The adventure began at the dawn of the 21st century when Blancpain became a partner of the Monaco Yacht Show, whose President Luc Pettavino created in parallel the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy to advance research and thus help children suffering from this debilitating disease. As part of this charitable momentum to find treatment solutions, two monothematic artistic projects (Mona Lisa in 2001 and Adam and Eve in 2002) were launched in order to raise funds. Displaying what Luc Pettavino describes as “an immediate willingness to listen and a benevolent attitude”, Blancpain was at the time the only watch brand taking part in this charity operation. Christened Only One in 2003 and 2004, the auction united luxury brands donating an exceptional piece to this altruistic cause, among which Blancpain was once again the only watchmaker. In 2005 the project became the Only Watch biennial auction and received unconditional support from Blancpain as well as from the Swatch Group management, which encouraged Luc Pettavino to welcome other major watch brands from both inside and outside the group in a spirit of unity. For the sixth time this year, more than 40 of them – naturally including Blancpain – have created a one-of-a-kind model for Only Watch.
