One of the most highly anticipated auctions of the year will be an offshoot of Christie’s Rare Watches Live Auction, that is the biennial Watches for ELA charity auction.
Happening on Nov 9 in Geneva, proceeds benefitting the European Leukodystrophy Association (ELA) International will go towards funding medical research into leukodystrophies (rare genetic diseases affecting the central nervous system).
The auction will feature unique, one-of-a-kind timepieces donated by about 20 watchmaking houses and independent brands such as Alpina, ArtyA, Boucheron, Bovet, Girard-Perregaux, Konstantin Chaykin, Louis Erard, Montblanc, Richard Mille, and Tissot.
Footballer Zinédine Zidane is also showing his support by auctioning his first personal watch, a Cartier Pasha model.
Maurice Lacroix in pink
Maurice Lacroix is taking part in Watches for ELA for the first time and has created a unique edition − the Maurice Lacroix 1975 Master Grand Date Retrograde − combining refined Swiss watchmaking with distinctive design.
Its 42mm stainless steel case features a blend of brushed and polished surfaces, complemented by a black alligator-style leather strap with contrasting pink stitching.
The sapphire dial reveals the intricate mechanics beneath, while two signature complications define the display: an oversized date window at 12 o’clock and a retrograde day indicator at 6 o’clock.
For this special edition, pink accents bring a vibrant touch to the minute track and retrograde hand.
Powering the watch is the Manufacture automatic calibre ML302, the 26th Masterpiece calibre developed by Maurice Lacroix.
Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement showcases rhodium-plated finishing, perlage decoration, spiral-decorated bridges and a skeletonised oscillating weight adorned with vertical Geneva stripes.
The ELA logo, printed in pink on the caseback, provides a subtle reminder of the watch’s purpose.
Balancing mechanical complexity with contemporary styling, this one-of-a-kind creation highlights Maurice Lacroix’s expertise in sophisticated displays and in-house movement development.
Kerbedanz in miniature art
Thanks to the gracious support of Christie’s Geneva, Kerbedanz has unveiled a unique interpretation of its 65’27” collection; the Kerbedanz 65’27” Tree of Life is a unique timepiece that brings together independent Swiss haute horlogerie, contemporary micromechanics and the art of miniature painting.
Crafted in Grade 5 titanium, its 38mm case houses the extra-thin automatic KRB10 calibre, showcasing the maison’s distinctive approach to mechanical innovation and artistic expression.
At the heart of its unconventional display, a rotating hour disc and a
minute hand move independently across the dial.
Every 65 minutes and 27 seconds, they align perfectly with a diamond hour marker, creating a fleeting moment of mechanical harmony.
This distinctive complication transforms timekeeping into an experience of anticipation and precision.
The titanium hour disc features a lightweight honeycomb architecture, balancing exceptional thinness with structural rigidity.
Hand-painted by artist Gezim Meta, the disc becomes a miniature canvas, introducing intricate artistry to the watch’s constantly evolving display.
Through the sapphire caseback, the titanium systemic oscillating mass reveals a hand-painted Tree
of Life rendered in shades of blue.
Symbolising resilience, continuity and transmission, the artwork brings emotional depth to the watch’s technical construction.
Its honeycomb architecture also optimises weight distribution and winding efficiency.
The creation required approximately 66 hours of painting and firing across the two components, reflecting the patience and precision behind each miniature composition.
