The Best Watches of 2019 go on auction in November 2019
Every two years, Only Watch organizes the world’s most high-profile watch auction dedicated to a noble cause – finding a solution to muscular dystrophy, which affects children around the world. Here’s a look at some of the finest
By Ishan Raghava
Every two years, Only Watch organizes the world’s most high-profile watch auction dedicated to a noble cause – finding a solution to muscular dystrophy, which affects children around the world. Here’s a look at some of the finest pieces from this year’s collection, which go on auction in November 2019.
1. TOM T-REX
A unique timepiece constructed in collaboration by MB&F and L’Epée, this particular edition varies from the T-Rex collection with the addition of a child, named Tom, sitting on top of the T-Rex. With the stunning Murano glass ‘Eyeball’ functioning as the dial, the time is visible via two curved hands driven from the center of the movement. Crafted with a combination of palladium-plated brass, bronze, stainless steel and Murano glass, the movement offers a minimum time reserve of 8 days.
2. VOUTILAINEN TP1 OW2019
Yet another stunning timepiece from the Finnish watchmaker, the TP1 stands out for its TV screen style case. The design of the watch exudes classic lines and patterns, including different guilloche finishes on the dial. The design tends reflect classic watchmaking traditions of longevity and precision. This piece is also significant, as this is the first collaboration between Kari Voutilainen and his 20-year old daughter Venla.
3. F.P. JOURNE ASTRONOMIC BLUE
FP Journe has been an ardent supporter of Only Watch, and in the last edition, their split seconds chronograph was one of the most expensive watches ever sold by an independent watchmaker. This year’s piece too is very complicated, featuring 18 functions and complications in a 44mm case, finished in rare tantalum. Featuring dials on both the front and rear ends, don’t be surprised if this year’s offering too ends up setting a new auction record.
4. PATEK PHILIPPE GRANDMASTER CHIME
This exclusive Patek Philippe has the unique distinction of being the only Grandmaster Chime ever made in stainless steel. As a Grand Complication, the Grandmaster Chime features 20 complications, as well as two dials finished in rose gold and black ebony, along with a patented reversing mechanism. Among the complications are no fewer than five chiming functions, as well as day and date on both dials.
5. ZENITH EL PRIMERO A386 REVIVAL
2019 marks a major point in history for the El Primero, for it was exactly 50 years ago, in 1969, that the first El Primero made its debut. To celebrate this achievement and contribute to Only Watch, Zenith has produced a white gold version of the El Primero, which comes with certain exclusives, like a turquoise sub-dial in honour of the theme colour of this year’s Only Watch, and a customised presentation box, plus lifetime warranty (including service) in honour of the 50th anniversary of the El Primero.
6. FERDINAND BERTHOUD FB 1 - NIGHT STAR
This one-of-a-kind model uses a play of colours to create a unique timepiece. The ‘Night Star’ hands and numerals are equipped with white luminescent material that contrasts very well with the dark tones of the case and dial, giving it the gleam of the stars in the night sky. In the past, sailors relied on stars and their position for navigation, and the FB 1 line of timepieces hark back to that lineage.
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