As we reported yesterday, Phillips, in collaboration with Bacs & Russo, will host a charity auction during the Geneva Watch Days on Sunday, September 1, 2024. The event, taking place at the Rotonde du Mont-Blanc, aims to support Geneva’s local watchmaking school by auctioning off fifteen unique objects and experiences donated by renowned watch brands and partners. The auction, set to begin at 5:00 PM, will be led by Aurel Bacs.
This marks the second consecutive year that the auction will be held, with all proceeds going to the Pierre Amstutz Fund, which honors the former director of the Geneva School of Watchmaking. The fund is dedicated to supporting watchmaking apprentices in precarious situations, ensuring they can complete their training under favorable conditions. It also aims to strengthen the bond between apprentices and teaching staff, while fostering relationships between alumni and current students.
Antoine Pin, President of the Geneva Watch Days Association, emphasized the importance of preserving the watchmaking profession, stating, “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.“
Auction Highlights
The auction features a diverse range of items:
Beauregard: A hand-crafted necklace carved from a single block of gem-quality White Moonstone. Set in fair-mined Canadian gold and adorned with ethical Canadian diamonds from the DIAVIK mines, the polar bear-shaped piece reflects the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and ethical sourcing.
Behrens: A unique sculpture created in collaboration with Chinese sculptor Mr. Xia Hang. The piece bears autographs of Mr. Xia Hang and Behrens founder Mr. Lin Bingqiang.
Bianchet: An Formula E experience with Maserati MSG Racing in Monte Carlo, including a visit to the team’s headquarters, interaction with drivers and engineers, and a test drive in the Maserati Formula E racing simulator.
Breitling: A signed Milwaukee Bucks jersey and basketball, both autographed by NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Bulgari: A limited-edition Stratocaster guitar created in collaboration with Fender’s Custom Shop, celebrating the instrument’s 70th anniversary.
Czapek & Cie.: A full-day driving experience at Italy’s Mugello circuit with professional racing pilot Jacopo Mazza, including runs in a Ligier racing car and a theoretical introduction by 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Luca Riccitelli.
Daniel Roth: A 24-hour experience with the Daniel Roth watchmaking team, offering access to La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in Meyrin, Switzerland.
De Bethune: A 50x70cm reproduction of the DB1 sketch by Hungarian artist Fehér Tamás, accompanied by a day at the De Bethune Manufacture and the Institute de la Mécanique d’Art, including lunch with founder Denis Flageollet and CEO Pierre Jacques.
Edox: A VIP day at the Rallye International du Valais, featuring a helicopter ride to two special stages.
H. Moser & Cie.: Two miniature helmets, replicas of those worn by Formula 1 drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon during the 2024 season.
HYT: A set of absinthes from the Val-de-Travers, reflecting HYT’s interest in liquids.
Konstantin Chaykin: An abstract painting representing the goddess of time, Tempa.
MB&F: The “DinoSharpener” by Caran d’Ache, reinterpreted by MB&F. This mechanical pencil sharpener is the first prototype of a limited series.
Oris: A VIP experience at a Ligue 1 McDonald’s stadium, offering behind-the-scenes access to a football game.
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo: A 2-day wine-tasting experience in Burgundy, including tastings at premier properties and a stay at a 5-star hotel.
Charitable Focus
The auction’s proceeds will support the Pierre Amstutz Fund, which aids watchmaking apprentices at the Geneva School of Watchmaking. The fund ensures students in precarious situations can complete their training and fosters connections between apprentices, alumni, and teaching staff.
In 2023, the event raised CHF 110,000. Organizers aim to exceed this amount in 2024.
Interested participants can register in advance to participate in the bidding. The auction not only showcases the watchmaking community’s generosity but also emphasizes its commitment to nurturing future talent and preserving the art of watchmaking.
For more information, visit Philips.com and GVA-Watch-Days.com.
