP Journe 14 years to develop and comes in at a thickness of just under 14mm thick. Incredible watchmaking right?
Estimate: CHF 300,000 - 600,000
Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie – Courage every second
Here we have an Only Watch exclusive Faubourg de Cracovie from Czapek with the dial inscribed phrase ‘Courage every second’.
Czapek offer this on many of their watches but the executing of this in the Only Watch blue with sundials to match, with a titanium case really makes for a special piece.
Estimate: CHF 24,000 -36,000
Audemars Piguet Code 11:59 Tourbillon Openworked
Now, this is a watch that ruffled a few feathers when the model was released earlier this year. Most seemed to have something to say about the dial designs specifically. However, the Openworked model was a seriously cool addition and was one of the versions that really allowed the construction of the case stand out.
Here we see a pink gold and white gold cased watch with an opaline silver-toned 18k white gold inner bezel adding a brighter aesthetic.
Estimate: CHF 190,000 - 240,000
Breguet Type 20
Now, this is what we’re talking about. A re-issued, well sized (38mm) Type 20 Breguet with coin edge bezel fantastic tropic coloured dial and period appropriate crown to match.
This is a seriously cool watch to see, something I’d love to see more of from Breguet going forward.
Estimate: CHF 35,000 -50,000
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Automatic
There is something about Piaget that I really enjoy. Their ability to combine very classical, almost niche design with modern watchmaking technology, an amazingly high level of craftsmanship and prestige always appeals to me.
This Altiplano Ultimate is no exception. Complete in 18k rose gold, complimentary blue strap and dial, a 4.3mm thick and a reversed movement with bridges fitted to the dial side, what’s not to like?
Estimate: CHF 30,000 -50,000
The real winner?
So there we have it, 6 of the 50 watches that instantly caught my eye this year for the Only Watch Auction. Honourable mentions include that blacked out Tudor Black Bay, the Zenith El Primero (here us talk more about that precious metal piece here), the incredible Grönefeld (one of the best cases on a watch available today) and of course that serious cool looking creative piece of horology art from MB&F and L'ÉPÉE.
Because all of these watches have been created for a fantastic cause, they’re all stand out pieces. We can only hope each model reaches well over their estimates and continues the funding of this important research.
To find out more about Only Watch and the other releases click here.
