INSIGHT-RADAR: Watches for ELA, VON KÖCK and Alexander Awards

INSIGHT-RADAR brings together the latest industry news: the results of the Watches for ELA charity auction, including the unique pieces from Gerald Charles and Kerbedanz, the new White Glove Service from VON KÖCK, and the inaugural Alexander Awards ceremony in Geneva.

Watches for ELA: 501.400 CHF at Christie’s in Geneva

The second edition of Watches for ELA achieved a hammer total of 501.400 CHF at Christie’s in Geneva on 9 November 2026. The charity section formed part of the Rare Watches auction and brought together contributions from 20 watch brands and independent watchmakers, alongside a Cartier Pasha owned by Zinedine Zidane. At 80.000 CHF, it achieved the highest result in the selection. The Gerald Charles prototype made for ELA and the unique piece from Kerbedanz each sold for a hammer price of 38.000 CHF. All hammer prices exclude the buyer’s premium.

The Cartier Pasha had a distinctive provenance within the selection: it was Zidane’s first watch, purchased 35 years ago. The footballer and ELA patron donated it to the auction. At 80.000 CHF, it achieved four times its high estimate.

Among the watches created specifically for ELA, the MONDPHASE I SKELETTON by Felipe Pikullik achieved the highest hammer price at 50.000 CHF. It was followed by the ABYSS by Cédric Johner at 48.000 CHF and the SENECA II by Konstantin Chaykin at 40.000 CHF. Such results are, however, of limited use as a general price benchmark for the secondary market: here, exceptional individual pieces, celebrity provenance and a charitable purpose converge.

The MAESTRO 2.0 ‘TIGER’S EYE’ by Gerald Charles achieved 38.000 CHF. Unlike the contributions predominantly described as unique pieces, the results list explicitly identifies this lot as a prototype made for ELA, thereby documenting its special status.

The Kerbedanz 65'27" Tree of Life achieved a hammer price of CHF 48,640 CHF. This unique piece was created in collaboration with artist Gezim Meta. His miniature painting adorns the rotating hour disc and the systemic oscillating weight, both crafted from titanium with a honeycomb structure. The tree of life is depicted on the oscillating weight.

Painting the hour disc required approximately 24 hours, with a further 36 hours devoted to the tree of life. Firing the two components took around six additional hours. In total, Kerbedanz puts the artistic work, including firing, at a minimum of 66 hours.

The Grade 5 titanium case measures 38 mm. Inside is the ultra-thin KRB10 automatic calibre. The display combines a rotating hour disc with a minute indication and a diamond serving as the hour marker. The characteristic alignment recurs every 65 minutes and 27 seconds. A sapphire crystal caseback reveals the decoration on the reverse.

A distinction must be made when quoting the price: in its own announcement, Kerbedanz states sale proceeds of 48.640 CHF, but does not explicitly clarify the basis for that figure. ELA’s results list records a hammer price of 38.000 CHF, excluding the buyer’s premium. The following overview consistently uses this hammer-price basis.

All amounts are hammer prices in CHF, excluding the buyer’s premium. The brands’ contributions were created for ELA; particulars such as prototype status or a set are noted separately.

The proceeds support ELA’s work: research into leukodystrophies, raising awareness of these conditions, and supporting affected children and their families. Leukodystrophies are rare genetic disorders in which the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibres in the central nervous system is destroyed. ELA’s European network also includes associations in Germany and Switzerland.

Following the Les Cœurs des Stars battent pour ELA charity auction in Paris in 2021 and the first edition of Watches for ELA in 2024, the Geneva auction marked the third collaboration between Christie’s and ELA.

VON KÖCK: White Glove Service throughout Europe

Viennese jeweller VON KÖCK is extending its client service with personal jewellery delivery throughout Europe. Launched on 09 November 2026, the White Glove Service sees a VON KÖCK Luxury Advisor bring the selected jewel to an individually agreed location.

The appointment and meeting place are arranged with each client, whether at home, at a holiday residence or at a hotel while travelling. At the handover, the Luxury Advisor explains the details of the jewel and answers questions. The house thus takes part of its personal consultation service beyond its premises.

Charges depend on the purchase value and destination: the fee is waived for purchases of 10.000 € or more. Below this threshold, a flat fee of 400 € applies within Austria and 1.000 € elsewhere in Europe.

Alexander Awards: debut on 2 December in Geneva

Communications in the watch industry take centre stage at the Alexander Awards, whose inaugural ceremony will be held on 2 December 2026 at Uptown Geneva. Time to Watches has opened ticket sales for the evening. The public can also still have their say: voting for the Public Choice Award runs until 27 November.

At alexander-awards.com, those interested can select their 5 favourite projects. The public award thus offers an opportunity to take part in the inaugural edition before the winners are announced.

Doors open and welcome drinks are scheduled from 18:00, with the awards ceremony beginning at 19:00. Networking and a party with a DJ will follow. Tickets cost CHF 89 per person and include the ceremony, food, an open bar and the subsequent programme. Availability is limited.

The venue is Uptown Geneva, Rue de la Servette 2, 1201 Geneva. The dress code for the evening is casual.