Only Watch 2021

A bi-annual event, Onlywatch is a charity auction first held in Monaco in 2011. Destined to raise awareness and funds for research against Duchenne muscular dystrophy, it is one of the rare events uniting the watch industry around a common goal. Watchmakers have to follow two simple rules before submitting a watch for this auction: the watch must be a uniquely assembled piece, and its design must follow the theme imposed by Luc Pettavino, the founder of Onlywatch.

OUR FIRST PARTICIPATION

We couldn’t have been prouder to be able to be a part of the 2021 auction. For our first ever participation at this important venue, we thought it would be fit to design a doctor’s watch. Using a renovated 1940s Venus 150 mechanical movement with a column wheel, this watch sports a pulsometric scale, rated for 30 heartbeats or pulses and a chronograph. Activated by a single pusher, hence the name “Monopusher”, this complication enables the person wearing the watch to know someone’s heartbeat. Activate the chronograph and count down 30 heartbeats. Once you’ve reached that number, you’ll just need to read where the chronograph hand has stopped on the dial to know the beats per minute.

Pulsometer Chronograph Monopusher - Baltic Watches - Photo 1

SOUL OF THE PAST

Sitting inside a unique 36mm prototype case is a black lacquered dial with golden hands and applied Breguet numerals, following 2021's theme being the colors of the sun. Flip the watch the other side and you’ll see the sublime movement underneath a sapphire glass. Accompanying this watch is a custom strap imagined in conjunction with ABP Concept, a Parisian strap boutique renowned for its choice and quality.

VENUS 150

The design of this watch and the parts used is of particular significance for us. Using a Venus movement felt like the perfect choice, as the Seagull ST19 used in the Bicompax was originally designed by that swiss manufacture. We were also delighted to see the interest this watch’s design gathered, as it shares some key elements with the MR01, a watch that just recently joined our lineup.