On November 11, 2024, the first Watches for ELA auction was held to benefit the fight against leukodystrophies. 11 unique watches donated by ANDERSEN Genève X BCHH, ArtyA, Atælier Haute Complication, Bovet, Girard-Perregaux, Konstantin Chaykin, Louis Erard, Montblanc, Richard Mille, OMEGA X Swatch, Ulysse Nardin were sold for CHF 633,000. A platinum watch from F. P, Journe, Vagabondage from 2005, consigned by a private individual for the benefit of ELA International, raised a further CHF 210,000, bringing the total raised to CHF 843,000. This sum will be used to continue ELA International’s support for medical research, as well as the accompaniment of families affected by the disease.
Guy Alba, Chairman of the Board of ELA International: “What a wonderful moment to see Zinédine Zidane auction Lot 1 of our first Watches for ELA sale. A project personally supported by François-Henri Pinault and made possible thanks to the generosity of the watch brands and the unrivalled leadership of Christie’s. Our sole aim was to combine the talent of watchmakers, the passion of collectors and the hope generated by medical research, to save the lives of children who only want to grow up. Thank you all for helping us get closer to this goal.”
“You have to stand up to this disease, fight it, try to eliminate it, defeat it. It’s not easy, because everyday life is difficult, but you have to believe that one day it will all come to an end. Even if it’s hard for the families, we have to keep hoping. As for me, I’ll always be there for ELA.”
Zinédine Zidane, honorary member of ELA
