Watchmaking: the Only Watch auction returns in May

Postponed last year, Only Watch is back for its tenth edition. The auction of exceptional timepieces is set to take place in Geneva on May 10th.

The calm after the storm. The renowned charitable watch auction Only Watch is back, despite the controversy that splashed it last year. Organized every two years by the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophies (AMM), this must-attend event for watch brands and collectors postponed its tenth edition.

The reason for this delay: numerous questions raised about the allocation of funds raised by the AMM, as well as its governance. Luc Pettavino, head of the association, has been working with an auditor in recent months to attest to the compliance of its financial situation. With any shadows of doubt now dispelled, the Only Watch event is set to take place in Geneva on May 10th.

A letter from the organizers of Only Watch was sent to their partners to convince them to resume their collaboration. To date, Audemars Piguet is the only one to have officially withdrawn its participation. Others have hinted that they will not resume their partnership or that they have already retrieved and recycled the piece offered last autumn. Among the participating brands, Bulgari, Hublot, and Bell & Ross have confirmed their donations.

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Une publication partagée par Only Watch (@onlywatch_official)

An Unmissable Event

In nearly twenty years, the charitable auction Only Watch has become a standout event in the horological world’s calendar. Over its nineth editions, this initiative launched in 2005 by Luc Pettavino has raised 100 million euros to accelerate research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Sponsored by Prince Albert II of Monaco, the event quickly became a global showcase for participating watch brands. Only Watch is an opportunity for both major Houses and independent young brands to present unique pieces demonstrating the full extent of manufacturing expertise.

Each edition comes with its share of prestigious watches, sold for record-breaking sums. In 2019, a Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime wristwatch Ref. 6300A was notably acquired for 31.2 million Swiss francs (35.2 million dollars). Specifically created for Only Watch, it remains to this day the most expensive watch ever sold at auction.