Only Watch 2011 – Our Picks So Far
Undoubtedly many of you would be aware of (and eagerly anticipating) the arrival of the ‘Only Watch’ auction that is held in Monaco every 2 years under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II. This special event sees some of the best known watch-makers and artisans in the world dedicating their exceptional talents to creating unique pieces to be auctioned, with the proceeds being donated to fund medical research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This is truly a worthy cause and the 2009 auction certainly did not fail to live up to expectations. Judging from the pieces that have been unveiled so far the 2011 auction is set to be another phenomenal success which is fantastic news for the innocent victims of this terrible disease.
Here are some personal favorites (in no particular order) from what’s been released so far. We’d love to hear your thoughts too, so please feel free to leave a comment below.
Ikepod Hourglass for Only Watch
What more needs be said? The Marc Newson designed Ikepod Hourglass was already a work of art in our books and the use of red tinted glass has done nothing to detract from that opinion. If anything it has only served to enhance our viewing pleasure of this superbly crafted piece and the fact that there will only ever be one red Ikepod Hourglass…well that just speaks for itself.
Urwerk UR-103 Phoenix for Only Watch
We love the fact that Urwerk brought the iconic UR-103 out of retirement just for Only Watch. The mere fact that these timepieces can no longer be brought new from the brand would alone be enough to cause a stir at auction. However, to ensure this piece was truly unique Urwerk invited the extremely talented master engraver Jean-Vincent Huguenin to hand-decorate this one of a kind white gold piece. The end result is nothing short of sensational – Urwerk wanted to recognize the plight of those engaged in the battle to save children from muscular dystrophy, and so the UR-103 sports that most quintessential symbol of resistance and resilience: A phoenix rising from the flames.
MB&F HM4 for Only Watch
MB&F’s offering for this year’s Only Watch auction has been created in conjunction with Chinese artist, Huang Hankang. Whilst perhaps not as visually extreme as the brand’s 2009 offering created in conjunction with American artist Sage Vaughn, Hankang’s interpretation of the HM4 gives the piece a completely different feel. Whilst it is not uncommon to hear MB&F’s timepieces compared to spaceships and the like, Hankang’s simple but clever use of a beautifully, hand-crafted white gold Panda has actually transformed the HM4 into a true flying machine, capable of transporting the viewer into their own personal dreamworld.
Of all the pieces I have seen so far, this one truly has the most positive feel to it.
DeBethune DB25 “Ciel Etoile” for Only Watch
Last but certainly not least is this breathtaking piece from perennial favorite; DeBethune. Based on the DB25 this unique timepiece has been highly modified and features a distinctive method of displaying the time. A small opening between 5 and 7 o’clock allows for the hours and minutes to be revealed on two rotating rings made of engraved Sterling silver. The case is made of white gold and the striking blue dial of titanium, with the color obtained by heating the metal to 700°C in a special oven. A map of the evening sky is depicted in diamonds and white gold, with this particular model paying homage to Moncao by displaying the exact pattern from the night of the 8th of January 1297, the same night François Grimaldi captured the Rock of Monaco.
The Final Word
Only Watch is fantastic bi-annual event held in conjunction with the Monaco Yacht show and we applaud all of the individuals who are involved in its successful running. This year’s auction is scheduled to take place on the 22nd of September and we have absolute confidence that a significant sum of money will be raised to help aid in the fight against this dreadful disease. Show your support by spreading the word and, if circumstances allow, by participating in the auction. This is your chance to own a piece of watch-making history.
For more information on the auction please visit the official website: www.onlywatch.com
Category: Watch News
Someday…. Not this time, but eventually I will have one only watch…
Hopefully…
GREAT Article by the way.!!!