Top Selections from the Watches for ELA Charity Auction

The Watches for ELA charity auction, slated for November 9, 2026, at Christie’s in Geneva, showcases a curated selection of 21 distinctive timepieces. This event aims to raise funds for ELA International, an organization dedicated to combating leukodystrophies, which are severe genetic neurodegenerative diseases. The auction features an array of unique creations from various renowned brands and independent watchmakers, with all proceeds directly supporting medical research and assistance for affected patients and their families. This initiative follows a successful 2024 auction that garnered nearly $1 million for the cause.

Among the notable offerings are Zinédine Zidane’s personal Cartier Pasha, a testament to his early career and a piece reflecting his appreciation for watchmaking as an art form. Independent watchmaker Felipe Pikullik contributes a one-of-a-kind skeletonized Mondphase 1, marking the final iteration of this specific model from his workshop. Other highlights include a unique Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Duo Box Set, a distinct Kollokium Projekt 01, an elegant Alpina Alpiner Carrée Automatic, a Montblanc Iced Sea Automatic Date 0 Oxygen, and notable pieces from Dennison and Gerald Charles. Each watch not only represents exceptional horological craftsmanship but also contributes to a critical humanitarian effort.

Zinédine Zidane's Iconic Cartier Pasha and Other Unique Timepieces

The Watches for ELA charity auction features a remarkable collection of timepieces, none more personally resonant than Zinédine Zidane's Cartier Pasha. This watch, purchased by the legendary footballer over 35 years ago during his early career at FC Girondins de Bordeaux, represents his first significant watch acquisition. The Cartier Pasha, a design attributed to the iconic Gérald Genta, was a boundary-pushing choice for Cartier at the time, with its distinctively round case and chronograph functions. Zidane's quartz-powered model, with its steel bracelet and subtle dial patina, embodies the aesthetic popular among footballers of his era. He views watches as works of art, carefully chosen for their beauty and personal significance, noting the Pasha's roundness as a symbolic connection to his sport.

Adding to the auction's allure is Felipe Pikullik's Mondphase 1 Skeleton, a unique piece from the Berlin-based independent watchmaker. This will be the last of its kind to emerge from his workshop, distinguished by its skeletonized black rhodium-plated brass bridges and hand-polished bevels that masterfully play with light and shadow. Pikullik's three-dimensional moon takes center stage, showcasing its handcrafted industrial design. Tissot contributes a PRX Powermatic 80 Duo Box Set, featuring two unique models with solid 18k gold bezels and signature waffle dials in green, symbolizing hope for the ELA cause. This set, signed by French Rugby Union star Romain Ntamack, includes both 40mm and 35mm versions, celebrating Tissot's modern icon while supporting a vital charity.

Innovative Designs and Charitable Contributions in Horology

The Watches for ELA auction also highlights innovative designs and significant charitable contributions from various brands and independent creators. Kollokium, known for its avant-garde dial work and luminous materials, presents a unique Projekt 01 that strikingly omits its signature lume. This bold choice creates a distinct aesthetic for a watch celebrated for its glow. The case back of this piece features a special laser engraving of an original drawing by Ivy Nussbaumer, daughter of Kollokium co-founder Barth Nussbaumer, adding a deeply personal touch. Alpina, representing Citizen Group alongside Frederique Constant, offers an Alpiner Carrée Automatic Made For ELA. This elegant watch boasts a two-toned salmon dial within a classic 32.5 x 39mm square case, reflecting Alpina's rich heritage and commitment to well-priced, thoughtfully designed Swiss-made timepieces.

Montblanc, from Richemont, introduces the Iced Sea Automatic Date 0 Oxygen, a robust tool watch with a fascinating wooden dial concept. Fragments of ancient subfossil wood, sourced near Montblanc mountain, are meticulously arranged on the dial, with black resin providing a base and a layer of lighter resin mimicking ice crystals. This unique piece is further enhanced by Montblanc's oxygen removal process within the case, preserving the dial material and preventing condensation. Finally, the auction features two shaped watches with glamorous, retro-chic stone dials: the Dennison Capsule Made For ELA and the Gerald Charles Maestro Ultra-Thin 2.0 Prototype. The Dennison Capsule showcases a multi-material dial with lapis lazuli, tiger eye, onyx, and amazonite, set with natural diamonds, while the Gerald Charles Maestro Ultra-Thin prototype features a minimalist tiger eye dial and a metallic bronze-brown sheen, embodying refined elegance and supporting a critical cause.