Now in its ninth edition, the biennial Only Watch auction is back this November with 53 watchmakers presenting unique pieces created especially for this charity sale benefitting the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy. Of course, the memorability of watches varies between simple colour changes and outstanding original pieces but this year highlights those that are truly one of their kind.

(Related: #WatchYaGot: Why I bought the Cloche de Cartier)

The independents usually have the most fun with this. Ludovic Ballouard’s offering looks like a miniature vinyl record and MB&F has transformed its already adorable HM10 Bulldog into a wrist- wrapping panda. Additionally, Jaquet Droz is proving that even the more traditional brands know a thing or two about spectacle. The Grande Seconde Skelet- One Tourbillon “Only Watch” (right) is a stunner. Gone are the soft curves of the regular Grande Seconde. This special edition uses plique-a-jour enamel in geometric shapes outlined in white gold to make a statement. Jaquet Droz chose the fiery stained glass-like colours to convey a mood of happiness, passion, optimism and energy – all things we could use more of, not just in the fight against this terrible disease, but in these trying times.

(Related: Check out the luxury timepieces inspired by the Golden Ratio)

DIALLING IT UP
Other creative standouts from Only Watch 2021.

(Related: Richard Mille’s latest collaborative timepiece is inspired by the fastest McLaren ever built)