On the 6th of November 2021, Only Watch will host their 9th event where 54 brands will unveil unique timepieces just for this charity event. All proceeds from the event will go towards funding research in to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is a severe type of muscular dystrophy that primarily effects boys starting at the age of 4 and currently there is no cure. However, due to ongoing research they have reached the promising stage of its first clinical trial set to happen in 2022. Only Watch started in 2005, and so far, has raised more than 70 million Euros and has brought forth some of the most unique and incredible timepieces, and this year is no different. This list has in my opinion some of the most unique timepieces that are being presented in Only Watch 2021.
ArtyA Son of Sound Guitar John Mc Laughlin Unique Edition
This is a 1/1 watch that is fully handcrafted in collaboration with John McLaughlin a legendary guitarist. Blandenier which is a Geneva-based workshop spent 110 hours hand painting that dial in the colours of the mythical album of John McLaughlin. The guitar shape of the case is made out 316L DLC blackened steel and 18k gold. The 4 pushers inspired by guitar tuning pegs are used to operate the chronograph movement of the watch. The dial also has 6 gold strings and f holes and it comes paired with a black crocodile strap. The estimated price on this watch is between CHF 35,000 to 50,000.
F.P.Journe x Francis Ford Coppola FFC Blue
Immediately looking at the watch you can see a blue hand in the centre of the dial, while most would assume it is just a design the hand actually will read the time. Not by moving across the dial but by the fingers it extends out. By reading the number of fingers pointed as well as its position you will be able to read the hour and the minute is read by the rotating disk at the 12 o’clock position. This hand and fingers were inspired by the mechanical hand created by Ambroise Paré also known as the father of modern surgery. This watch is powered by the Automatic FFC Octa Calibre 1300.3 made out of 18k rose gold. The estimated price on this watch is between CHF 300,000 to 500,000.
Patek Philippe Ref. 27001M Complicated Desk Clock
While you definitely will not be able to wear this, it is still an incredible timepiece which was inspired by the desk clock delivered to James Ward Packard in 1923, where now the original is preserved in the Patek Philippe Museum. This clock is powered by the 86-135 PEND IRM Q SE movement, and features a perpetual calendar, moon phase, week-number display and power reserve indicator. It is housed in a sterling silver cabinet with vermeil decorative elements and American walnut inlays. The estimated price on this clock is between CHF 400,000 to 500,000.
MB&F HM10 Panda Only Watch
MB&F transformed its HM10 Bulldog into a panda, while there is no official picture of the watch it is still incredibly unique compared to the other timepieces. The case is made out of titanium and the top section will be coated in a black and white lacquer simulating the colours of a panda. The panda bear also features flexible legs which wrap firmly around the wrist and the teeth of the panda are constantly munching on bamboo shoots and the teeth indicate the power reserve. While it will definitely be some time before the actual watch will be unveiled for people to see, it is definitely one of the more unique timepieces on Only Watch 2021. The estimated price on this clock is between CHF 100,000 to 150,000.
Ulysse Nardin UFO
I still do not know how to explain what this is, whether it is a desk clock or ornament I just do not know. For the sake of it keeping it simple I am just going to refer it as a timepiece. Ulysse Nardin do say it is a desk clock and it was released in April 2021, but it was in metallic blue where they produced 75 pieces and it completely sold out. This timepiece is made out metallic orange and features a manually wound movement that has 3 time zones, hours, minutes and deadbeat seconds. There is a total of 675 components and features a 1 year power reserve which is incredible in itself. The estimated price on this clock is between CHF 60,000 to 80,000.
Besides being for a great cause, it is great knowing that all these manufacturers and brands came together to not only support but also bring forth unique timepieces. As mentioned earlier nearly all of the proceeds of this event will go into funding research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The rest of all the timepieces that have been unveiled can be seen by the official Only Watch website or you can click here to view the full 2021 collection.
The Watchlist 