Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Singer Track 1 Damascus Only Watch 2019, a collaboration with GoS Watches
A collaboration between a 911-inspired brand and a Nordic watch and casemaker, for a good cause.
The bi-annual Only Watch charity auction is upon us once again. We’ve shared the entire list of entries for this year’s auction, and covered a few pieces separately so far. Next up from the ever-impressive list of unique pieces is a surprising collaboration between Singer Reimagined and GoS Watches. A collaboration that was sparked during our traditional Baselworld Schnitzel Dinner. This is the Singer Track 1 Only Watch Edition.
First off, the Only Watch charity auction is focussed on raising funds to do research and eventually benefit a solution to Duchene Muscular Dystrophy. This devastating myopathy slowly but progressively destroys muscle tissue and affects one in three to six thousand males. Every other year the Only Watch event relies on the support of a large number of watchmaking brands to create unique pieces to be auctioned. Over 40 million Swiss Francs have been raised during the 7 previous events.
The Singer Track 1 Only Watch Edition, a unique collaboration on multiple levels
Not only is this watch the first collaboration by Swedish brand GoS Watches, the same goes for Singer. It is also the first application of Damascus steel by GoS Watches to be coated after acid etching and polishing.
The Singer Track 1 Only Watch is fitted with a black Damascus steel case. According to Patrik Sjögren, the watchmaker of GoS Watches, he always felt the shape of the case of the Track 1 would be perfect to be done in Damascus steel. Due to the construction of pilot-style case, with integrated lugs, quite a large surface area is visible. The deep-etched surface pattern is carefully selected to highlight the shape of the case.
This blackened Damascus steel case is a first by GoS Watches. The DS95X Damascus steel, provided by Damasteel in Sweden, is etched and polished numerous times to achieve the utmost contrast possible. Afterwards, the case is finished with a super hard black PVD coating. The polished ridges contrast sharply with the matte crevices of the material. The dial of the unique piece for Only Watch is very similar to the Track 1 Geneva Edition. Still the familiar, and inventive display of the chronograph functionality that makes Singer a stand-out brand.
On the movement side of the Singer Track 1 Only Watch Edition all remains the same. It’s powered by extremely technical and innovative AgenGraphe, dubbed Calibre Singer 6361 for the Track 1. This fully integrated chronograph movement is quite special, with two significant innovations. Firstly, the movement is based on a set of snail cams storing energy for a minute or hour, before being released, causing an instant jump of the chronograph minute or hour hand. Secondly, the clutch system of the AgenGraphe combines the best attributes of both the classical but sensitive horizontal clutch and the bulky but precise vertical clutch. The coupling is horizontal, saving precious space, but the connection is made by friction between toothless wheels, like a vertical clutch.
We’ve explained the construction and functionality of the movement in length here and here. This movement has been developed over a ten-year period, by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht’s independent watchmaking company Agenhor. Driven by a shared passion between Rob Dickinson of Singer Vehicle Design, watch designer Marco Borraccino who formerly led the Panerai design team, and master watchmaker Mr. Wiederrecht, the attention to detail is striking.
As this Singer Track 1 Only Watch Edition is one of fifty unique pieces created by different brands to go under the hammer at this year’s November auction, we’re excited to see what the final result of this watch will be. It is estimated between EUR 40,000 and EUR 49,000 but I expect it to fetch a bit more than that. A Singer Track 1 is already a special watch, this is that much cooler that it deserves a top dollar hammer price.
Only Watch is a biennial fundraiser for research on muscular dystrophy – Association Monégasque Contre les Myopathies (AMM). Organized under the patronage of HSH Albert II de Monaco, the watches of the 8th edition will be auctioned by Christie’s on Saturday 9 November 2019. More details at www.onlywatch.com.
