Moritz Grossmann «Réserve de Marche Classique» for ONLY WATCH AUCTION

A piece of contemporary history for a good cause

Moritz Grossmann takes part in the Only Watch charity auction 2019 with the RÉSERVE DE MARCHE CLASSIQUE

• A one-off piece with power-reserve indicator created exclusively for the Only Watch auction
• High-quality design based on a historic model by Glashütte watch pioneer Moritz Grossmann
• Back signed by manufactory founder Christine Hutter

The independent Glashütte manufactory Moritz Grossmann will be taking part in the eighth Only Watch charity auction on 9 November 2019 in Geneva with a superb unique timepiece based on a historical model.

Under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Only Watch auctions exclusive unique watches from prestigious manufacturers every two years in aid of the Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies. The proceeds will be used to treat children suffering from muscular dystrophy and to advance research into the hereditary neuromuscular disease, which is currently considered incurable.

This marks the second time that Moritz Grossmann is supporting the association and the manufactory has once again created a unique piece of schönstes deutsches Handwerk: the RÉSERVE DE MARCHE CLASSIQUE is reminiscent of a historical pocket watch by the Glashütte watch pioneer Moritz Grossmann. The manufactory has translated his masterful design from the Wilhelminian era into a contemporary piece: the result is an ultra-fine unique watch that combines a classically elegant design language with a power-reserve indicator function made to the highest standards of craftsmanship.

The slender casing in 750/000 white gold and a coordinating rhodié dial with fine three band snailing give the RÉSERVE DE MARCHE CLASSIQUE a bold aesthetic. In addition, the black Roman numerals and the Moritz Grossmann logo in typography dating from 1875 provide an effective historical counterpoint. The pear-shaped, very fine characteristic hands are based on the model of the Grossmann pocket watch and have been annealed in blue by hand. An exquisitely crafted strap made from brown alligator leather completes the overall composition in the form of a warm colour accent.

The power reserve is proof of absolute technical perfection: it is designed as a two-colour bar-shaped indicator element and is controlled by a differential gear. Due to the special bearing below the ratchet wheel, it runs without impairing the movement, winding mechanism or hour wheel. In keeping with the exquisite design of the dial, the display bar is slightly narrower and placed directly under the historical logo lettering. When the movement is fully wound, a completely white bar is displayed and when the power reserve decreases, an increasingly blue bar is displayed.

The highly refined movement has the characteristic features of the 100.2 calibre: Grossmann manual winding with pusher, cantilevered balance cock with Grossmann poising screw, separate removable winding block and mass- optimised Grossmann balance.

The sapphire crystal back on the rear of the watch reveals the fascinating interplay of the fine mechanical elements. As a sign of appreciation, Moritz Grossmann founder and managing director Christine Hutter has personally signed the RÉSERVE DE MARCHE CLASSIQUE. Her signature is embedded in the glass bottom in the form of a gold thread.

‘Participating in Only Watch is a matter close to our hearts at Moritz Grossmann’, emphasises Christine Hutter. ‘This is exactly what I wanted to express with my signature on the collector’s item. Our manufactory would like to contribute to helping children suffering from Duchenne. We have created a piece of schönstes deutsches Handwerk with a great deal of passion and hope to inspire all watch lovers with this piece’.