A great initiative by no less than 29 of the most famous watchmakers, who have made available prototypes and rare examples to be auctioned off for charity "I can't wait to beat cancer: Watchmaking for AIRC", in support of research against this terrible disease. This is the second edition of this event: the first one, held in November 2007, raised over 240,000 euros, which were entirely destined to the three-year "Brain Gain" programme, conceived by AIRC to train a new generation of researchers to be entrusted with an autonomous project. Once again this year, the proceeds of the auction will be allocated to this programme, a priority in AIRC's strategy.
It will be Osvaldo Patrizzi of the Patrizzi & Co. Auctioneers the 32-watch beater between the audience in the auditorium and those connected online. Through the www.patrizziauction.com it will be possible to send interactive bids and participate in the auction from anywhere in the world. Lots will be on sale without reserve or auction fees.
The auction will be held on Thursday, 26 November, at 5pm in the Sala Montanelli in via Solferino 26, Milan and is open to all.
These are the houses that have joined the initiative: Audemars Piguet - Baume & Mercier - Breil Milano - Chaumet - Chopard - Chronoswiss - Dior Watches - Fortis - Giuliano Mazzuoli - Girard-Perregaux - Glashütte Original - Gucci - Hermès - Jaeger-.LeCoultre - JeanRichard - Linde Werdelin - Locman - Maranello - Mikimoto - Montblanc - Omega - Parmigiani Fleurier - Paul Picot - Porsche Design - Rado - Terra Cielo Mare - Vacheron Constantin - Victorinox - Zenith.
Here are some of the donated specimens:
A pocket watch by Audemars Piguet. A unique piece with a pink gold case, made in 2000 to celebrate the company's 125th anniversary.
A wristwatch by Chopard. A prototype made this year, with a unique white gold case, dial and engravings, certified by the Fleurier Quality Foundation (FQF), which guarantees the quality of the finished watch according to Haute Horlogerie criteria.
A wristwatch by Parmigiani Fleurier. A prototype of the Pershing 005, the chronograph with a steel case and automatic movement, made in 2008 on the occasion of the partnership with the Pershing shipyards.
A wristwatch by Terra Cielo Mare. A unique piece from 2009 with a gold case: the first ever to be made by the company in a precious metal.
