With biennial charity auction Only Watch coming up this November under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, watch brands are stepping up again by donating one-of-a-kind timepieces designed especially for the occasion and aiding in research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Here are quirky, unique or creative designs watchmakers are donating to the auction.
Blancpain – Villeret, Only Watch 2015 Chinese Calendar displays the traditional Chinese calendar with a double-hour indication, zodiac signs, Chinese calendar date and month, indications of the five elements, the celestial stems and the leap months], as well as the gregorian calendar and moon phases. With a 168 hour power reserve, 469 components and an alligator leather strap, this unique piece is quite impressive!
Hublot – Classic Fusion Only Watch Britto, After launching a watch with Brazilian artist Romero Britto at Baselworld earlier this year, Hublot has partnered with the artist once again, this time for the Only Watch auction, with a unique piece that clearly defines Hublot’s “fusion between tradition and modernity”. The dial’s design reflects Britto’s vibrantly coloured contemporary pop art and cubism through champlevé enamelling. The paint is fixed to the dial through successive firings at a temperature of approx. 800°C! What’s remarkable is that the artist’s work is perfectly achieved in miniature. The watch will be auctioned with the canvas that inspired it.
Zenith – El Primero Only Watch is based on the brand’s partnership with iconic rock band The Rolling Stones and takes from the band’s visual cues. Distinguished by its El Primero 4052 W Striking 10th automatic movement which is clearly visible through both the openworked dial centre transparent caseback. The oscillating weight is adorned with the Stones’ famous “red tongue” logo, and the hours and minutes hands are shaped like the fretboard of Keith Richards’ legendary Fender Telecaster guitar. The rubber strap features a black Barenia calfskin insert and is personalized in the “colours” of The Rolling Stones and their native land: the tongue logo and Union Jack flag are tone-on-tone heat-embossed on leather. The watch is presented in a box bearing the band’s handwritten logo as well as that of Zenith, and is also adorned with the red tongue on the leather lining. With such a cool design, you can’t but get satisfaction!
Maurice Lacroix – Masterpiece Gravity “Only Watch 2015” features an in-house Manufacture Movement, a world-‐première “Vague du Jura” decoration on its main bridge, striking use of colour and a POWERLITE® case. The oscillator and assortment centre stage are presented on the dial side and are further magnified by a domed “glass-‐box” sapphire crystal appearing to sit high within the case in a three-‐dimensional characteristic. The Masterpiece Gravity was also the first timepiece to feature a full silicium assortment.
Bell & Ross – BR01 Tourbillon Skull Bronze is all about the skull. The sophisticated mechanical movement is housed in a case that has been treated to appear as if it dating back to olden times and worn out by sea water and lack of air, such as old treasure found in sunken pirate ships. And true to the spirit of treasures, the watch is presented in a wooden chest under a glass dome which is visible through the top of the chest. Pirates Of The Caribbean will surely appreciate the very “skully” look of the watch!
