THE CONVERSATION: CAUSE CELEBRE
World of Watches|Autumn 2021
WOW Singapore and Thailand editors voice their thoughts on the long-running biennial charity watch auction programme known as Only Watch
ASHOK SOMAN AND RUCKDEE CHOTJINDA
THE CONVERSATION: CAUSE CELEBRE

Fine watchmaking marketing usually includes some cheerful message about rarity and exclusivity. The tagline ‘one of not many,’ comes to mind, but this is certainly not the only one. Only Watch takes that narrative and ups the ante, with brands offering unique pieces, hence the name of the auction. Of course, brands have been making one-of-a-kind pieces since the very beginning so this is not that special, in and of itself. Only Watch though is a story, with each watch in that story a unique character. In very real ways, it is a tragic tale, but it might yet have a happy ending sometime in the future.

The amazing watches to have graced Only Watch over its 16-year history should not distract from their singular purpose: striving towards a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The disease, which primarily affects boys, causes muscle atrophy from the age of four. It is currently incurable. Most who suffer from DMD are unable to walk by age 12, effectively paralized from the neck down by 21; life expectancy is estimated to be between 25-26. Luc Pettavino started Only Watch as a way to help those diagnosed with DMD, like his own son.

This story is from the Autumn 2021 edition of World of Watches.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Autumn 2021 edition of World of Watches.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WORLD OF WATCHESView All
BRAND ELEVATION
World of Watches

BRAND ELEVATION

On the sidelines of Geneva Watch Days, Bulgari CEO JeanChristophe Babin talks about the challenges of having one brand identity across all categories, and tells us what he really thinks of watch fairs.

time-read
7 mins  |
Spring 2024
EVEN MORE HANDS
World of Watches

EVEN MORE HANDS

For the third year in a row, the collective WOW team shares the watches we ponied up for. As always, we include a couple of fantasy pieces and more than a few fails.

time-read
2 mins  |
Spring 2024
CONCEPTS AND CONSEQUENCES
World of Watches

CONCEPTS AND CONSEQUENCES

What is the legacy of concept watches? What happens when the show is over and it is time to actually manufacture them? How do these ticking research labs translate into actual, wearable timepieces...if they ever do?

time-read
8 mins  |
Spring 2024
THE QUESTION OF SUCCESSION
World of Watches

THE QUESTION OF SUCCESSION

In the watchmaking industry, a company’s longevity is oftentimes measured not in decades but in centuries. What then happens to a brand beyond its founders? We speak to three CEOs to answer this question.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Spring 2024
LEAPS AND BOUNDS
World of Watches

LEAPS AND BOUNDS

The quest to add one day to a month every four years may seem like a mundane task in the digital age, but achieving this mechanically is anything but.

time-read
7 mins  |
Spring 2024
FLIP SIDE
World of Watches

FLIP SIDE

Omega celebrates the first human flight orbit the moon with a new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon.

time-read
2 mins  |
Spring 2024
SNAPPING BACK
World of Watches

SNAPPING BACK

A powerful showcase for a one-of-a-kind constant force mechanism, the Girard Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement is now available for everyone.

time-read
2 mins  |
Spring 2024
GO FOR GOLD
World of Watches

GO FOR GOLD

Forty-five years after Piaget released its allgold Polo 79 luxury sports watch to critical acclaim, the maison revisits this iconic collection with a new ultra-thin movement.

time-read
2 mins  |
Spring 2024
CLEAR WINNER
World of Watches

CLEAR WINNER

Hublot's fourth collaboration with Takashi Murakami puts the artist's joyful flower motif at the centre of a bold new case design.

time-read
2 mins  |
Spring 2024
HISTORICAL TRIBUTE
World of Watches

HISTORICAL TRIBUTE

Parmigiani Fleurier launches a new version of their Tonda PF Hijri Perpetual Calendar with a vivid green dial.

time-read
2 mins  |
Spring 2024