Only Watch 2017: 12 unique timepieces to look out for

The biennial Only Watch auction benefits charity as well as offering luxury watch maisons an opportunity to showcase one-of-a-kind models. The auction debuted in 2005. All proceeds will go towards research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

This year, the auction features 49 one-off models from heritage maisons, including Patek Philippe,Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Boucheron, Harry Winston, and contemporary independent brands, such as MB&F, Urwerk and MCT.

The auction is scheduled to open on November 11 to kick off Christie’s autumn Geneva watch auction week. However, the watches will be touring around the world starting September 27 at the Monaco Yacht show and will be coming to Hong Kong on October 23 and 24.

The Only Watch auction is certainly exciting for watch collectors. We’ve highlighted some of the most interesting pieces that you need to know about before heading to the auction.

Patek Philippe

The maison’s watches have been crowned the top lot at almost all Only Watch auctions. The steel Patek 5016 sold for a record of 7.3 million CHF (HK$59.2 million) at the 2015 Only Watch. The new Reference 5208 Triple Complication wristwatch, created exclusively for the auction, is the first and only version of this watch produced in titanium. The watch also comes with a rare experience for the top bidder. The lucky owner will visit Patek Philippe’s workshops and museum, and have a private lunch with the brand’s president, Thierry Stern.

Audemars Piguet

The unique Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar rendered in black ceramic features the brand’s signature Grand Tapisserie dial matched with an orange-tinted photo realistic moon.

Breguet

The Reference 7715 features a silvered gold dial with Clous de Paris motif. It’s equipped with a self-winding movement and a perpetual calendar. The 18ct yellow gold case measures 39mm in diameter.

Boucheron

Boucheron presents a rare women’s watch for the auction. The Épure Blé d’été features a Metier d’art dial made of white gold and mother-of-pearl. The wheat motifs are paved with snow-setting diamonds. The owner of the watch will party with Boucheron’s VIPs and celebrity friends at exclusive parties during Cannes Film Festival next year, before attending a preview of the Boucheron high jewellery collection.

Chopard

The Superfast 8 Hz Power Control Porsche 919 Only Watch 2017is a tribute to the world of motorsports. Brand ambassador Jacky Ickx, a motor-racing legend, also worked on the design. The successful bidder will get to hang out with Ickx during the Monaco Historique GP 2018.

Hermès

The subtly luxurious Slim d’Hermès L’heure impatiente timepiece features a unique complication called the “Impatient Hour” module that reminds the wearer of an exciting upcoming event.

Montblanc

The 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Unique Piece Only Watch 2017 is inspired by the heritage of manufacturer Minerva. Paying tribute to Montblanc’s award-winning 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Blue Limited Edition 100, the watch also features the monopusher chronograph calibre and is housed in a trendy bronze case combined for the first time with a vintage green dial.

Chanel

Chanel’s new J12 XS is rendered in white gold with a black ceramic case. The black onyx dial is encrusted with 24 baguette-cut diamonds. The watch also features a cuff embroidered by Lesage with black glass beads and silver calfskin piping. The owner of this watch will be invited to Chanel’s fashion show in Paris next March.

Harry Winston

The Ocean Big Date Only Watch features an innovative automatic movement with twin barrels and a flat silicon balance spring. The 18ct white gold case measures 42.2mm in diameter.

Piaget

Piaget’s iconic Black Tie Vintagewatch is reinterpreted in yellow gold with a hard stone dial in brown pietersite.

Bovet 1822

Bovet 1822’s Secret Beauty features a mesmerising geisha hand-painted on the dial. It combines different layers of traditional painting and Super-LumiNova, rendering this miniature work of art, affixed to mother-of-pearl, visible by day and by night. The winning bidder will be invited to an exclusive charity gala dinner in London in December this year and meet the charity’s founders, Paul Haggis and Elizabeth Hurley.

Girard Perregeaux

Bronze is definitely the latest trend for luxury watches. Girard Perregeaux’s Laureato has a bronze case matched with a brown alligator leather strap for a sporty look.

H.Moser & Cie

The Venturer Concept Only Watch features the house’s signature fume dial and a red balance bridge, with the movement visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The case back is also engraved with “1 of 1” to mark the exclusivity of the watch.