The TimeForArt 2024 Auction, hosted by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, will take place on December 7-8, 2024, in New York. This prestigious event not only brings together the finest in contemporary watchmaking but also serves a higher purpose—supporting the Swiss Institute and its efforts in fostering creativity and innovation in the contemporary art world. The auction showcases a remarkable array of one-of-a-kind timepieces, each the result of a collaboration between leading watchmakers and celebrated artists, with proceeds going directly to support contemporary art.
“TimeForArt is truly where art and horology meet,” said Alexandre Ghotbi, Head of Watches for Continental Europe & the Middle East at Phillips. “The creativity and craftsmanship represented in these unique pieces embody the highest expressions of both these worlds. It’s a real testament to how far the boundaries of watchmaking can be pushed when blended with the innovative spirit of contemporary art.“
Further underscoring the impact of the auction, Ghotbi emphasized, “Every watch offered in this auction is more than just a timepiece; it’s a canvas, a work of art in itself. And the funds raised will go towards ensuring that the world’s most talented artists can continue to create and innovate.“
A Aurel Bacs, Phillips’ International Head of Watches, expressed his excitement for the event: “TimeForArt exemplifies how contemporary art and fine watchmaking can come together to create something truly extraordinary. We are thrilled to bring these exceptional creations to auction while also contributing to the ongoing support of the arts.“
Phillips’ Senior Consultant for Watches, Paul Boutros, echoed these sentiments: “We are incredibly proud to be part of this initiative that supports contemporary art in such a meaningful way. TimeForArt is a unique platform that allows us to bring together the worlds of horology and art in a manner that not only excites collectors but also serves a greater good.“
TimeForArt 2024 features contributions from some of the most respected names in watchmaking, including Carl F. Bucherer, Zenith, Perrelet, Speake Marin, and many more. Each brand has collaborated with an artist to create an exclusive, one-of-a-kind watch that seamlessly blends artistic vision with mechanical innovation.
“These are not just watches,” said Ghotbi. “They are statements of creativity and technical excellence, designed to inspire, challenge, and provoke thought, while also supporting the next generation of artistic talent.“”
Let’s delve into the remarkable watches that will be featured in the TimeForArt 2024 Auction, each showcasing the best of both worlds—high horology and contemporary artistic expression.
Anoma – A1 TimeForArt 2024
- Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 39mm diameter, 9.45mm thick
- Caliber: Sellita SW100
- Estimated Price: $1,500 – $3,000
The Anoma A1 TimeForArt 2024 brings a daring, experimental approach to watchmaking. Inspired by the rounded triangular forms of Charlotte Perriand’s mid-century furniture designs, the A1 features a sculptural case with bold, sweeping lines that offer a striking balance between softness and sharpness. The dial is an engraved optical art pattern, with slightly offset triangles creating a three-dimensional illusion that plays with light. Without a brand signature or indices, the intricate design takes center stage, offering a true piece of wearable art.
Armin Strom – Mirrored Force Resonance Lapislazuli
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 43mm diameter, 11.55mm thick
- Caliber: Armin Strom Manufacture Caliber ARF21
- Estimated Price: $50,000 – $100,000
Armin Strom’s Mirrored Force Resonance Lapislazuli is a tribute to the Swiss artist Franz Gertsch and his iconic “Blue Phase.” The lapis lazuli dial, made from the same semi-precious stone used in Gertsch’s artwork, reflects the deep, vivid blue tones of his paintings. The patented resonance mechanism allows two balance wheels to synchronize naturally, ensuring unparalleled chronometric precision. With exquisite hand-finishing, including frosted and circular-grained surfaces, this piece is a blend of art, science, and horological mastery.
Baltic – Prismic TimeForArt Edition
- Material: Stainless Steel 316L & Titanium Grade 5
- Dimensions: 36mm diameter
- Caliber: ETA Peseux 7001
- Estimated Price: $800 – $1,600
Baltic’s Prismic TimeForArt Edition merges traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, utilizing artificial intelligence to generate a unique dial inspired by natural waveforms. The AI-generated design was precision-milled to create a three-dimensional effect that changes with the light. The watch celebrates the intersection of human creativity and machine learning, and its manual winding ETA Peseux 7001 movement adds a touch of horological purity.
Biver – Echoes of this Moment
- Material: TBD
- Estimated Price: $60,000 – $120,000
Though the full details remain to be revealed, the Biver Echoes of this Moment promises to reflect the legendary watchmaker’s unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design. This piece is expected to exemplify the brand’s philosophy of creating enduring, meaningful timepieces that transcend trends.
Breitling – Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary TimeForArt Edition
- Material: 18k Red Gold
- Dimensions: 43mm diameter, 15.62mm thick
- Caliber: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B19
- Estimated Price: $60,000 – $120,000
Breitling’s 140th-anniversary celebration culminates in this Navitimer B19 Chronograph Perpetual Calendar, a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for TimeForArt. Encased in 18k red gold, this piece features Breitling’s first-ever perpetual calendar chronograph movement, the Caliber B19. The striking green dial contrasts with black subdials, maintaining the iconic Navitimer design, complete with the famous slide rule bezel. A solid-gold rotor engraved with the Montbrillant Manufactory, where Breitling was headquartered for over 80 years, underscores its historical significance.
Bulgari – Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch TimeForArt Edition
- Material: 18k Rose Gold
- Dimensions: 43mm diameter, 8.75mm thick
- Caliber: BVL 318
- Estimated Price: $40,000 – $80,000
Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch Edition features an innovative design that blends art and horology. The 18k rose gold case houses a sketch-like dial that appears as if the viewer is looking at the back of the watch through an open caseback. Its ultra-slim 3.3mm automatic movement includes chronograph and GMT complications, pushing the boundaries of thinness while showcasing Bulgari’s mastery of both design and engineering.
Carl F. Bucherer – Heritage Worldtimer Limited Edition for Hodinkee
- Material: 18K Rose Gold
- Dimensions: 39mm diameter, 10.25mm thick
- Caliber: CFB A2020
- Estimated Price: $10,000 – $20,000
This unique piece, created by Carl F. Bucherer in collaboration with Hodinkee, takes inspiration from the golden age of jet travel, featuring a second time zone and a COSC-certified chronometer movement. The watch’s 18k rose gold case is complemented by a Saffiano leather strap, and its world time complication is a nod to Bucherer’s history in watchmaking. The piece is powered by the manufacture caliber CFB A2020 with peripheral rotor technology, ensuring a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
Chanel – Boy•Friend
- Material: Steel with black coating and 18k White Gold Dial
- Dimensions: 37mm x 28.6mm x 8.4mm
- Caliber: Manual-winding
- Estimated Price: $70,000 – $140,000
The Chanel Boy•Friend for TimeForArt features a vibrant Pop Art-inspired dial crafted in “Grand Feu” enamel, a delicate technique requiring multiple firings at high temperatures. The 18k white gold dial is adorned with bold colors in homage to Gabrielle Chanel’s iconic accessories, including pearl earrings and long necklaces. The black-coated steel case is set with 38 baguette-cut diamonds, adding a dazzling finish to this unique, art-inspired piece.
Chopard – Alpine Eagle 41 XP TimeForArt Edition
- Material: Lucent Steel™
- Dimensions: 41mm diameter
- Caliber: L.U.C 96.17-L
- Estimated Price: $40,000 – $80,000
Chopard’s Alpine Eagle 41 XP combines the sleek lines of the Alpine Eagle collection with an artisanal straw marquetry dial. The 41mm Lucent Steel™ case houses the L.U.C 96.17-L movement, equipped with two stacked barrels and a 65-hour power reserve. This one-of-a-kind piece showcases Chopard’s commitment to both craftsmanship and sustainability, as Lucent Steel™ is made from 80% recycled materials.
Czapek – Artists & Artisans Pièce N°1
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 40.5mm diameter
- Caliber: SXH5
- Estimated Price: $40,000 – $80,000
Czapek’s Artists & Artisans Pièce N°1 is a unique collaboration with master engraver Michèle Rothen, featuring a dial adorned with a “trompe l’oeil” engraving of the SXH5 caliber. The 40.5mm stainless steel case complements the intricate hand-engraving and sword-shaped hands. The quick-change bracelet system and additional rubber strap offer both versatility and style in this one-of-a-kind creation.
Dennison – A.L.D Infinite Blue
- Material: Blue Gold PVD
- Estimated Price: $400 – $600
Designed by Emmanuel Gueit, the Dennison A.L.D Infinite Blue revives the brand’s legacy as a premier case maker with a modern interpretation of a vintage 1940s design. The cushion-shaped case is coated in blue gold PVD, while the geometric, embossed dial adds a contemporary touch to this historic brand’s relaunch.
Fleming – Titanium Prototype
- Material: Titanium
- Estimated Price: TBD
The Fleming Titanium Prototype, designed by @waitlisted, marks the brand’s first foray into titanium watchmaking. The dial, inspired by modern architecture, is a unique work of art that elevates the watch’s bold, minimalist design. This piece sets the stage for Fleming’s future in high-tech materials and innovative aesthetics.
Furlan Marri – Disco Stromatolite
- Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 38mm diameter, 8.95mm thick
- Caliber: ETA / Peseux 7001
- Estimated Price: $3,000 – $6,000
Furlan Marri’s Disco Stromatolite features a dial crafted from stromatolite stone, an ancient material known for its layered, earthy appearance. The stainless steel case and Art Deco-inspired design give this piece a timeless elegance, while the hand-finished ETA Peseux 7001 movement provides reliability and precision.
HYT – S1 TimeForArt 2024 Unique Piece
- Material: Titanium DLC
- Dimensions: 45mm diameter
- Caliber: 501CM
- Estimated Price: $50,000 – $100,000
HYT’s S1 TimeForArt 2024 Unique Piece showcases the brand’s signature use of fluid technology in a bold, futuristic design. The titanium DLC case frames a kinetic art-inspired movement, with two bellows expanding and contracting to display the hours in a striking black fluid. This open-worked, avant-garde timepiece pushes the boundaries of both horology and visual art.
Louis Erard – Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Olivier Mosset
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 42mm diameter
- Caliber: Sellita SW266-1
- Estimated Price: $3,000 – $6,000
Louis Erard’s collaboration with avant-garde Swiss artist Olivier Mosset results in this unique regulator watch, featuring a minimalist, tone-on-tone blue dial that shifts between shades of blue and violet. The hands, all identical in shape but varying in size, maintain legibility while emphasizing the artistic nature of the piece. The watch is accompanied by a hand-signed strap, marked as a “work of art – do not wear.”
Massena LAB x Raúl Pagès – Petrichor
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter
- Caliber: M690
- Estimated Price: $5,000 – $10,000
Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès team up to create Petrichor, a unique timepiece inspired by the nostalgic scent of rain on dry soil. The dial’s warm, sunburst finish shifts between hues of umber and sandstone, and the proprietary M690 caliber, with hand-decorated finishing, is visible through the exhibition caseback. This poetic piece exemplifies the fusion of art and horology.
Maurice Lacroix – Masterpiece Skeleton ‘With What Eyes?’
- Material: Bronze
- Dimensions: 43mm diameter
- Caliber: ML134 Manufacture
- Estimated Price: $15,000 – $30,000
Maurice Lacroix collaborates with Mexican artist Rodrigo Hernández to create the Masterpiece Skeleton ‘With What Eyes?’ The bronze case and dial, featuring handcrafted bronze monkeys, are inspired by the artist’s philosophical questions about human and animal consciousness. The watch’s skeletonized movement, visible through both the front and back, is a testament to Maurice Lacroix’s mastery of both design and mechanical excellence.
Perrelet – Perrelet x The Dial Artist TimeForArt Edition
- Material: Titanium with Black DLC
- Dimensions: 41mm diameter, 13.9mm thick
- Caliber: P-331-MH
- Estimated Price: $5,000 – $10,000
Perrelet’s collaboration with The Dial Artist results in a unique Turbine watch featuring a vibrant, luminescent dial adorned with graffiti-inspired icons. The rotating turbine blades reveal hidden designs beneath the dial, creating a dynamic, ever-changing display. The in-house P-331-MH caliber, COSC-certified for precision, powers this one-of-a-kind piece that fuses street art with high horology.
Reservoir – Monza Prototype 01
- Material: Brushed Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 43mm diameter
- Caliber: RSV-240
- Estimated Price: $3,000 – $6,000
Reservoir’s Monza Prototype 01 draws inspiration from the iconic racing cars of Monza, featuring a retrograde minute hand and jumping hour complication. The red dial, reminiscent of a racing car’s RPM counter, is housed in a brushed stainless steel case, with a crown engraved with “Engine Start.” This unique piece is delivered in a luxury garage toolbox-inspired case, complete with watchmaking tools and a racing-inspired rubber strap.
Ressence – TYPE 1²v2 SHA
- Material: Microblasted Titanium
- Dimensions: 41mm diameter, 11mm thick
- Caliber: ROCS 1.3
- Estimated Price: $20,000 – $40,000
Ressence’s collaboration with Shantell Martin results in a unique piece with black line drawings on a white dial. The watch features Ressence’s Orbital Convex System, ensuring continuous motion across the dial. The minimalist design, featuring only the words “enjoy life,” is a reflection of both Martin’s artistic philosophy and Ressence’s commitment to innovation.
Reuge x ECAL – Slightly Windy Golden Leaves
- Material: Ash and Walnut
- Estimated Price: $10,000 – $20,000
Reuge’s musical automaton features hand-gilded motifs and golden ears of wheat that sway to the music. This one-of-a-kind piece is a collaboration between Reuge and ECAL’s design students, celebrating the natural beauty of the Jura region through sound and movement.
Speake Marin – Promenade à New York
- Material: Titanium
- Dimensions: 42mm diameter
- Caliber: SMA03
- Estimated Price: $40,000 – $80,000
Speake Marin’s Promenade à New York features a hand-painted dial depicting the iconic Gapstow Bridge in Central Park. The titanium case houses the in-house SMA03 movement, while the dial serves as a canvas for a micro-painting of a fall landscape. This artistic piece celebrates both horology and fine art in a unique tribute to New York City.
Toledano & Chan – B/1M
- Material: Muonionalusta Meteorite and Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 33.5mm x 35.8mm
- Caliber: Sellita SW100
- Estimated Price: $8,000 – $16,000
Toledano & Chan’s B/1M is a brutalist-inspired design crafted from meteorite and stainless steel, with angular lines that evoke the architecture of the Whitney Museum in New York. The ostrich leg skin strap adds a touch of uniqueness to this one-of-a-kind prototype, which celebrates the raw, elemental nature of its materials.
UNIMATIC – Modello Tre Automatic Chronograph U3S-TFA
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 41.5mm diameter
- Caliber: SELLITA SW510 BH b
- Estimated Price: $3,000 – $6,000
Unimatic’s Modello Tre U3S-TFA is the brand’s first automatic chronograph, featuring a minimalist design with a ceramic bezel. The stainless steel case houses the Sellita SW510 movement, and the transparent caseback offers a view of the intricate mechanics. Numbered 1/1, this piece is a true collector’s item, showcasing Unimatic’s dedication to functional, modern watchmaking.
Zenith – Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone One Off
- Material: Black Ceramic
- Dimensions: 41mm diameter
- Caliber: El Primero 3630 Tourbillon
- Estimated Price: $60,000 – $120,000
Zenith’s collaboration with optical artist Felipe Pantone results in the Defy Skyline Tourbillon, featuring an iridescent dial and black ceramic case. The tourbillon bridge, shaped like a lightning bolt, adds a unique artistic touch to this already striking piece. The watch comes with both a black ceramic bracelet and a black rubber strap, emphasizing its versatility and cutting-edge design.
Conclusion
The TimeForArt 2024 Auction celebrates the fusion of horological excellence and contemporary art. With one-of-a-kind pieces from renowned brands such as Anoma, Speake Marin, Breitling, and Zenith, collectors have the opportunity to acquire unique timepieces that embody the artistic spirit. The proceeds from the auction will support the Swiss Institute’s mission to foster contemporary art and culture, making this event a significant moment for both the watchmaking and art communities.
For more details on this extraordinary collection, visit TimeForArt and Phillips.
One response to “TimeForArt 2024: 25 Watches Supporting Contemporary Art”