The worlds of art and watchmaking have always represented two realities as detached as they are similar in what they express. To be fair, the concept of art is not limited only to paintings or sculptures, but to any work of extreme beauty and ingenuity created by man.
Well, it is precisely when faced with a watch made by artisans like Kari Voutilainen or Philippe Dufour (without taking anything away from all the others), that the concept of “art” as we understand it comes into play: a creation that represents the ultimate expression of style by a visionary.
Despite this conceptual proximity, it is only in recent years that the worlds of art and watchmaking are finding numerous points of encounter. Just think of the work of Alain Silberstein, Hublot and Orlinski, Hublot and Murakami, Zenith and Felipe Pantone, Audemars Piguet and Anita Porchet. Another example is the newly formed TimeForArt auction, which will feature unique timepieces in support of contemporary art and artists.
TimeForArt
TimeForArt is a biennial auction that was created with the hope of bringing the worlds of watchmaking and art together in a direct way and providing a platform for exchange between watchmaking art and visual arts.
This unique initiative is none other than the first charity auction of its kind that will feature 17 watches made by leading independent watchmakers, sold with the aim of supporting the contemporary art world and artists.
Moved by one common thread, the theme of artists for artists, these are watches created through unique collaborations with world-renowned artisans, interventions by leading contemporary artists, bespoke examples of innovative craftsmanship, or coveted limited edition pieces.
The brainchild of the Swiss Institute (SI) in New York in collaboration with the world-renowned auction house Phillips, the first edition of the TimeForArt auction will be held as part of Phillips’ upcoming watch auction in New York on December 10 and 11, 2022.
100 percent of the proceeds will go to today’s most visionary artists through the organization of exhibitions, public programs, educational workshops, and community engagement at the Swiss Institute, which will be possible to participate in free of charge thanks to the support of this charity auction.
The watches in the TimeForArt auction
Andersen Genève
This first one-of-a-kind piece builds on the legacy of American conceptualist Sol Lewitt and British artist Bridget Riley, whose colorful paintings popularized the Op art genre that emerged in the 1960s.
This is a “Jumping Hours” watch with a stunning 21ct blue gold dial (typical of Andersen Genève) finished in electric purple and featuring a mesmerizing “magic losange” hand-guilloché pattern.
Made especially for the “TimeForArt” auction, this unique piece by Andersen Genève represents the union of inventiveness and craftsmanship. The unique way in which the hour is indicated, via the window containing the “digital” number at 12 o’clock, represents one of the most elegant traditional watchmaking complications. The minutes, on the other hand, are indicated by means of the hand affixed to the large counter located at 6 o’clock.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 20,000 – 40,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 19,000 – 38,000.
Arnold & Son x Matt Copson
For the occasion, Arnold & Son created a unique watch together with one of England’s most innovative artists, Matt Copson.
The watch face features a metal spider web set against a white background that glows in the dark. The clock’s hour and minute hands feature a spider and a fly at their ends, respectively. The concept encapsulated within the clock is represented by the passage of time that becomes an existential pursuit of prey and predators.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 8,000 – 16,000, corresponding to about EUR 7,600 – 15,000.
Chanel
For this charity initiative, Chanel has created the limited-edition “Tweed Art” Boyfriend that is inspired by a material that is iconic to Chanel couture: tweed.
This iconic Maison texture has been uniquely reinterpreted beyond the dial using the Champlevé “Grand Feu” enameling technique in collaboration with the workshop of renowned Swiss enameling artist Anita Porchet (at 6 o’clock can be seen the artist’s signature ironically reminiscent of AP). Enclosed within a gold case, the motif depicted on the dial evokes the abstract expressionist canvases of Joan Mitchell and Helen Frankenthaler.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 30,000 – 60,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 28,000 – 57,000.
Chopard
Chopard presented a unique example of the L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25 with a smiling skull engraved on the white gold dial. Featuring a strong reference to Mexico, the making of this Chopard was in fact inspired by the mysterious Mexican calaveras of “Día de los Muertos.”
The eye-catching face also represents a theme used in “Vanitas” paintings and is a constant reminder of the inevitable passage of time.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 60,000 – 120,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 57,000 – 115,000.
De Bethune x Marc Newson
For this artistic initiative, De Bethune, in collaboration with designer Marc Newson, decided to present a rather unusual watch.
It is a reinterpretation of one of the oldest time-measuring devices in history: the hourglass. The passing of time is done by means of nano-spheres developed by master watchmaker and De Bethune co-founder Denis Flageollet, characterized by the classic shade of blue that has always distinguished the maison. With this unique piece, De Bethune and Marc Newson want to allude to an eternal enigma: is the hour half full or half empty?
The estimate of this watch is between USD 12,000 – 24,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 11,500 – 23,000.
Hermès x Hodinkee
After triumphing in two categories at GPHG 2022, Hermès is participating in TimeForArt with the H08 Limited Edition for Hodinkee.
It is a watch featuring a minimalist study of contrast with a titanium case and matte black DLC coating and a polished ceramic bezel. The H08 collection represents a novelty in its thoughtful approach to watchmaking and design and was first presented by Hermès at Watches & Wonders 2021.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 5,000 – 10,000, corresponding to about EUR 4,800 – 9,600.
HYT
Hyt presents its iconic “Rainbow” version. The watch features hour markers each in a different color made of Superluminova Lumicast in 3 sizes.
The inspiration for the design of this timepiece were the colors of the rainbow that often shine in distant nebulae, which were highlighted by the contrast given by all the elements of the case, strap, and part of the black dial.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 50,000 – 100,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 48,000 – 96,000.
L’Epée x ECAL
Epée 1839 and ECAL (Lausanne University of Art and Design), collaborated to create the “Time Flies” table clock.
With this unique version created for TimeForArt, a tribute was paid to the conquest of the skies and to one of the most brilliant inventions ever made: the airplane. Inspired by the shapes of airplanes used in the 1930s, the timepiece features an in-house movement specially built by L’Epée 1839 and has an 8-day power reserve.
As in such an airplane, power comes from the front where the movement is located and is generated by a fully perforated crown that resembles the engine cooling radiators immediately behind the propeller.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 20,000 – 40,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 19,000 – 38,000.
Laurent Ferrier
Laurent Ferrier has decided to actively support this contemporary art initiative through the creation of a unique watch that encapsulates both the creativity and centuries-old expertise of traditional Haute Horlogerie. It is a reinterpretation of the Classic Micro-Rotor model with a return to the stylistic codes of 1930s Art Deco.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 30,000 – 60,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 28,000 – 57,000.
M.A.D. Editions
For an art initiative connected to the world of watchmaking, Max Büsser’s touch with the original M.A.D.1 could not be missed.
The M.A.D. was created by MB&F to thank what Max calls the “members of the Tribe” (MB&F watch owners) as well as the friends, suppliers and partners who have helped make MB&F the reality it is today. This particular edition of the M.A.D.1 features the touch of exclusivity given by the “Created for our friends” engraving on the case back. Notably, the piece that will go up for auction was donated by Eric Giroud, MB&F’s longtime design partner.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 1’000 – 2’000, corresponding to about EUR 960 – 1’900.
Maurice Lacroix
Maurice Lacroix is participating in this first edition of TimeForArt by donating a never-before-seen skeleton version of their iconic Aikon model.
This unique piece features a skeletonized dial through which one can view the movement, which, in this case, serves as an artistic canvas. Connoted with an iridescent hue contrasting with the steel case and bracelet, this watch evokes the chromatic brilliance of 1960s minimalist sculptors such as John McCracken and De Wain Valentine.
The estimate for this watch is between USD 3,000 – 6,000, corresponding to about EUR 2,800 – 5,700.
Ralph Lauren
Well, we are not used to seeing Ralph Lauren watches here on IWS. This watch represents the latest addition to the Brand’s Automotive Skeleton collection launched in 2015.
Polished and brushed steel components, along with polished screws reminiscent of rivets securing a car chassis, reference one of Ralph Lauren’s 1950s race cars. One element that particularly stands out is undoubtedly the bezel made of Amboyna burl, a hardwood used for luxury car interiors.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 20,000 – 40,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 19,000 – 38,000.
Romain Gauthier x Anita Porchet
Master watchmaker Romain Gauthier together with one of the world’s greatest enamel artists, Anita Porchet, have made possible the creation of a unique watch: C by Romain Gauthier Platinum Edition.
Featuring a miniature Grand Feu enamel dial signed by Anita Porchet, the watch is further embellished with a stunning 18K white gold movement that can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back. For the dial of the watch, Anita was inspired by botanical illustrations and the spiritual reverence of Chinese ink paintings.
The estimate for this clock is between USD 100,000 – 200,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 96,000 – 192,000.
Speake-Marin
Independent watchmaker Speake-Marin donated the Dual Time Mint to the TimeForArt auction. This is a watch created in 2021 in a limited edition of 28 pieces with a black DLC-coated titanium case inspired by the Black Architecture movement. At the auction, the prototype of this model personalized on the case back with the words “TimeForArt” will be sold.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 10,000 – 20,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 9,600 – 19,000.
Trilobe
Trilobe offered for this charity initiative in favor of artists, the same model with which it triumphed at the 2022 GPHG by winning the “Petit Aiguille” award: the Nuit Fantastique Desert Edition.
Characterized by the colors of desert sand at different times of day, this watch embodies with finesse and style a refined and timeless luxury despite being an out-of-the-box watchmaking creation.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 6,000 – 12,000, corresponding to about EUR 5,700 – 11,500.
Unimatic x King Nerd x Massena LAB
Featuring a bronze case and a bronze dial hand-engraved by artist King Nerd, this Unimatic U4S-BRZ-SI commemorates the story of William Tell.
Looking at the dial, one can see the three elements of Tell’s legend: in the center is the apple representing not only the literal fruit of Tell’s story, but also the Big Apple (New York City) where Massena LAB and the Swiss Institute are based. The arrows that pierce the apple serve as indexes on the dial and represent precision, movement, and progress. The ribbon, on the other hand, besides representing the loose bandage of Tell’s son, is a symbol of freedom.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 6,000 – 12,000, corresponding to about EUR 5,700 – 11,500.
Urwerk x Cooper Jacoby
This UR-102 one-of-a-kind piece created by the Maison founded by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei represents a reissue of one of the first watches created by the Maison in the late 1990s.
For this new “Reloaded” version, Urwerk collaborated with Cooper Jacoby to create a watch featuring a dial that can change color based on temperature. To learn more about this watch, I invite you to read a recent article of mine in which I had a detailed account of it.
The estimate of this watch is between USD 40,000 – 80,000, corresponding to approximately EUR 38,000 – 79,000.
Additional info on TimeForArt
For more details regarding the watches that will be auctioned at the “TimeForArt” auction in collaboration with Phillips on December 10-11, 2022, I invite you to visit the Phillips catalog page dedicated to the lots that will be featured.
For more information regarding the TimeForArt initiative instead, I invite you to visit the official website dedicated to the initiative.
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