WATCHES FOR ELA 2026
When watchmaking puts its expertise to work for a cause.
This year, November 9 will mark an important event—the second edition of Watches for ELA, a charity auction included in Christie’s Rare Watches sale, which will bring together unique creations for the benefit of ELA (European Leukodystrophy Association). For more than 35 years, Guy Alba and Jean-Luc Corti have devoted all their time and commitment to raising awareness of, and fighting, leukodystrophies, rare genetic diseases that attack the central nervous system. The duo, supported by all the families, all of ELA’s units across Europe, and also by all the doctors, researchers and educators, works to support the families affected by these rare diseases.
For this second edition, twenty watchmaking houses and independent watchmakers have answered ELA’s call. It is a wonderful thing to imagine every independent watchmaker and every renowned house taking up the cause and expressing its own generosity through its own sensibility. Some houses have even chosen to work with artists dedicated specifically to this project, and the result of this catalyzed creativity reaches well beyond borders. The hope is that it will touch collectors in the same way on the day of the auction.
Standing as the flagship of this unique selection is also a watch with a deeply personal history and a unique provenance: the first watch of Zinedine Zidane, a Cartier Pasha, acquired with his first paycheck when he was playing for Girondins de Bordeaux 35 years ago. It is worth recalling that the football legend has worked alongside ELA tirelessly for more than 25 years.
Beyond the horological value of the pieces brought together, this event above all reflects a unique collective mobilization; few industries are able to see a project of this kind come to life. Each participant donates their creativity and expertise. It is a rare opportunity for collectors to add singular pieces to their collection, giving them a very special place and value, while also contributing to a cause that still requires extensive research efforts. A sale where the passion for watches meets generosity, with one simple goal: to make every piece a new source of hope for patients and their families.
