For a just cause

Per una giusta causa

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty Prince Albert II of Monaco and in collaboration with some of the most prestigious names in Haute Horlogerie, the 2007 edition of the auction will take place in a few days, on 20 September at the Monaco Yacht Show. Only Watch which we have already covered extensively in issue 160 of THE CLOCK.

Thirty-five contemporary wristwatches will be up for auction, divided between specially created one-offs, prototypes and special limited edition firsts, the proceeds of which will be donated to charity for research against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disease that affects children around the age of three. We therefore hope that the proceeds will come close to or even better surpass the €1,900,000 raised in 2005, thanks to which it was possible to raise awareness of the disease and provide support for the necessary therapies.

For all discerning collectors, this will also be an opportunity to come into possession of unique timepieces, both for their high quality and for the originality adopted in the creation of the watches themselves. This is exemplified by the reproduction of Prince Albert II of Monaco's fingerprint in diamonds on the dial of a luxury Piaget, or the exclusive Richard Mille, one of our favourites, created in collaboration with the well-known designer Philippe Stark. Characterising this example is the bracelet totally integrated into the case, closely reminiscent of the 'bangle' models of the 1970s, made of titanium and lined internally with rubber for greater comfort. Note the almost cube-shaped push-buttons and the cylindrical crown, quite unusual for a Richard Mille watch. The split-seconds and flyback chronograph movement is made up of the basic Vaucher-made 005-S calibre (with a double barrel and rotor with an inertia adjustment system based on the wearer's physical activity) and chronograph plate with Dubois Depraz annual calendar.

Pictured, in addition to the two watches, is Prince Albert of Monaco as, in the presence of Piaget CEO Philippe Metzger (on his right), he leaves on a sheet of paper the fingerprint that was later reproduced on the watch face.

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