Only Watch is a charity fundraiser supporting research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This year the event will open its doors on September 28th and be hosted by the Principality of Monaco. Thirty-three prominent brands have excelled themselves to produce some extraordinary watches to mark the occasion. Here are some of the exquisite creations that have caught my eye.
Cyrus Kambys Model
Swiss based Luxury watch brand Cyrus was established by cousins Julien and Laurent Lecamp. The company specializes in producing a range of high quality watches including the sublime Kambys Model. Essentially this is the first timepiece in the new range, which will be donated to this worthy cause. The contrast of red and steel elements on the dial is stunning. I love the minimalistic styling that is integral to the success of the design. Award winning Swiss watchmaker Jean-François Mojon has devised a highly complicated movement comprising 290 components and 50 rubies. This amazing timepiece also delivers a staggering seven-day power reserve.
Armin Strom One Week Skeleton Water
Master watchmaker Armin Strom originally opened his first shop in 1967 in the location of Burgdorf, Switzerland. Initially he was involved in retail and the restoration of antique watches. This amazing atelier specializes in the art of skeletonizing, which is clearly showcased on the beautiful One Week Skeleton Water. The elegant dial exudes charm and delicately exposes the mechanical splendor of the watch. With modest dimensions of 43.40mm x 13mm the timepiece should appeal to a wide variety of buyers. Underneath the classical exterior lays the Calibre ARM09. This refined manual winding movement comprises 34 jewels and 146 hand crafted components.
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Seconde Mysterieuse
Over the last thirty-eight years Maurice Lacroix has gained a reputation in the industry as a producer of high quality timepieces. Presently the company manufactures a staggering total of 90,000 watches a year. The Masterpiece Seconde Mysterieuse was recently unveiled at Baselworld 2013. This unique version has a black dial, which gives the watch a whole new dynamic. The three dimensional skeletonized façade is bold and distinctive. Aesthetically all elements of the sophisticated design work perfectly. The timepiece is also equipped with an impressive 48 Jewel self winding movement that oscillates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz).
Corum Ti-Bridge 3-Day Power Reserve
Innovative luxury watch brand Corum was founded in 1955 by the entrepreneurial Rene Bannwart and his Uncle Gatson Ries. Presently the company’s headquarters are located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The Ti-Bridge 3-Day Power Reserve is a customized version of the highly successful model of the same name. On the face of the watch is an exquisite engraving Asclepius and his snake-entwined staff. The dial also features gold indexes and open worked hour/minute hands. These design elements give the timepiece a visually striking and highly original appearance. The case of this superb watch is constructed from lightweight titanium and measures a formidable 52.30mm x 42.50mm x 13.23mm.
DeWitt Twenty-8-Eight High Jewellery Skeleton Tourbillon
The dynamic Jérôme de Witt founded high-end watch brand DeWitt in 2003. Within the short timescale of ten years they have produced some absolutely wonderful timepieces. The Twenty-8-Eight High Jewellery Skeleton Tourbillon is the company’s lavish donation to the ‘Only Watch’ auction. This stylish watch is encased in luxurious white gold with 36 baguette-cut and 104 brilliant-cut diamonds. The skeleton dial is mesmerizing and showcases the stunning tourbillon via a large aperture positioned at 6 o’clock. Mechanically the watch is furnished with the high specification Calibre DW8028s. This bespoke movement comprises 19 jewels and 185 handcrafted components.
