The Suspense Behind the Noble Postponement
In a remarkable turn of events, the Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies (AMM) has made a significant decision that has captured the attention of both the horological and philanthropic communities. The highly anticipated 10th edition of the prestigious Only Watch (OW) auction, originally scheduled for November 5, 2023, in the picturesque city of Geneva, has been rescheduled to the year 2024. This intriguing development has given rise to questions and speculations about the underlying motives.
In the lead-up to the 2023 auction, an atmosphere of uncertainty enveloped the event. Much like a suspenseful thriller, concerns emerged, centered around the allocation of funds and the governance of AMM, an organization established by resolute families dedicated to the cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A rigorous scrutiny of their funding strategies, supported projects, and financial records and budgets became the focus of these inquiries. The primary objective was unmistakable: to ensure transparency and accountability. However, the timing of these revelations added an element of mystery to the unfolding drama.
Amidst this enigmatic backdrop, the prestigious watchmaking giant, Audemars Piguet, issued an unexpected statement. The company declared that it had “canceled its participation and watch donation to the 2023 edition of Only Watch. There will be no further comment provided.” This revelation raised the pressing question of whether the postponement of the auction might influence this high-stakes decision.
Only Watch, recognizing the need for transparency, stepped forward to illuminate the obscurities surrounding the auction. They presented a dossier akin to an intricate enigma, comprising crucial supporting documentation. This comprehensive documentation includes links to financial statements spanning five years, encompassing an astounding 70% of the funds raised by the organization. It also revealed a comprehensive list of projects funded by the auction over the past decade, in addition to financial statements for the two biotech companies supported by the charitable contributions, SQY Therapeutics and Synthena AG, dating back to 2017.
Further intensifying the intrigue, Only Watch pledged to submit its financial statements to scrutiny by a certified auditor, starting with the 2023 financial records. The results of this audit are set to be unveiled in the first trimester of 2024. Additionally, the organization committed to crafting an annual report, replete with certified accounts, an introduction of new governance, and a captivating progress report on the projects funded.
Founded in 2001 with an unwavering vision, AMM’s primary mission was to expedite research towards a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder. In 2005, they launched the groundbreaking Only Watch initiative, uniting some of the world’s foremost watch brands and emerging talents. Their collective purpose was clear: to amass significant funds for the noble cause of muscular dystrophy research, achieved through the allure of bespoke timepieces created especially for this extraordinary event.
As the narrative unfolds, the enigma surrounding the postponement of Only Watch 2023 deepens. This juncture in the story is marked by a relentless dedication, intrigue, and an unwavering commitment to a noble cause. While the true motivation remains veiled, one fact is indisputable: the chapters of Only Watch 2023 are still being written, and with each revelation, the narrative gains depth and intensity. The drama persists, and the world watches with rapt attention, awaiting the unfolding of this captivating saga.
