Last Saturday, the Only Watch 2021 auction took place. At Christie’s in Geneva, 53 unique pieces designed especially for the event were put up for auction. The proceeds will go towards research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In the following, we present the TOP 10 highest proceeds of the auction.
Zenith’s candidate was created in collaboration with the artist Felipe Pantone. The watch has a sapphire crystal case and features rainbow accents reminiscent of the artist’s work. Inside operates an exclusive movement that offers two tourbillons. The watch was estimated at CHF 180,000. In the end, it was auctioned off for CHF 480,000.
The manufacturer MB&F has presented a special version of its MB10. This one is reminiscent of a panda and accordingly has white and black lacquered surfaces. In addition, the glass dome has been given two ears and a stub has been added to the end of the case. While the estimate was 100,000 francs, the watch sold for 620,000 francs.
Tudor presented a Black Bay GMT with a stainless steel case with a patina applied by means of a secret technique. This finish is also found on the case back, the dial and the bracelet. Even the movement, which is visible through the case back, gets this finish. Nevertheless, the calibre MT5652-1U meets the strict requirements of the METAS Master Chronometer certificate. The watch fetched 650,000 Swiss francs at the Only Watch 2021 auction, far exceeding the estimate of a mere CHF 4,000.
This Streamliner has a dial with Vantablack – the darkest known substance. It also has a tourbillon in which a cylindrical spring oscillates. Last but not least, the sapphire dial is slightly angled so that only the wearer can read the time. The watch also comes in a cushion-shaped case with an integrated bracelet. The estimated price was CHF 60,000. Ultimately, it sold for 750,000 Swiss francs.
Based on the original Chronomètre Contemporain, this unique piece represents the next generation of the watch. The case is of platinum and was produced by the well-known Jean-Pierre Hagmann. The dial combines several enamel layers. Inside is a new calibre that offers a further complication. The estimated price and the actual price are once again far apart. The piece was listed in the catalogue at CHF 70,000. As it turned out, it actually fetched CHF 800,000.
The small manufacturer De Bethune collaborated with the Finnish watchmaker Kari Voutilainen to create the Kind of Magic. The watch has two sides, on each of which one of the two collaborators had free rein. Thus, the Voutilainen side bears a guilloché dial with typical hands. On the other side is a mechanical time display in the style of De Bethune. The watch was estimated at 200,000 francs. It then changed hands for CHF 1,300,000 at the Only Watch 2021 auction.
In honour of the sports driver Charles Leclerc, Richard Mille sends the RM 67-02 into the race. This watch has a case of red and white quartz TPT and thus reflects the colours of Leclerc’s flag, just like the dial. Inside also works the calibre CRMA7, which has automatic winding. Last but not least, the “Comfort” strap makes this model the lightest automatic watch in Richard Mille’s collection. At auction, it sold for a price of CHF 2,100,000 (estimate: CHF 270,000).
Audemars Piguet presents the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Only Watch, which combines the old and the new. The 39 mm case is made of titanium and solid metallic glass. The latter is an extremely modern material that has been the subject of intensive research and is now being used by Audemars Piguet for the first time. In contrast, the Manufacture harks back to the beginnings of the legendary Royal Oak when it comes to the dial. The “Petite Tapisserie” features the typography for the signature and monogram as introduced in 1972 with the 5402 A series. At the Only Watch auction, it sold for CHF 3,100,000 far outreaching the estimated price of CHF 160,000.
The manufacture of François-Paul Journe presented an exceptional timepiece. The unique piece FFC Blue indicates the time with an actual hand. The fingers appear according to the current hour. Meanwhile, the blue arrow at 12 o’clock points to the appropriate minute on the rotating disc. The idea for this watch goes back to Francis Ford Coppola, whom Journe met for dinner in 2012. After 2 years of “invenit” – to invent – and another 7 years of “fecit” – to make –, the manufacture succeeded in producing such an automaton. The watch comes in a 42 mm case of tantalum that was created exclusively for this watch. Estimated price: 300,000 Swiss francs. Selling price: 4,500,000 Swiss francs.
Patek Philippe presented a table clock with a perpetual calendar for the Only Watch 2021 auction. This unique piece is inspired by a watch that Patek Philippe delivered to the US entrepreneur James Ward Packard in 1923. The original is now in the Manufacture’s museum. This “Unique Piece” for the Only Watch Auction 2021 has a sterling silver case with vermeil trim and American walnut inlays. Inside is the calibre 86-135 PEND IRM Q SE. In addition to the perpetual calendar with week number, it displays the phases of the moon and has a power reserve indicator (31 days). The Complicated Desk Clock also achieves a maximum rate deviation of only +1/-1 second per day. The estimated price for this unique piece was CHF 400,000. In the end, it sold for a whopping 9.5 million Swiss francs.
