For the second consecutive year, a charity auction will be held on Sunday, 1 September, jointly organised by Geneva Watch Days and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo. The event will take place in the main pavilion at the Rotonde du Mont-Blanc and will begin at 5:00 PM.
Under the hammer of Aurel Bacs, however, no watches will be auctioned off, but rather unique objects or experiences donated either by the brands or the various partners of Geneva Watch Days. Whether it's a ball and jersey signed by a famous NBA player, a unique hand-carved and hand-polished pendant, miniature F1 helmets, a limited edition Fender Stratocaster guitar or VIP tickets for a French football championship match, the bids will be high and will also heat up the tempers in the pavilion.
The profits generated will go to the Pierre Amstutz Fund, which commemorates the former director of the Geneva School of Watchmaking. This non-profit organization aims to support apprentices in precarious situations at the school so that they can complete their training under good conditions. The fund also promotes the professions of micromechanics and watchmaking, helps to strengthen cohesion between the apprentices and the school's teaching staff, and builds relationships between alumni and apprentices during their professional training. The watch industry is thus demonstrating its solidarity and and readiness to take action to preserve talent and expertise.
"The labor market in our industry is tight today: Finding a good watchmaker is sometimes a challenge. We felt it was important to make a concrete effort to ensure that this profession continues to exist and is enriched," says Antoine Pin, President of the Geneva Watch Days Association. "Phillips, in Association with Bacs & Russo, is delighted and honored to organise this auction on a voluntary basis for the second year in a row."
This joint initiative illustrates the dedication of the watch community to the art of watchmaking. We look forward to joining the generosity of the participating brands and Geneva Watch Days partners in supporting the Geneva Watchmaking School. Aspiring watchmakers can thus embark on their first journey to excellence," says Aurel Bacs, auctioneer of the event.
In 2023, CHF 110,000 was raised and fully paid into the fund. The ambition this year is of course to surpass this! To join the collective effort, all you have to do is register.
A few of the highlight lots include:
Beauregard
Entirely designed and crafted in Beauregard's Montreal atelier, this necklace is sculpted and polished by hand out of a block of gem-quality White Moon Stone. Set in fair mined Canadian Gold and adorned with an ethical Canadian Diamonds from the DIAVIK mines, this little Polar Bear from the Great White North is a true ambassador for Beauregard.
Behrens
This sculpture was created by renowned Chinese sculptor Mr. Xia Hang and Behrens, with the autographs of artist Mr. Xia Hang and Behrens brand founder Mr. Lin Bingqiang. The operation of complex machinery requires strict logic and countless calculations, so the watch is never a cold metal object, it is infused with the passion and efforts of engineers.
Bianchet
Bianchet presents an exclusive opportunity to experience the thrill of Formula E, courtesy of its partner Maserati MSG Racing in Monte Carlo. This package includes: a visit to the Maserati MSG Racing headquarters in Monaco, where you’ll meet the team’s management, interact with the drivers and engineers, and test-drive the cutting-edge Maserati Formula E racing simulator. This is the very simulator used daily by the official Maserati team drivers to enhance their performance throughout the year. An in-depth look at Formula E’s advanced technology and environmental goals, showcasing how this all-electric racing series aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy. A memorable dinner in Monaco with the Maserati MSG Racing team, providing a perfect conclusion to your exclusive Formula E experience.
Breitling
A signed Milwaukee Bucks jersey from NBA star and Breitling all-star squad member Giannis Antetokounmpo, and an "AntetokounBros" basketball also signed by Giannis.
Bulgari
Crafted by Fender’s esteemed Custom Shop in Corona, California, this made to order marvel celebrates the 70th anniversary of the legendary Stratocaster in 1954, in collaboration with Bvlgari by artfully embracing the inventive yet nostalgic design approach of both brands. From the quintessential mid-‘50s Wide-Fade Chocolate 2-Color Sunburst lacquer finish, to the quartersawn maple neck and flat-laminated rosewood fingerboard, this guitar highlights some of the most sought-after and notable “Golden Era” Strat® features. The uniquely shaped 1-ply parchment pickguard in aluminium provide a more modern-facing design—mirroring the essence of Bvlgari’s Aluminium watch, evoking a sense of refreshing aesthetics, with a timeless look and feel. Precision-engineered for the connoisseur of sound and style, this Stratocaster is where bespoke craftsmanship meets bold sophistication.
Czapek & Cie.
A full-day driving experience at the landmark Mugello circuit in Italy with Jacopo Mazza, a professional racing pilot, driving instructor, friend of the brand, and partner of Czapek & Cie. The experience includes a theoretical introduction by Luca Riccitelli, the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans winner in the GT3 category! One introduction run as co-pilot with the instructor and then a total of four runs in the driver’s seat at the helm of a Ligier racing car. Between the runs, there will be a video analysis, and at the end of an exciting day, a diploma and the onboard video will be delivered to the happy winner of this auction lot. A member of the Czapek senior management team will be present and will join the guest for dinner the night before the driving experience and for lunch during the break. Accommodation for one night included.
Daniel Roth
A unique 24-hour experience for you and the person of your choice to experience the revival of DANIEL ROTH and the making of our watches, with unlimited access. Join the DANIEL ROTH team at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in Meyrin, Switzerland, for an immersive experience in the revival of the Brand, and discover each step behind the making of a Tourbillon. You will be exposed to the movement conception led by Master Watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, to the design studio of Artistic Director Matthieu Hegi, and to the watchmaking ateliers.You will be involved in exclusive “workshops”, in which you will experience first-hand the uncompromising craftsmanship required for each DANIEL ROTH watch. This experience includes a dinner and an overnight stay for 2x at La Reserve Geneva the day prior.
De Bethune
An exquisite reproduction of the DB1 sketch rendered in grey pencil by Hungarian artist, Fehér Tamás, measuring 50x70cm, with shipping included. This lot also grants a day for three at the Manufacture De Bethune and the Institute de la Mécanique d’Art. Your day of exploration culminates with an exclusive lunch with Denis Flageollet, the visionary founder and master watchmaker of De Bethune, and Pierre Jacques, the esteemed CEO, at a location that remains a well-kept secret.
Edox
As a tribute to its close relationship with motorsports, EDOX offers a VIP Day for two people at the Rallye International du Valais on Friday, October 25, 2024, which includes a helicopter ride to two different special stages (morning in Hérémence, afternoon in Anzère), a welcome reception, breakfast, drinks and lunch at Ô Bois Sauvage in Hérémence.
H. Moser & Cie.
These two miniature helmets, meticulously crafted, highly collectable, will surely enhance any collection. They are not merely decorative pieces; they embody a unique blend of artistry and sportsmanship. Each helmet is a precise replica of the actual helmets worn by renowned Formula 1 drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon during the exclusive 2024 season. With these designs being extremely limited, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of racing history.
HYT
HYT offers a unique coffret of absinthes from the Val-de-Travers, reflecting our passion for the fluids present both in our watches and in these exceptional absinthes. The set includes Absinthe 1918: a true “Green Fairy” (72% vol.), Absinthe 2108 (53% vol.), Liqueur absinthe (35% vol.), and Absinthe Bloody Fairy (51% vol.). Like our timepieces, these elixirs embody sophistication and exclusivity.
Konstantin Chaykin
The abstract painting represents the goddess of time, Tempa, through minimalist symbols. The top features a semicircular moon phase element, symbolizing the cyclical nature of time. The center has two clock-like circles, denoting time measurement and monitoring. A small “2” symbolizes the present moment’s importance. The fan-shaped element at the bottom with numbers 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 can be interpreted as the duration of day or night. Yellow-golden tones in the background symbolize light and life, highlighting a positive view of time. Elements resembling a face add depth, embodying Tempa’s divine aspect and connection with time’s flow. The painting invites reflection on time’s nature and role in our lives.
MB&F
If you grew up and went to school in Switzerland, chances are you sharpened your first pencils with the legendary “Sharpening Machine” by Caran d’Ache. Since 1933, the Swiss company has been manufacturing this high-precision mechanical sharpener, whose perfectly functional design remains practically unchanged to this day. Its quality and durability have appealed to generations of pencil lovers. Together with product designer Maximilian Maertens, MB&F founder and creative director Maximilian Büsser could not resist reinterpreting the emblematic sharpener, bringing it to life in the form of an imaginary dinosaur: “DinoSharpener”. DinoSharpener will be released later this year as a 300-piece Limited Edition reserved exclusively for The Tribe, the MB&F owners club. However, for the Geneva Watch Days charity auction, MB&F is donating the first prototype of the series – effectively the only piece available to the public, outside of The Tribe. Further, the prototype is unique thanks to its colour, since the prototype is constructed from a sharpener which was part of a special "Collector’s Edition 1933" in Forest Green.
Oris
Oris will invite you and your plus one to enter a Ligue 1 Mc Donald stadium in a premium way. You will discover the most important locations to organize a football game with a unique behind the scenes tour. The best choice: You will pick your preferred game at the calendar of the French Football League. This experience includes two VIP tickets.
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo invites you to tag along with fine wine experts and discover the world’s most sought-after wine region. During this immersive custom-made 2-days / 1-night experience, you will uncover the secrets of Burgundy’s exceptional terroirs, learn about its long winemaking history, and taste some of the best crus this celebrated region has to offer. We’ll check-in on the afternoon of day 1, visit and taste at a 1275 partner property in the Côte de Nuits, before joining a “Journey through Burgundy” tasting dinner. Following a relaxing night at a 5* hotel, we’ll guide you through a historical visit of the Hospices de Beaune, followed by a private visit and tasting in the Côte de Beaune. We’ll round off this enriching escapade with a farewell lunch.
About Phillips In Association With Bacs & Russo
The team of specialists at PHILLIPS Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 million.
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