"Only Watch" Auction 2011
Once again representatives of the watch prestigious Swiss watchmaking manufacturers, partners and donators came together in Geneva on 29 November 2010 for the launch of the fourth edition of the bi-annual “Only Watch” event. This is the biggest charity watch auction in the world and the launch was held in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
The auction which is hoped will raise €2.5m will take place on 22 September 2011 during the Monaco Yacht Show in the Principality of Monaco.
Informa has been involved with this worthy cause since its inception and promotes it and supports it during the Monaco Yacht Show.
Luc Pettavino, President of the AMM and initiator of “Only Watch”, warmly welcomed and thanked H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco for his presence and exceptional support of the project. “Your presence is stimulating because all of us are eager to see these unique pieces, a result of your know-how, your creativity and your striving for excellence,” said Mr Pettavino.
“Your presence is moving because even if this disease does not affect you directly, your generosity and good-heartedness will help to save lives. In 2009-2010 over 3 million euros were donated to 15 scientific partners and their teams including 90 researchers and clinicians in 5 countries (United States, France, Italy, United Kingdom and Switzerland). It is rare to be able to contribute so effectively to exploring and developing new therapeutic treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.”
Luis Garcia, Research Director at the CNRS, was also on hand at the event to explain the reasons behind the acceleration of clinical developments in Duchenne muscular dystrophy over the past two years, especially with the beginning of phase 3 clinical tests on Exon skipping. He commented, “for all these research paths, synergy of the different scientific approaches, co-ordination between the various teams, and collaborative efforts and partnerships have all been decisive. Therefore, in the name of all the researchers and clinicians, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the high-end watchmaking industry for its extraordinary collaboration on this fantastic scientific and human project.” Through monies raised every two years, the charity provides €1m worth of research funding per year.
Julien Schaerer, CEO of Antiquorum Geneva, the auction house that is co-organising the event, then presented the main highlights of “Only Watch 2011”. He cited the world tour of the collection, with stops in Asia, the United States, and Europe, the auction catalogue and iPhone and iPad applications and the creation of a dedicated website.