At Christie’s Geneva, the second Watches for ELA session gathered CHF 501,400 at hammer, a measured triumph for a cause that deserves quiet persistence as much as headlines.
The headline lot was Zinedine Zidane’s own Cartier Pasha, selling for CHF 80,000 at hammer – four times its pre-sale high estimate. The symbolism was neat: a sporting legend parting with a personal talisman so that others might keep theirs.
The selection drew 20 contemporary makers who built unique pieces for ELA. Independent spirit did much of the heavy lifting. Felipe Pikullik‘s Mondphase I Skeleton reached CHF 50,000, Cédric Johner‘s Abyss CHF 48,000, Konstantin Chaykin‘s Seneca II CHF 40,000. Gerald Charles Maestro 2.0 Tiger’s Eye and Kerbedanz 65’27” Tree of Life each made CHF 38,000, while Louis Moinet‘s 1816 Chronograph achieved CHF 32,000.
Broader support framed the effort: contributions from Alpina, ArtyA, Atælier Haute Complication, Boucheron, Bovet, Dennison, Frédérique Constant, Kollokium, Louis Erard, Maurice Lacroix, Mauron Musy, Montblanc, Pequignet, and Tissot. Results ranged from accessible to ambitious – from CHF 2,600 to CHF 50,000 – yet each carried the same intention: a singular watch made to be more than itself.
Proceeds support ELA’s work in leukodystrophy research and family assistance. No grand complication here, only the simplest one in watchmaking terms – purpose aligned with craft. It is a reminder that generosity, like good finishing, seldom shouts. It just endures.
All prices are hammer in CHF, without buyer’s premium.
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