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July 17, 2013updated Aug 27, 2013

Only Watch 2013: Chopard

By Chris Boyle

Chopard resizedThis September 28, Monaco will play host to the fifth edition of the ‘Only Watch’ charity watch auction benefiting research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Recognized as the world’s first ever charity watch auction, Only Watch is conducted by the watch auctioneers, Antiquorum.

33 of the world’s leading watch manufactures are donating a unique timepiece specially created for the occasion, one of which will feature on Elite’s website every day leading up to this not-to-be-missed auction.

The proceeds from the sales will be donated to the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy, promoter of Only Watch with Antiquorum Auctioneers and the Monaco Yacht Show, to help finance research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative neuromuscular disease affecting 1 in 3,500 boys and therefore 250,000 children, adolescents, and young adults around the world.

From September 6, an international exhibit of the Only Watch collection of timepieces for men and women will also travel the world – Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, New York – and will be concluded by a presentation during the Monaco Yacht Show (September 25 to 28).

The Only Watch auction itself takes place on September 28 at 11am (GMT+1) in the ‘Salle Belle Epoque’ of the Hôtel Hermitage.

ONLY WATCH 2013 SPOTLIGHT: CHopard

The L.U.C Tourbillon Watch by Chopard

The one-of-a-kind platinum tourbillon features an exclusive hand-engraved dial and movement and is equipped with the nine day power-reserve L.U.C Calibre 02.17-L.

Case: Its generously sized 43mm diameter platinum case offers contrasting polished and satin-brushed surface finishes and its transparent case back provides ample views of the hand-crafted movement. 

Dial: The silver-toned and white dial has been hand-decorated and its central motif represents the coat-of-arms of the Principality of Monaco, surrounded by DNA chromosomes.  In addition to the personalised gold-toned “Dauphine” style hands, the hours are displayed as Roman numerals – 1960s inspired delicate golden appliques – framed by a black transferred railtrack graduation.

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Movement: The 18-carat gold bridges of L.U.C Calibre 02.17-L are entirely decorated using the so-called fleurisanne engraving technique, an artistic craft which – from the late 18th century onwards – forged the success of its native village of Fleurier and contributed to spreading its reputation as far as afield as China.

Now all but extinct, fleurisanne engraving is distinguished by its raised motifs, since the engraver’s work consists not in sculpting by hollowing, but instead in sparing the motif and removing the material surrounding it in order to make it stand out.

The motif representing DNA chromosomes serves as a reminder of the reason behind this charity auction: to support research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative neuromuscular disease. Equipped with a tourbillon carriage – a clever device designed to enhance the precision of the movement by releasing its escapement from the detrimental influence of gravity – the calibre earned the certification awarded by the Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and corresponding to the highest standards of timing precision. It displays the essentials: hours, minutes, small seconds and a power-reserve indicator at 12 o’clock.

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