Tick-Talk TickTalk Blog
Only Watch will be celebrating its 8th edition on 9 November in Geneva. It promises to be exceptional. A conversation with Luc Pettavino, its founder.
President of the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy and organizer of Only Watch, Luc Pettavino expects an extraordinary 2019 edition. After travelling the world, the 50 unique watches will be auctioned by Christie’s and will thus participate in the impressive outpouring of solidarity that Only Watch has become.
In retrospect, Luc Pettavino, what is your take away from this Only Watch adventure?
Over the extensive time required for research, we have succeeded in developing potential therapies in just 15 years. We are very close to clinical trials. This is rare and has been possible thanks to the commitment and solidarity of many people who have shown concern.
And on a more personal level?
It is a great reward to see a personal story transformed into a universal momentum.
The adventure began with an art sale before focusing on watchmaking. Are watches more wearable? The watchmakers more generous?
Watchmaking has enabled us to gain international stature. It is also a more targeted market with a circle of insiders and collectors who are looking for unique objects and who have contributed significantly to the recognition of Only Watch.
What can we say, at this stage, about the 2019 edition?
This is an exceptional edition. The quality is constantly improving. And this year we are certainly going through several stages at once.
Beyond the cause that is the raison d’être of Only Watch, what does its evolution mean to you?
Only Watch has become a unique platform to showcase the creativity of watchmakers. This meeting also forges a unifying image of this industry, a transgroup, beyond the shrines, by creating beauty to do good. We all wear the same team jersey.
Fifty brands have chosen to participate this year. Is it the maximum?
Not necessarily, things naturally self-regulate. We record a rotation of 20-25% between each edition. It is a bit like the movement of life: some withdraw, others want to join the adventure, some return after taking a breath. All this is spontaneous and the only important – and constant – elements remain quality and intention.
What can we say to the luxury watch brands that have not yet joined the adventure?
My role is to put the game on the table. And to tell them: “You are obviously welcome”. It is up to them to see if they find their way into this project. But the spontaneity of engagement must remain the rule. We are all trying, together, to create beautiful things. It’s very simple in the end. I am a pollinating bee who marvels at these fields where splendid flowers bloom every two years….
