Only Watch 2021 went ahead at Christies over the weekend and some of the watches they sold went for way more than their asking price.
The Only Watch auction is a biennial auction of one-off luxury watches in which the proceeds are donated to charity. According to their website, 99% of the money goes directly to research projects and only 1% goes towards organisation costs.
This year, the auction raised CHF 30,000,000 (approx. $44,294,000 AUD).
Let’s take a look at the watches that sold way above their estimated price.
These are in alphabetical order.
Akrivia - Chronomètre Contemporain II
Estimated price: CHF 70,000 – 100,000
Actual price: CHF 800,000
This was the very first Chronomètre Contemporain II. It’s a watch that aims to preserve the style of the original model while adding something new. Namely, an entirely new calibre and additional complication.
Audemars Piguet - Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Only Watch
Estimated price: CHF 160,000 – 320,000
Actual price: CHF 3,100,000
This is the last unique ref. 15202 and the last unique piece powered by the Calibre 2121. This movement is the thinnest automatic movement that contains a central rotor and date indication of its time.
Bovet 1822 - Miss Audrey Sweet Fairy Only Watch
Estimated price: CHF 45,000 – 70,000
Actual price: CHF 180,000
This watch combines traditional miniature painting with a pure sugar dial. This is a new material and technique.
Breguet - Breguet Type XX Only Watch 2021
Estimated price: CHF 35,000 – 50,000
Actual price: CHF 250,000
This is a faithful re-edition of Breguet’s own renowned pilot’s watch that pays tribute to the civilian model that came out in the 50s and 60s.
Bulgari - Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar Tantalum
Estimated price: CHF 80,000 – 120,000
Actual price: CHF 220,000
A one-of-a-kind execution based on a world record, in Tantalum, an extremely rare metal.
Chanel - J12 Paradoxe Only 2
Estimated Price (for both): CHF 30,000 – 40,000
Actual price: CHF 280,000
A pair of watches built on the premise of a technical challenge. This challenge was to cut, without breaking, two highly resistant ceramic cases of differing colours and combining them to make one case.
Czapek - Antarctique Rattrapante “Sunrise”
Estimated price: CHF 60,000 – 90,000
Actual price: CHF 240,000
This is the first time this model’s mechanism is visible on the dial. It combines Only Watch 2021 colours and Czapek’s ‘Courage every second’ signature.
De Bethune X Voutilainen - Kind of Magic for Only Watch 2021
Estimated price: CHF 200,000 – 250,000
Actual price: CHF 1,300,000
A beautiful collaboration from two great independent watchmakers, Denis Flageollet and Kari Voutilainen.
F.P.Journe - FFC Blue
Estimated price: CHF 300,000 – 400,000
Actual price: CHF 4,500,000
The idea from this watch came from Francis Ford Coppola, director of The Godfather. We covered this watch if you want the details.
H. Moser & Cie. - Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Only Watch
Estimated price: CHF 60,000 – 80,000
Actual price: CHF 750,000
This watch features Vantablack, the supposed darkest man-made substance in existence.
Krayon - Anywhere
Estimated price: CHF 95,000 – 120,000
Actual price: CHF 320,000
This watch features a prototype movement and a unique dial made especially for Only Watch.
Patek Philippe Complicated Desk Clock 27001M-001
Estimated price: CHF 400,000 – 500,000
Actual price: CHF 9,500,000
This desk clock was inspired by a desk clock that was delivered to James Ward Packard in 1923. The original model is currently in the Patek Philippe Museum.
Richard Mille - RM 67-02 Charles Leclerc Prototype
Estimated price: CHF 270,000 – 330,000
Actual price: CHF 2,100,000
This watch was created with the desire to create a watch for F1 driver, Charles Leclerc, that was like a second skin. Like a kind of symbiosis.
Tudor - Black Bay GMT One
Estimated price: CHF 4,000 – 8,000
Actual price: CHF 650,000
This was created as a one-off for Only Watch. It comes with an aged case, bracelet, and movement.
Zenith x Felipe Pantone - Defy Double Tourbillon Felipe Pantone - Unique Piece for Only Watch
Estimated price: CHF 180,000 – 220,000
Actual price: CHF 480,000
The openworked dial is inspired by the Defy 21 Felipe Pantone that was released earlier this year. Both watches feature the ‘Rainbow’ PVD coated bridges that give it its unique look.
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