Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile

Following on from the ONLY WATCH 2009 auction held in Monaco yesterday evening, during which the one-off model from Vacheron Constantin went for the sum of 50,000 Euros, and with a view to providing a more lasting financial contribution to the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy, Vacheron Constantin has decided to launch a special series of 100 numbered watches dedicated to this cause and which will enable the watch company to donate the additional sum of 100,000 Swiss francs

Deeply touched by the charismatic approach of Luc Pettavino and loyal to its historical tradition of generosity, Vacheron Constantin quite naturally sought to pave the way for a more lasting means of funding for the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy, in addition to the Only Watch auction that takes place every two years.

The Geneva-based manufacturer has therefore decided to launch an exceptional series of 100 Quai de l’Ile watches with a case made in tantalum and in palladium; equipped with the mechanical self-winding 2460 movement bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva; numbered and engraved on the back; and specifically dedicated to this noble cause. Stemming directly from the development of the one-of-a-kind model created for the auction, they will soon be available from the 100 Vacheron Constantin points of sale around the globe that already offer the exclusive Quai de l’Ile collection.

This initiative will enable Vacheron Constantin to make a donation of 100,000 Swiss francs directly to the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy (corresponding to 1,000 CHF per watch sold). It also provides a concrete means, above and beyond the proceeds from the sale of the one-off model donated by Vacheron Constantin to ONLY WATCH 2009, of supporting this worthy cause and the scientists who are daily working to find treatment for children affected by this still incurable disease.

Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO of Vacheron Constantin, commented: “Driven by a desire to transcend the gift we had made to the auction, we simply asked ourselves how we could open up a new and more lasting channel of funding on behalf of the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy over which Luc Pettavino presides in such a charismatic manner. We have therefore decided to launch the development and production of a special series of 100 numbered watches dedicated to the association, the sale of which will enable us to make a further direct contribution of 100,000 Swiss francs. We sincerely hope this initiative will pave the way for other ideas of a similar nature.”

Technical specifications

Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile
Special series of 100 watches dedicated to the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy
Numbered and engraved case-back
Date self-winding
Ref: 86050/000M-9343

CASE
Material: Tantalum (for the sides, bezel and crown) and 950 Palladium
Diameter and height: 41.00 x 50.50 mm,12.90 mm
Strap width: 23.00 mm
Shape and construction: cambered rectangle, modular construction
Back: transparent, sapphire crystal, screwed-down
Finishing: satin-brushed
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating on under side, convex
Strap fastening: pivot screws; titanium tube spin-bar
Water resistance: 3 Bar, equivalent to a depth of 30 meters

DIAL AND HANDS
Dial material: sapphire crystal
Finishing: ° sapphire crystal: galvanic growth of nickel, metallization, laser engraving and inking
Hours: 3,6,9 and 12: galvanic growth of nickel, rhodium layer
1,2,4,5,7,8,10 and 11: engraving and black or white engraving
Material and type of hands: hours and minutes: satin-brushed 18K white gold with white luminescent material
Seconds: satin-brushed pfinodal

MOVEMENT
2460H410QH, stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva
Rhodium-coloured / Rhodium snail-shaped exterior ring
Energy: mechanical, self-winding
Diameter and height: 25.60 mm , 5.70 mm
Number of jewels: 27
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations / hour (4Hz)
Power reserve: approximately 43 hours
Indications: hours, minutes and central seconds
Additional functions: date disc featuring optimal readability

OTHER ELEMENTS
Strap: black hand-stitched, saddle-finish, square-scaled, high-shiny alligator leather
Second strap: black vulcanised rubber
Clasp: palladium, triple-blade folding clasp, polished half Maltese cross.

CABESTAN Winch Tourbillon Vertical signed by Sébastien Loeb

Geneva, 24 September 2009 – Participating for the first time at Only Watch 09, the ultra exclusive luxury watch brand, Cabestan, recorded an outstanding performance at the charity auction this evening in Monaco, under the patronage of S.A.S Prince Albert II of Monaco.

The unique Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical raised 220’000 Euros (333’000 CHF) for the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy after a highly competitive round of bidding from an impressively large number of international watch collectors. This one-of-a-kind Cabestan signed by Sébastien Loeb achieved the 3rd highest price of all watches sold at the auction.

The third edition of this famous charity event welcomed 35 unique timepieces from the world’s most well-known watchmakers. Among them, an exclusive model of the Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical, entirely conceived by creator Jean-François Ruchonnet.

Signed by five time world champion rallye driver Sébastien Loeb, with whom Jean-François Ruchonnet shares his passion for automobile racing, this exceptional timepiece earned the admiration of all the collectors and enthusiasts assembled at Only Watch 09. This enthusiasm echoed that of admirers throughout the tour preceeding the event at showings in Shangai, Geneva, London, New York and Milan. Over 250 bidders attended the auction this evening. All proceeds of the sale will be donated to research to fund the combat against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

“I am deeply touched by the enthusiasm that surrounded the Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical among the bidders at Only Watch 09. And I am very happy that it sold for a record price that will all go to reinforce the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,“ declared Jean-François Ruchonnet.

In total, Only Watch 09 raised 2.3 million Euros.

You can find more information about Cabestan and the Only Watch 09 special edition Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical here »

Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical Only Watch Special edition

Geneva, September 15th, 2009 – The exclusive luxury watch brand, Cabestan, supports the charity auction “Only Watch 09“under the patronage of S.A.S Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Longtime considered the “Bad Boy“ of the luxury watch industry in Switzerland, Jean-François Ruchonnet, Creator of the Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical, places charitable contributions at the heart of his endeavours. Cabestan will be present at Only Watch 09 on the 24th of September in Monaco. A unique timepiece signed by five-time world champion rallye driver Sébastien Loeb will be sold to benefit research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The support given by Sébastien Loeb alongside Cabestan comes in a context of the friendship between the world famous driver and the creator of Cabestan. Passionate about race cars, Jean-François Ruchonnet has for many years been involved in the world of automobile racing, driving on some of Europe’s most famous circuits and participating in the Radical European Masters. In 2011, Jean-François Ruchonnet hopes to participate in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“The future of luxury watchmaking can be found in its past. Historically, watches were created, crafted and assembled by a dedicated team of highly skilled watchmakers. It was a time when the craftsmanship involved in watchmaking was synonymous with high quality and closeness to the client. Cabestan has adopted these same values, those of luxury watchmaking responding to the desires of a highly demanding clientele. There is no doubt that this unique timepiece will seduce the most discerning collectors present at Only Watch 09“, commented Jean-François Ruchonnet.

Actively involved in charitable actions for children, Jean-François Ruchonnet’s partner at Cabestan, Timothy Bovard, has been a supporter of l’Association Petits Princes, an organisation that since 1987 has helped seriously ill children to realise their dreams in order to give them the strength to confront their illnesses. Working with Petits Princes for the last 10 years and member of the Board of Directors, Timothy Bovard has helped the association through his involvement, donations and the support of CPI, Europe’s leading book manufacturer, of which he was the founder and former president.

Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical Only Watch Special edition

Technical Specifications

Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds read from two engraved rotary drums
Power reserve indicator on rotating drums (72 hours, with an average amplitude of the balance of 240 degrees)

Movement
Mechanical with vertical tourbillon and fusee with chain
1352 components
Manually wound calibre CAB EC 101 with Swiss lever escapement
Frequency: 21 600 alt/h or 3 HZ
Breguet-style overcoil; Geneva stud
Balance amplitude: 240°
Rewinding and time setting with a auto-disengaging torque winch
Stainless steel chain 230 mm long made of 450 links and 150 rivets assembled by hand
Vertical gear system with golden brass wheels, rhodium-plated bottom-plate and bridges, and steel pinions
Fully hand finished components: beveling, polishing, drawing, graining and hooping

Case
Bicolor: Brushed, natural titanium case and black PVD sides
Case composed of 7 elements welded under vacuum in a controlled atmosphere
Two functional capstans (total number of components: 50)
Two ornamental capstans (total number of components: 20)
Back of the case can be engraved according to the client’s wishes
Two thermoformed. metalized Pyrex crystals hand-fitted for each case
Sides in black PVD featuring a grille like that for ventilation on race car

Engraved back
Cabestan logo with inscription « Pièce Unique »
The back of the watch features the signature of five time world champion rallye driver Sébastien Loeb and an engraving of the legendary Formula 1 circuit in Monaco

Strap & Buckle
Double buckle, which accommodates the winch crank
High quality grey crocodile leather with dark grey stitching. Handmade edges folded back and sown.

Accessories
Special tool for winding and setting the time is stored in the box
Miniature winch for winding and setting the time is hidden in the buckle

Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical Only Watch Special edition

ABOUT CABESTAN

A veritable object of fine mechanical art, the Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical, from the moment of its creation, is heralded as a masterpiece of ingenuity, combining elegance, innovation and a decidedly strong character. Its creator, Jean-François Ruchonnet, is quickly joined by Eric Coudray, master watchmaker known by collectors around the world. Together, they complete the development of this revolutionary movement.

Pushing the limits of watch complications to the extreme, the Cabestan is a vertically oriented movement with no less than 1350 components. A tremendous feat that only the combined expertise of Jean-François Ruchonnet and Eric Coudray could achieve: the integration of a vertical tourbillon, the development of a constant force movement using a miniature chain and “fuse” that makes it one of the most precise watches in the world, and the extraordinary design with vertical wheels and bridges, and twin thermoformed glasses.

In order to clear the technological hurdles encountered, Jean-François Ruchonnet, since the beginning of the project, saw the need to have his own manufacture. Situated in L’Orient, in the Vallée de Joux, Cabestan’s manufacture boasts a team of six highly qualified watchmakers and is one of the rare firms to be recruiting new staff in this period of financial uncertainty.

Today, the Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical can be proud of the fact that it has seduced watch professionals internationally and that it has given collectors of exclusive watches around the world a reason to dream. More and more collectors are discovering and acquiring this timepiece that breaks with the traditional constraints of watchmaking design. Completely authentic, the Cabestan by Jean-François Ruchonnet is a masterpiece of mechanical timekeeping, entirely made by hand and corresponding to the very special demands of discerning collectors and owners of exceptional watches looking for timepieces with the highest levels of quality, performance and design.

The future of the brand is already charted and well underway: a Cabestan chronograph with an ingenious system of micro-hydraulics that controls two tourbillons, vertical naturally, and a writing instrument incorporating the same hydraulic technology developed by Jean-François Ruchonnet.

Corum Ti-Bridge

CORUM shows its strong commitment to saving children’s dreams and hopes by offering a Ti-Bridge unique timepiece, featuring an Antoine de St-Exupéry quote, to the ONLY WATCH auction held under the patronage of HRH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

CORUM has created a unique version of the Ti-Bridge watch for ONLY WATCH. This timepiece houses a new and exclusive caliber designed, developed and assembled in-house. The CO 007 movement is clearly inspired by the legendary Golden Bridge caliber, while giving a whole new twist to the original concept. Whereas the shape is immediately recognizable, the dimensions, the components and the technical characteristics are all completely different and testify to the resolutely contemporary spirit of the CO 007.

With a movement and case in titanium, the Ti-Bridge gives pride of place to a material known for its lightness but also for being difficult to craft. The bridges and plates of the Caliber CO 007 are cut from this ultra-modern material and black PVD-coated. The meticulous finishing on all movements is typified by the upper bridge engraved with the “CORUM” brand name. The bridges are satin-finished, while the generously sized barrel features are snail finished. Equipped with a balance oscillating at a speed of 4 Hz, Caliber CO 007 is endowed with a 72-hour power reserve. The curved and tonneau-shaped case is made from grade 5 titanium – the only kind that can be polish-finished – and measures 42.5 mm by 41.5 mm. Topped on the upper part by a large convex sapphire crystal, the case has a satin-finished case-back enhanced by a central rectangular sapphire window revealing the movement. On the case-back CORUM has engraved a famous quote from Antoine de St-Exupéry taken from the book “LE PETIT PRINCE” that says: « Les enfants seuls savent ce qu’ils cherchent » (“Only children know what they are looking for”).

The movement is secured inside the case by a set of two titanium “cross bars” that are black PVD-coated.

Screwed to the flange, which is itself integrated within the case, they contribute to consolidating the whole construction and to enhance the aesthetic quality of this model. On the case-side there are black rubber inserts which bring a matt and smooth looking rubber finish to the timepiece. The Ti-Bridge is teamed with a black crocodile strap with raspberry pink hand stitching to tie in with the aesthetic codes of ONLY WATCH. The Ti-Bridge ONLY WATCH is delivered with a second strap made of rubber, both equipped with a titaniumcapped triple folding clasp.

Corum Ti-Bridge Movement

A truly precious and exclusive model made especially for ONLY WATCH and engraved ONLY WATCH 2009 – PIECE UNIQUE.

Antonio Calce, CORUM CEO said «The ONLY WATCH project is a great opportunity given to prestigious watchmakers to create unique pieces beyond the limits, and this is a project that really counts for CORUM and for me. Children are our future; they develop and deliver our dreams. Better than adults, they instinctively follow their dreams as they don’t have any limitations. Every child has the right to believe their dreams will become reality; that is why we really want to support the research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. And to follow CORUM credo, I would say: Where there is passion, great achievement is within reach.”

Corum Workshop - Photo: Eveline Perroud

Frédérique Constant at the “ONLY WATCH 09” Charity Auction

Geneva – July 2009
It is with great honor and pleasure that we announce the participation of Swiss Watch Manufacturer Frédérique Constant in the “ONLY WATCH 09” Charity Auction, held in Monte-Carlo on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Watch aficionados and representatives of the world’s most prestigious watch manufacturers gather to witness the third edition of this exceptional auction. All participating brands contributed to raise funds for research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a serious genetic disease that affects one out of 3500 boys born, by donating a unique wristwatch for the event. This Charity Auction afforded to raise € 1,9 M in 2005 and € 2,7 M in 2007.

The 2009 Frédérique Constant’s contributing lot will be as unique and engaged as this Charity Auction: The Heart Beat Trilogy, for the first time assembled in a common luxurious jewel box, which includes a choice of different bracelet. This very feminine Heart Beat Trilogy intended for a very special woman, designed by women for women.

Each of the three watches in the Heart Beat Trilogy is special:
- A unique Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic Pavée, the most luxurious and sparkling ladies timepiece within our Heart Beat collection.
- A unique Double Heart Beat Chocolate Pavée, joined to the “International Children’s Heart Foundation”.
- And a unique Love Heart Beat, linked to “Paint a Smile” Foundation.

Before the Auction planned in Monaco on September 24th, the Heart Beat Trilogy will do a worldwide

Tour in different famous places, well-known from the watch lovers:

Preview exhibitions
Shanghai (Park Hyatt): 29 – 31 July
Geneva (Patrizzi & Co): 27 – 29 August
London (Asprey): 3 – 5 September
New York (Tourneau): 10 – 12 September
Milan (Pisa Orologeria): 17 – 18 September
Monaco Yacht Show: 23 – 24 September

Auction
Monaco (Yacht show) 24 September at 18.00

The HUBLOT ALL BLACK BIKE

Hublot and BMC are pleased to offer a preview of the new bike about to join the “All Black” range. The watchmaker’s partnership with bike manufacturer has resulted in the creation of an exceptional racing bike made from light, high-performance materials and which, like Hublot watches, represents a true feat of design and technology.

The watchmaking company is now putting its name to a diverse range of products, while ensuring its partnerships remain relevant and consistent. Having already designed a very limited edition of skis (111 pairs) with Swiss manufacturer Zai, it has used the same ideology that governs the production of its watches to develop a limited edition of 30 racing bikes: lightness, quality and rarity… The distinctive “All Black” bike is made from innovative materials created using state of the art technology. A flair for design and material assembly, careful finishing and a desire for top performance are values about which both Hublot and BMC are passionate. The result is an exceptionally light, rigid bike, on which each component is designed and adapted in order to create a coherent whole, and which allows the optimal transfer of energy. The pedal bearings contain ceramic material to reduce friction and the frame is made from carbon fibre for strength and rigidity.

This is a highly exclusive edition, with the first bike due to be race-tested at the “World Stars Cycling Criterium” in Monaco on 3 July, on the eve of the Tour de France. This will be a chance for the head of Hublot to personally measure up against legendary cyclists like Eddy Merckx, Tony Rominger, Richard Virenque, Laurent Jalabert and even Pedro Delgado, all of whom will be participating in this charity race organised by Star Team for the Children under the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Andy Rihs, owner of BMC, is thrilled with this model produced in partnership with Hublot as, in addition to its elite sporting genetic code, Hublot has added a welcome touch of glamour! Likewise, Jean-Claude Biver, for whom sport represents a core value, is delighted to have worked with the Swiss company, whose reputation for sporting expertise is widely established.

Technical details:

Frame BMC SLT01, carbon fibre and aluminium
Forks 48 SL carbon
Wheels DT Carbon RRC Aero
Saddle SLR Kit carbon
Groupset Campagnolo SuperRecord 11-speed
Pedals Speedplay Nanogram Titanium
Overall weight 6.9 kg

FRANC VILA FV EVOS 8Ch “Cobra” Chronographe Grand Dateur Automatique

Special Unique Piece for Only Watch

Geneva, 2009, 17th June – FRANC VILA presented today its unique piece for Only Watch: a very special timepiece which is the first fully black FRANC VILA watch in the “Cobra” collection.

The FRANC VILA “Cobra” collection introduced the first evolution of the characteristic “esprit unique” watchcase. The new case is dedicated to aficionados of extreme sports. Built to withstand 300 meters deep, the “Cobra” timepieces are specially conceived for hard and intense water activities. The carbon fiber inserts ensure the protection of the watch for the most exigent sports.

FV EVOS 8Ch COBRA is both extremely sporty and impeccably elegant in the everyday life. Its automatic mechanical movement boasts chronograph functions and a “big date” with a double-window calendar clearly displaying the date, a useful indication, easily readable, that people like to use.

For Only Watch Vila wanted to go one stage further and taking the basis of his Cobra design he based his model on the colors black and red, which are the colors of Only Watch Logo. He wanted to get a real black watch with a touch of red which confered an elegant style within a sportly design case. The red color is used for numbers and hands with of course the special double-side leather bracelet red with black stiches.

Franc Vila FV Evos 8Ch "Cobra" - back side

Technical Specifications

Case
Bezel and carrure in Black DieHard Extreme Steel. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Chronographe start/stop pusher at 2’. Chronograph reset pusher at 4’. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant to 300 meters.

Movement
High Grade Mechanical Self-Winding hand finished complicated movement Caliber FV8Ch. FRANC VILA Exclusive “Gold Concept Rotor”. Power reserve of 42 hours.

Functions
Hours, minutes and seconds. Chronograph. Big date.

Dial
Carbon fiber and guilloché. “Big date” indication in central windows. Chronograph subsidiary dials at 6’ (minutes) and at 9’ (hours). Chronograph seconds indication displayed by central hand. Seconds indication at 3’.

Strap
Black Rubber Strap with Black DieHard Extreme Steel. Double side crocodile leather strap with red stitching also included.

Special piece unique for Only Watch.

FRANC VILA SUPPORT ONLY WATCH 09

Franc Vila supports the research into Muscular Dystrophy by creating a special time piece for ONLY WATCH 09.

Under the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, Franc Vila is one of 34 of the most prestigious high watchmaking brands which has donated unique timepieces to the Association Monégasque contre le Myopathie, to be sold at auction by Patrizzi & Co, in Monaco, on September 24, 2009. All the proceeds of the sale will go to support research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Franc Vila’s participation in Only Watch 09 is simply due to the fact that he loves children. The future according to Franc belongs to our children and « we therefore have to do our best to help them. Since Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy affects only boys, as a father of two boys, I am deeply concerned about this disease, I could easily have been a victim of this disease as could one of my sons. So participation is the least I can do to help the research. »

For Only Watch, Franc Vila wanted to go one step further. Based on his Cobra design, he used the colors black and red, which are the colors of the Only Watch Logo. He wanted to get a really black watch with a touch of red which conferred an elegant style within a sporty design case. The red color is used for numbers and hands with of course the special double-sided black crocodile leather strap with red stitching.

For more information and photos, you may go on the following links :
http://www.patrizziauction.com/only_watch/franc-vila.html
http://www.francvila.com/pr/onlywatch