For the second time since its first edition in 2005, the world renowned biennial charity auction Only Watch will be staging in Geneva.
On 11 November, this exceptional fundraising for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy will be opening the autumn Geneva watch auction week, in presence of hundreds of connoisseurs, donators and collectors who will undoubtedly engage in strong bidding competition for the unique timepieces especially made by the finest watchmakers for Only Watch.
For the 2017 edition of Only Watch, it has been proposed, whenever possible and according to the brand’s culture and desire, to combine the timepiece with a unique experience with either a brand ambassador (athletics champion, car racing driver…) or an exceptional event (film festival, fashion show…).
Since 2005, the uniqueness of a project such as Only Watch underlines how great brands from luxury groups or independent craftsmen have achieved to unite in the pursuit of a common goal: financing research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
This synergy, under the patronage and support of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, driven by the enthusiasm shown by individuals within the brands and partners, shows a deep wish to help this noble cause. In six editions, Only Watch has raised more than 25 million euros for Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies (Monaco Association against Duchenne muscular dystrophy) helping make significant advances in research over a decade.
The 49 one-off models of the 2017 Only Watch collection will tour around the globe during one and a half months, starting on 27 September in Monaco.
There’s also a special system on the winding stem which can be observed only under the Bovet emblem that was developed by Bovet a couple of years ago and, along with looking very nice, is supposed to increase winding efficiency so that the consumer does not have to wind the crown as many occasions to completely control the movement. Note the little sapphire crystal plate onto the crown which happens to get the Pininfarina emblem on it (for the first time within this opinion collection, I believe). Layout wise, the 17BM03MM motion is a stunner, with dark-gray-finished plates and appealing texturing and finishing. Each of the Pininfarina watches have a decidedly contemporary edge to them compared to a lot of those classic or Old World, “artistically dense” design style that lots of people associated with Bovet.Even as a ritzy tourbillon-laden timepiece that the Bovet Pininfarina OttantaSei 10-Day Tourbillon nevertheless feels like a sport watch with the highly legible hands and indexes in addition to the very mild feeling on the wrist. The rubber strap includes a nice deep blue Alcantara-lining, also allows for an overall very comfy fit – an even comfier match when you have really huge wrists given how the larger-feeling case fits.The movement architecture and skeletonization is pure “haute horology” with a variety of fine yet contemporary decorative details and completing. I’m aware that the style of Bovet timepieces makes them not acceptable for everybody, but I still think most watch fans can muster supporting the execution of technique and ability in these watches. Moreover, how often to get a watch that so reluctantly features a large flying tourbillon and also has brightly SuperLumiNova-painted hands (notice that on those prototype models, the palms were hand-painted therefore the lume seems irregular).
The Monaco Yacht Show will launch the journey by exhibiting the watches from 27 to 30 September within the show venue. The collection will then be flown to Bangkok (02-03 October/Christie’s), Singapore (05-06 October/The Hour Glass), Dubai (October 09-11/Christie’s & Seddiqi), Hong Kong (23-24 October/Christie’s), Taipei (26-27 October/Christie’s), New-York (October 29-30/Christie’s), Los Angeles (1-2 November/Westime), and finally Geneva (9-11 November/Christie’s).
Participating brands: Andersen Genève, Armin Strom, Arnold & Son, Audemars Piguet, Barbier Mueller, Bell & Ross, Blancpain, Boucheron, Bovet Fleurier, Breguet, Carl F. Bucherer, Chanel, Chopard, Christophe Claret, Chronoswiss, De Bethune, Dewitt, F.P. Journe, Fabergé, Frédérique Constant, Girard Perregaux, H.Moser & Cie, Harry Winston, Hautlence, Hermès, Hublot, Jacob & Co, Konstantin Chaykin, Laurent Ferrier, Jaquet Droz, Louis Moinet, Louis Vuitton, Maurice Lacroix, MB&F, MCT, Montblanc, Moritz Grossmann, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Rebellion, Ressence, Speake Marin, Tag Heuer, Tudor, Ulysse Nardin, Urwerk, Voutilainen, Zenith. Special Projects: (Agenhor x Head/Haute Ecole d’Art et de Design – Genève), Wostep (Ecole Horlogère – Neuchâtel).