A Showcase of One-of-a-Kind Watches

Every two years, Watches that exist nowhere else in the world are auctioned. The Grand Complication from Patek Philippe appears in rare materials that captivate enthusiasts, And watches from Tudor, A subsidiary of Rolex, Are sold for as much as 500 million KRW. It is also an occasion where François-Paul Journe (F.P. Journe), One of the greatest watchmakers of this century, Unveils new creations.

OnlyWatch Charity Auction © OnlyWatch

This is the story of the OnlyWatch charity auction for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The Birth of OnlyWatch

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare disease affecting about one in 3, 500 boys, But it is a difficult condition in which muscles gradually deteriorate, Leading to wheelchair dependence before the age of 12 and death in the early twenties. The son of Luc Pettavino, The founder of OnlyWatch, Was also a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Poster from a previous OnlyWatch event © OnlyWatch

A prominent figure in Monaco, A wealthy city-state in Europe, Organized the Association Monégasque Contre les Myopathies, AMCM, For patients suffering from the same disease as his son. Since 2005, Under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco, He has been holding the OnlyWatch auction. All proceeds from the auction are used for the treatment and research of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Unique Pieces of All Kinds

So far, 126 brands have participated in OnlyWatch. The spectrum is wide, From high-end to mid-range and independent watchmakers. Sometimes completely new models are introduced, But most often, Existing models are modified. This is because it is easier, Safer, And offers more options. Interestingly, Some watches see their value skyrocket with only minor changes, Such as those from Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet. For reference, Every watch Patek Philippe, The "king of auctions, " submitted to OnlyWatch in 2015, 2017, 2019, And 2021 achieved the highest winning bid at the time. Sometimes, Unexpected special models, Reissues, Or discontinued models make surprise appearances. The winning bids for these watches often far exceed expectations. These variables are also part of the excitement of OnlyWatch.

Masterpieces That Shined at OnlyWatch

Patek Philippe Ref. 5208T-010 © Patek

2017, Patek Philippe Ref. 5208T-010

A triple complication with minute repeater, Monopusher chronograph, And perpetual calendar, This is the first and only titanium version of this reference. It achieved the highest winning bid at OnlyWatch 2017.
- Winning bid: 6.2 million Swiss francs (about 9.43 billion KRW)

Patek Philippe Ref. 5016A-010 © Monochrome

2015, Patek Philippe Ref. 5016A-010
Highest winning bid at OnlyWatch 2015

The only steel version of a triple complication combining minute repeater, Tourbillon, And perpetual calendar. This also achieved the highest winning bid at OnlyWatch 2015.
- Winning bid: 7.3 million Swiss francs (about 11.1 billion KRW)

Patek Philippe Ref. 6300A-010 © Patek

2019, Patek Philippe Ref. 6300A-010

A steel version of the Grandmaster Chime, Which features 20 complications (including 5 chimes) on a double-sided dial, Created to commemorate the brand's 175th anniversary in 2014. It set the highest price in OnlyWatch history.
- Winning bid: 31 million Swiss francs (about 47.1 billion KRW)

Tudor Ref. 7923 © Hodinkee

2015, Tudor Heritage Black Bay One

A model that closely recreates Tudor's first diver's watch, The Oyster Prince Submariner Ref. 7923 (1954). It achieved a winning bid more than 100 times the expected price.
- Winning bid: 375, 000 Swiss francs (about 560 million KRW)

Unique Royal Oak Jumbo Ref. 15202 © Professionalwatches

2021, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Ref. 15202XT

Nicknamed the most expensive "Jumbo" in the world. The last Ref. 15202 produced before discontinuation. The titanium and metal glass materials are cutting-edge, But even the dial font is a perfect replica of the first "Jumbo" Ref. 5402 from 1972.
- Winning bid: 3.1 million Swiss francs (about 4.71 billion KRW)

Positive Influence

Recently, There has been a growing trend to use the OnlyWatch edition as a testbed for unique mechanisms or new materials. With each edition, The interest of watch enthusiasts increases. Auction results of 38, 593, 000 Swiss francs (about 56.6 billion KRW) in 2019 and 30 million Swiss francs (about 44 billion KRW) in 2021 support this. However, Above all, The value of OnlyWatch lies in the fact that it has encouraged the watch industry to actively participate in research on rare genetic diseases. Bidders can also raise their paddles with even greater confidence.

The 10th OnlyWatch

Last June, Almost all of the entries for OnlyWatch 2023 were unveiled. This year, Marking the 10th edition, Participation is at an all-time high. Seventy-three brands, Including 16 collaborations, Presented 62 watches. Mainstays like Patek Philippe and F.P. Journe, As well as recently revived Gerald Genta and the rising star Furlan Marri, Are already receiving much attention. The 10th OnlyWatch auction will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, On November 5, Under the auspices of the world-renowned auction house Christie’s.

Some of the OnlyWatch 2023 entries © onlywatch

The entries are also scheduled for a world tour exhibition, Starting in Los Angeles on September 6, Then traveling to New York, Monaco, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai, And finally Geneva. In the next issue, We plan to introduce some of the most notable watches.

Additionally,

If you wish to bid on a watch at the OnlyWatch 2023 auction, Simply send an email to registration@onlywatch.com. Auction seats are usually allocated first to bidders, Brand representatives, And media personnel, But you can also participate as an "observer" by applying at onlywatch.com (link).

Last October, World-renowned watch collector Santa Laura raised questions about the financial transparency of OnlyWatch, And it has been announced that OnlyWatch will be postponed to 2024.

(2023.11 Update)