Time to start paying attention to Only Watch
Only Watch 2017 uncovered numerous triumphs as well as a few potential bargains.
by James Buttery
Only Watch, the biennial charity auction of unique watches, is a wonderful thing. Since 2001 it has raised many millions to aid Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy sufferers, the genetic disorder which late last year claimed the life of event founder Luc Pettavino?s son, Paul.
In Geneva this weekend, at a sale run by Christie?s, the 7th Edition of Only Watch raised £8.2m. In an industry that deals in ?wants? rather than ?needs? this is an entirely noble project where brands donate their time and watches to raise money for a good cause, which is precisely why I feel slightly torn about extolling the virtues of Only Watch as useful event for picking up a bargain or two. However, as driving new buyers towards Only Watch will only raise more funds for a good cause in future I?ll ignore my own reservations and press on.
The star lot at Only Watch is always a Patek Philippe, usually in steel or titanium, and this year was no different with the perpetual calendar, chronograph minute repeater 5208T-010 pictured above achieving £4.76m.
While other brands signalled their growing pull at Only Watch – including a £268,000 LHD Tudor Black Bay Bronze and £882,000 for that FP Journe – the fact that one single lot represented slightly more than half of the overall total in a 50-lot sale should demonstrate that there are some very sensibly priced sales bein...
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A Week in Watches Ep. 79 – Swiss Leftovers
29-04-2024 05:06 - (
Luxury Watch )