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.
https://www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg/fashion-watches/luxury-watches-beautiful-unique/
One Watch
image
ARTYA X JOHN MCLAUGHLIN “IS THAT SO”
Inspired by one of English guitarist and jazz fusion pioneer John McLaughlin’s albums, this watch’s colourful dial required 110 hours of hand- painting by artist Marq Spusta. Artya cleverly leverages the instrument’s shape to house a chronograph movement with the guitar’s “keys” serving as pushers. McLaughlin’s signature is engraved on the back. Buyers will also get a guitar built by luthier Paul Reed Smith and painted by Spusta.
image
BOUCHERON “AJOUREE MASSY LE CAMELEON”
It’s hard to fight the glam factor of a well-executed jewellery watch. Diamonds, multi- coloured sapphires, tsavorites and a single ruby eye on a polished white gold body form this tiny glittering treasure. The chameleon is the newest animal to join the Boucheron bestiary, which has previously included a hedgehog, a parrot, a cat, a chickadee and a swallow across its watches and jewellery. A quartz movement powers the 38mm white gold watch with a mother-of-pearl dial. And, instead of a traditional crown, Boucheron has incorporated a hidden button on the caseback.
image
F.P. JOURNE X FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA “FFC BLUE”
Journe was having dinner at Francis Ford Coppola’s house in Napa Valley when the award- winning director asked if it was possible to create a watch with a hand inside of it. Since Journe is one of the greatest watchmakers of our time, the answer must have been obvious. It did take some thinking to come up with 12 different finger positions to show the hours with just one hand. But the result is the FFC Blue, a creative if slightly bizarre automaton that has a peripheral disc indicating the minutes.
(Related: Richard Mille’s latest collaborative timepiece is inspired by the fastest McLaren ever built)