I love one-of-a-kind watches.  Particularly those that get produced solely for a charitable cause.  Today I have something very special to share – actually 2 very special “somethings” – each a one-of-a-kind Patek Philippe cased in titanium, each produced in support of a single Swiss charitable organization named Children Action.  This year, the Geneva-based Children Action organization celebrates its 15th anniversary of helping “children not helped by life, because the most fundamental of all human rights is the right to a childhood . ”  Right on.

First, here is the unique piece that Patek has produced for the Children Action 2009 fundraising event to be held this coming Monday, November 23.   It is the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5180T.  It has a skeleton titanium case 39mm in diameter, and is powered by a Caliber 240 self-winding movement with 48 hours power reserve.  Set on a black alligator strap with matching titanium buckle.  WOW!

To many, this watch may be difficult to recognize as a Patek Philippe, but to me this is merely a testament to just how special this watch is.  I say this because this 5180T is a) cased in titanium, a metal rarely used by Patek, and b) the watch is extensively skeletonized, also not something seen often for Patek’s.  However, if you look closely, you will see the unmistakable sign of Patek – the Calatrava cross – as it is decorated into the dial (in the upper right quardant).

Now – as I alluded to in my opening paragraph – the 5180T is not the first time that Patek Philippe has supported Children Action.  Back in 2007, it produced this unique piece- also a titanium Calatrava, the Patek Philippe 5000T:

Movement No. 3510992, Ref. 6000T. Exclusively made for “Children Action 2007” in 2007.

It was first sold on May 2, 2007 at a price I do not know, but I can tell you that the following year it sold at an Antiquorum auction for 208,500 Swiss Francs (incl.  Buyer’s premium).  Here is how the watch was presented for auction in March 2008 – with fitted box, Certificate of Origin, push pin and booklets:

Although we are in a different economic environment and watch market than in 2007, I am quite confident that the Patek Philippe 5180T will go for a very high price that will further help Children Action to continue to help those who need it most.

If you want to see another unique piece that I admire because it was created for a charitable cause , check out this Audemars Piguet for Abruzzo.

Pictures: Antiquorum and Patek Philippe.

Summer Soiree at Moda Cucina in Boston to Benefit the Make A Wish Foundation

This past Wednesday evening (July 15th) Perpetuelle.com Senior Moderator James Bond was on the scene for a splendid VIP gala at Moda Cucina in the Boston Design Center.  This event celebrated Moda Cucina winning Best of Boston Home 2009 with proceeds being donated to Make A Wish Foundation. And to help celebrate with Moda Cucina, also present were Grenon’s of Newport, authorized dealer for many outstanding watch brands, and Ferrari-Maserati of New England.

Of course James was there for the watches, but I am glad that he couldn’t help but snap a few pics of the evenings other attractions!

***Click here to see James Bond’s full report – with some very nice pictures! ***

Great report James and thanks for sharing!

Only Watch is a charity auction of unique watches created by many of the most important watch brands in Switzerland. This exceptional event is held every two years in Monaco during the Monaco Yacht Show and is under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert 11. All the proceeds from Only Watch go to support research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The next Only Watch auction is organized in close collaboration with Patrizzi & Co and the Monaco Yacht Show, and will take place on 24 September 2009.

Participating brands include Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, BNB Concept, Bovet Fleurier, Breguet Montres, Cartier, Corum Montres, De Bethune, Delacour, Franck Muller, Frédérique Constant, Glashütte Uhrenbertrieb, Hermès, Hublot, Jaquet Droz, Louis Vuitton, Maximilian Büsser & Friends, Mont Blanc, Omega, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Richard Mille, Swatch, Tag Heuer, Tourneau Timepieces, Ulysse Nardin, Urwerk, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Zenith International.

Below is a mosaic of their “pieces uniques”  – you can view larger images and a quote from each respective brand about their 2009 “Only Watch” contribution HERE.