Full Results Of The 2021 Only Watch Charity Watch Auction
A sense of unity and purpose evident throughout the latest edition of the biennial Only Watch auction, which took place on November 6, 2021, yielded a number of interesting results for the 53 participating watches. Here are those results listed in order of their generous bids.
Bulgari Octo Roma Central Tourbillon Papillon: The Butterfly Gets An Upgrade
Daniel Roth lives on in Bulgari in the Octo Roma Central Tourbillon Papillon, an incredible watch showcasing the results of creative combinations in both business and design. Joshua Munchow takes a closer look.
Behind The Lens: The Ultra-Rare Patek Philippe Reference 5070J-013 – Reprise
As most folks who follow Patek Philippe are aware, the brand has long been in the habit of making unique watches for special customers, including in recent times entertainment luminaries such as Eric Clapton and Michael Ovitz. It was not until 2015, however, that Patek Philippe publicly issued a number of small editions of previously discontinued references, each in previously unmade metal/dial combinations. This Patek Philippe Reference 5070J-013 is one of those ultra-rare birds. And GaryG wonders if it might bring yellow gold back into fashion single-handedly, as for him the combination of the yellow gold case and sunburst-brushed brown dial is as gorgeous as it is unexpected.
Monterey I & II: The (Almost) Forgotten First Watches Of Louis Vuitton
Many think that Louis Vuitton’s first watch was the Tambour, which was launched in 2002. However the brand actually began with a watch collection called Monterey in the 1980s. The Monterey I, an unusual worldtime watch designed by Gae Aulenti with date and moon phase, was soon followed by the ceramic-encased Monterey II that added an alarm function.
Reflecting On Ten Years Of The Sensational De Bethune DB28
It’s been ten years since the De Bethune DB28 won the Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Effectively the “Best Picture” at the “Oscars” of watchmaking, this recognition placed De Bethune among the elite company of Aiguille d’Or winners such as F.P. Journe, Greubel Forsey, Breguet, Audemars Piguet, A. Lange & Söhne, and Patek Philippe. A decade removed from its Hollywood ending, the DB28 remains a grail watch in every sense.
Why I Bought It: Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 1 – Reprise
Seems it wasn’t that long ago that GaryG wrote his first “Objects of Desire” article about the watches of Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, finishing with the sentiment that given the prices of their watches that he was unlikely to be able to buy any of the ones he truly lusted after anytime soon. Gary’s observation at the time was “go big or go home.” As you will see, he ended up going big and is now the proud owner of a Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 1.
Antoine Preziuso’s Stella Polare Tourbillon Muonionalusta Fell From The Cosmos – Reprise
Despite all its scholarly technology, Elizabeth Doerr finds Antoine Preziuso’s Stella Polare Tourbillon Muonionalusta to be far more wearable for slimmer wrists than some of his other creations. Not only that, this watch is the culmination of the independent watchmaker’s journey to capture a shooting star.
Montegrappa Harry Potter Hogwarts Limited Edition: Revisiting Magic
Montegrappa is revisiting Harry Potter in a new limited edition pen aptly named Harry Potter: Hogwarts L.E. Nancy Olson reports on the collection comprising a fountain pen and a rollerball, each honoring the world’s most famous fictional school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Complete List And Photos Of All The Winners At The 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG): The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar Wins The Aiguille d’Or
The 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève was full of surprises. Check out the complete list of laureates here and let us know what you think about the night’s winners and losers.
Livestream 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG): Follow Watchmaking’s Biggest Night Here
The 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm Central European Time on Thursday the 12th of November. Follow the big night on Quill & Pad and let us know your thoughts on the winners (and losers) in the comments.