These Are The Incredibly Rare Watches Headed To Christie’s Watches Live Auction In Geneva

In a heartwarming collaboration, ELA International (European Leukodystrophy Association) will benefit from a collection of rare and exceptional watches generously donated by eleven prestigious watch brands. The collection will be featured at Christie’s Rare Watches Live Auction in Geneva on November 11, 2024, with all proceeds directed towards supporting research into leukodystrophies and aiding affected families.

The auction features one-of-a-kind timepieces from Andersen Genève x BCHH, ArtyA, Atelier Haute Complication, Bovet, Girard-Perregaux, Konstantin Chaykin, Louis Erard, Montblanc, Richard Mille, Swatch, and Ulysse Nardin. Each watch is offered without a reserve price, and each comes with a tamper-proof passport from Watch Certificate™, ensuring long-term authenticity and traceability for their new owners.

The funds raised will further ELA International’s mission of advancing research, raising awareness, and fostering international cooperation to combat leukodystrophies. François-Henri Pinault, a longtime supporter of ELA, expressed his heartfelt commitment: “The association does remarkable work, both with patients and researchers. This charity sale represents new hope for parents who fight every day. I am deeply grateful to the Christie’s teams and the watch manufacturers for their invaluable support.”

Omega x Swatch Bioceramic MoonSwatch, Mission to Neptune, Moonshine Gold

The millionth MoonSwatch features a Moonshine™ Gold-coated seconds hand and a commemorative stand. Estimate: CHF 500–1,000.

Atelier Haute Complication The Architecture Mécanique No. 1 

A dual time watch with a day/night indicator and intricate hand-finishing, inspired by avant-garde design. Estimate: CHF 10,000–20,000.

Konstantin Chaykin Seneca

A philosophical tribute to Seneca, with a moonphase and date complication featuring a Latin phrase that unfolds over a month. Estimate: CHF 15,000–25,000.

Bovet Récital 12 

Featuring a vibrant yellow sun on a black lacquered dial and Bovet’s first-ever bracelet watch, made entirely of titanium. Estimate: CHF 20,000–40,000.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Eternity

An iconic Laureato model with a purple Grand Feu enamel dial and in-house movement. Estimate: CHF 20,000–30,000.

Louis Erard Noirmont Marqueterie

Showcasing miniature marquetry with over 70 pieces of natural wood in a mesmerizing geometric design. Estimate: CHF 4,000–8,000.

Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph 43mm

 A sleek black DLC-coated case with a dial featuring an 1800s horse race illustration. Estimate: CHF 15,000–25,000.

Richard Mille RM65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph Dark Yellow Quartz TPT®

An intricate automatic masterpiece limited to 120 pieces, marking a significant milestone for the brand. Estimate: CHF 350,000–450,000.

Ulysse Nardin Freak X ELA

A Freak X model with pink highlights, celebrating ELA’s signature color and featuring the groundbreaking design elements that define the Freak collection. Estimate: CHF 20,000–40,000.

Andersen Genève x BCHH Celestial Voyager 

This world-time wristwatch features a unique cloisonné enamel world map dial and “ELA” at 12 o’clock, representing the sun at noon. Estimate: CHF 40,000–60,000.

ArtyA Butterfly Damascus Micro-Rotor 

 A Damascus steel case with a butterfly wing dial and a newly developed micro-rotor movement offering an 80-hour power reserve. Estimate: CHF 15,000–25,000.

Guy Alba, President of ELA International, emphasized the event’s significance: “Our only goal is to combine the talent of watchmakers, the passion of collectors, and the hope generated by medical research to save the lives of children.” Christie’s Head of Watches, Remi Guillemin, echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in supporting ELA through this exceptional initiative.

The pieces will be displayed at Christie’s New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Geneva before the auction. As this extraordinary event unfolds, the collaboration between watch brands Christie’s and ELA aims to unite the horological community in a powerful act of generosity and hope.