Only Watch 2023: The Highlights

The biennial charity auction returns for its 10th edition this November.

- LYNETTE KOH

Since its launch in 2005, the biennial charity auction Only Watch has raised nearly 100 million Swiss francs (S$154 million) for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It was started by Luc Pettavino following the diagnosis of the condition in his son, who sadly passed away in 2016.

Featuring unique timepieces created by top fine-watchmaking names, many hammering for way above their estimates, Only Watch has become one of the most anticipated events on the horology calendar. This year, 62 creations — including 16 collaborations — have been made for the event by 73 watchmakers and brands. They will be auctioned by Christie’s in Geneva and online on November 5. Here are our picks of the most interesting pieces.

01 BULGARI: OCTO FINISSIMO TOURBILLON MARBLE

Used in the interiors of its great cathedrals and sculptures such as Michelangelo’s David, marble is a quintessential part of Italian art and culture. As a house that is famously proud of its Roman roots, Bulgari has long made marble a part of its design language: As early as 1934, stone was introduced in its revamped Via dei Condotti flagship boutique. In 2012, marble was used in Bulgari’s B.zero1 jewellery collection.

Now, the brand uses the sculptural material on its most sculptural of timepieces — the Octo Finissimo, a modern icon that has bagged eight world records for thinness over eight years. Comprising 110 facets, the 40mm case and bracelet of the ultra-slim watch have been covered with a thin layer of marble. And not just any marble, mind you, but Verde Alpi, a green marble that comes from the Aosta Valley, which connects Switzerland and Italy.