10 November 2021 |
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ONLY WATCH charity auction 2021 raises CHF 30 million for research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Luc Pettavino’s ONLY WATCH invited the most important horological brands TO CREATE BEAUTY TO DO GOOD for the 9th time since 2005. MISTERWATCH reporting from the event where the 53 unique pieces were auctioned for CHF 30 million in front of an audience of 850 watch enthusiasts from 25 countries.

Considering the overwhelming performance of the 2021 edition, the total amount raised by Only Watch to cure the world of Duchenne Muscular Distrophy since the beginning has reached CHF 100 million. The auction took place on November 6th at Palexpo in Geneva as the large audience needed a proper space and no hotel could have accommodated such a large number of watch enthusiasts. Only Watch may be defined theoretically as an auction but I would say it is a global moment when people gather for the good of Humanity. And this is why it exceeded expectations once again, bringing together the best of the best in watchmaking and the world community of collectors and aficionados.

5 timepieces created especially for Only Watch 2021 passed the one million barrier (Patek Philippe – CHF 9.5million, F.P.Journe – CHF 4.5million, Audemars Piguet – CHF 3.1million, Richard Mille – CHF 2.1million, and De Bethune x Kari Voutilainen – CHF 1.3million). But the entire collection of 53 unique pieces offered by the brands for this year’s event were amazing. Considering the high bids, the Only Watch charity auctions have raised the necessary investment so that Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research has arrived to clinical trials already scheduled for 2022.

With Christie’s conducting the auction, Only Watch 2021 will also be remembered for the unique atmosphere. Even if it was now in a huge space, the passion for watches and the desire to change the world for the better made the international supporters, collectors, philanthropists, watchmaking manufacturer representatives, scientists and journalists create magic. The lots succeeded faster or slower depending on the model but always with much more higher final prices than anticipated. Applauses, cheering and laughs turned the afternoon into a lifetime memory.

Opening the event, H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco, a precious support of Only Watch since the beginning declared: “We don’t often take the time to reflect on the progress that’s been made. But today, we should: we’ve come a long way. We are at the dawn of a clinical trial of a therapeutic solution that’s been elaborated thanks to ONLY WATCH funding. In the very near future, 12 boys and young men will be given a drug which researchers believe will alleviate the disease. To you all, Only Watch community… you have my gratitude.”

After 3,5 hours and CHF 30 million, Luc Pettavino, the Founder and Hero of Only Watch concluded: “This is more than a dream come true and such a strong positive signal. For the participating watchmakers who see their creations recognized and their efforts rewarded. For the lucky buyers who now own a timepiece that is not only unique but also makes them a part of history. And for the hundreds of thousands of patients and their families who are touched by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as well as for the researchers who are coming ever closer to finding the solution.”

“We are thankful and thrilled to be able to contribute to Only Watch. Everything about this event is truly unique, from each timepiece especially developed and crafted for the occasion, including truly amazing timepieces by independent watchmakers, to the universal resonance of an event that engages the entire spectrum of a truly global community, and the single-minded – and contagious! – confidence and determination of one individual to take up such a worthwhile cause,” commented Aline Sylla-Walbaum, Christie’s Global Managing Director, Luxury Division.

Only Watch is a must for watch enthusiasts. The collections are always on tour throughout the world before the auction (Monaco – Dubai – Tokyo – Singapore – Hong Kong) and if it happens to be around, go visit! 2023, here we come!

The complete list of one-off timepieces for 2021 and their final prices below (Alphabetical order):