Top 5 watches from the Only Watch 2023 auction
Fernando AldeaDiscover the most dazzling pieces from the Only Watch 2023 charity auction, according to the LOFT team, where watchmaking innovation meets a charitable cause. Now in its tenth year, the auction features unique luxury watchmaking gems crafted by renowned brands to support research into genetic diseases.
Welcome to the dazzling world of the Only Watch 2023 auction, an event that combines a passion for high-end watchmaking with a noble purpose. Only once every two years, Only Watch hosts a charity auction to raise funds for research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other genetic diseases. This year, in its 10th edition, the event promises more innovation and beauty than ever, with 62 unique lots and the participation of 73 watchmakers and brands. Below, we present the five most outstanding jewels, according to the LOFT team, that will be offered at the Only Watch 2023 auction.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked Only Watch Edition
Audemars Piguet, a fine watchmaking house that has been in the hands of its founding families since 1875, showcases its Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked Only Watch Edition. This exceptional timepiece features a 41 mm white ceramic case and matching bracelet, embellished with a vibrant blue mainplate and bridges, offering a highly contemporary contrast. The movement's open architectural design foregrounds the rhodium-plated flying tourbillon cage and gear train, adding depth and visual impact.
Each component has been finished with refined Haute Horlogerie decorations, including "traits tirés," circular and sunray brushing, snailing, and polished chamfers. The satin-brushed V-shaped corners can be admired on both sides of the watch, reflecting the meticulous work of the Manufacture's artisans. This Only Watch edition comes with the addition of a blue inner bezel and white gold hour markers and hands, both coated with luminescent coating for optimal visibility in the dark. A special 22K gold oscillating weight has also been colored with the same blue and rhodium tones for an elegant and modern look.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble Only Watch Edition
Bulgari, a renowned luxury jewelry and watchmaking house founded in Rome in 1884, presents its Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble Only Watch Edition. This unique piece combines a 40 mm DLC-treated titanium case and bracelet covered with Verde di Alpi marble. At 6 o'clock, the marble dial reveals the ultra-thin manual tourbillon of the in-house caliber BVL 268. The Octo Finissimo Tourbillon range represents a milestone in the development of ultra-thin watches with major complications; its 1.95 mm thin movement makes this the thinnest flying tourbillon on the market since 2013.
The green marble used for this spectacular timepiece comes from the Aosta Valley, the natural pass that connects Switzerland and Italy through the Alps. Its dominant color in nature, evoking abundance, growth, and energy, is contrasted with white veins, recalling the serpentines of Alpine forests and snow-capped peaks. The inspiration behind the piece comes from ancient times, when marble was featured prominently in Roman architecture by the most skilled artists of all time, expressing the history and glory of Rome. This Only Watch edition also includes a DLC titanium bracelet covered with a 0.4 mm layer of Verde di Alpi marble on both the edges and the top of the link, demonstrating the haute horlogerie craftsmanship of Bulgari's master watchmakers.
FP Journe Chronomètre Bleu Furtif Only Watch Edition
FP Journe, a brand that has been "inventing" and "manufacturing" watches for over 40 years, presents its Chronomètre Bleu Furtif Only Watch Edition. This unique piece combines a full tantalum case and bracelet with an 18K rose gold movement. The Chronomètre Furtif gets its name from the difficulty of reading the time if the watch is not facing you, as the blue enamel dial reveals the frosted numerals only in the reflection of light, while the moon phase and power reserve indications are integrated into the movement and are only visible on the back.
This watch features a translucent blue Grand Feu enamel dial with laser-engraved numerals and markings, along with matte blue hour and minute hands and an orange seconds hand. The Only Watch edition also includes a flat-link bracelet with a sandblasted and polished finish. Measuring 42 mm in diameter and 9.5 mm thick, this watch is designed for comfort and style. Additionally, an identical case is provided with post-auction service in case it has been damaged. Joining François-Paul Journe's exceptional watchmaking pedigree, the Chronomètre Furtif Bleu was developed exclusively for Only Watch 2023, showcasing FP Journe's dedication to excellence, precision, and authenticity in watchmaking.
TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds For Only Watch Edition
TAG Heuer unveils its Monaco Split-Seconds watch, the brand’s first mechanical split-seconds chronograph, highlighting a revolutionary new movement and design for the iconic Monaco collection. Launched following Only Watch 2021, this project sought to reimagine the Monaco with an updated design, inspired by the original 1969 model and embracing today’s forward-thinking mindset. Housed in a textured titanium and sapphire case is the new TAG Heuer Calibre TH81-00. Crafted from textured titanium developed by the TAG Heuer Institute, the case includes a large sapphire crystal and caseback, with a titanium crown and push-pieces. The sapphire dial features Super-LumiNova hour markers and subsidiary dials on titanium bridges. The calfskin strap is contrasted with red stitching accents and a titanium clasp. In addition, the winner will be invited to a unique experience at the 2024 Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Tudor Prince Chronograph One for Only Watch Edition
Tudor, a Swiss watch brand offering sophisticated elegance, proven reliability, and unmatched value since 1926, introduces its Prince Chronograph One for Only Watch Edition. This unique piece celebrates a classic 1970s chronograph with a modern and compelling interpretation, featuring a new prototype Manufacture chronograph caliber entirely developed by Tudor, presented in a unique solid 18K yellow gold interpretation of the classic "Big Block" Chronograph.
This watch comes with a solid 18K yellow gold case and bracelet, along with an 18K yellow gold bezel with an aluminum insert and 18K yellow gold screw-down pushers. The dial design is unique, featuring sunken gold registers on a black dial and the text "Prince Chronograph" printed above the six o'clock register. The hour markers and hands are also 18K yellow gold. The watch features the new MT59XX caliber with a column-wheel construction and meets all of Tudor's Manufacture caliber performance standards. The Only Watch edition also includes a three-link 18K yellow gold bracelet with a Tudor 18K yellow gold " T-fit" clasp, adding a modern and elegant touch.
The Only Watch 2023 charity auction underscores the power of the synergy between luxury watchmaking and philanthropy. Each unique piece, from the architectural Audemars Piguet to the classic, reimagined Tudor Prince Chronograph One, embodies the brands' dedication to excellence and a worthy cause. This event not only offers the opportunity to acquire a unique piece of fine watchmaking, but also to contribute to a meaningful cause. These watches are a testament to the generosity and commitment of the participants, as well as to the strength of the human spirit in rising to challenges. Learn more about this charity auction and its impact on the history of watchmaking and the fight against genetic diseases on the Only Watch website.
