LA International (European Leukodystrophy Association) is pleased to announce its second charity auction, Watches For ELA, with the valuable support of Christie’s. This event will showcase timepieces donated by generous watchmaking brands. The watches will be auctioned by Christie’s as part of the Rare Watches Live Auction on 9 November 2026 in Geneva.

Building on the encouraging success of the first Watches for ELA auction in 2024, ELA International and Christie’s are honored to present this second edition. Once again, the talent and generosity of watchmaking houses will support sick children. As in 2024, the objective of this sale is to strengthen funding for medical research on leukodystrophies and to support affected families.

Thanks to the funds raised during the 2024 edition of Watches for ELA, ELA International launched a call for projects amounting to €500,000 to finance preclinical studies on a particularly rare leukodystrophy: Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. The remaining funds €400,000, allow ELA associations to organize essential respite opportunities for European families (more than 1,200 people have already benefited from these extended weekends).

In 2026, Watches for ELA will present a selection of watches generously donated by some of the world’s most creative watchmakers: Alpina, Artya, Atælier Haute Complication, Bovet, Cédric Johner, Felipe Pikullik, Frédérique Constant, Gerald Charles, Kollokium, Konstantin Chaykin, Louis Erard, Louis Moinet, Maurice Lacroix, Mauron Musy, Montblanc, Pequignet, Tissot. Additional brands are expected to join the initiative by November 2026.

François-Henri Pinault: “The ELA association, which I have supported for many years, does extraordinary work alongside researchers as well as the children and families affected by leukodystrophies. It is more necessary than ever to mobilize and support them in this fight. I sincerely hope that this charity auction will be a great success. I would like to thank the watch manufacturers who took part in this auction for their generosity, as well as the Christie’s teams for their commitment to this cause.”

Zinédine Zidane: “We must stand up to this disease, fight it, and try to eliminate it and defeat it. It’s not easy, because daily life is difficult, but we must believe that one day all of this will end. Even if it is hard for families, hope must remain. As for me, I will always be there for ELA.”

Guy Alba, President of ELA International: “Watches for ELA came to life thanks to the talent of renowned watchmaking houses, the support and expertise of Christie’s and its teams, the long-standing loyalty of Zinédine Zidane who has stood beside ELA for 25 years, and the sincere and exceptional friendship and commitment of François-Henri Pinault. We also express our gratitude to all collectors and future buyers, whose generosity brings real hope to families affected by leukodystrophies.”

Rémi Guillemin, Head of Watches Department, Christie’s Europe & US: “At Christie’s we are very much looking forward welcoming Watches for ELA back to our auction room in Geneva. We like to express our gratitude to brands which have already expressed their commitment and hope many more will follow to raise funds for a much-needed support to families affected by leukodystrophies.”

The watches will embark on a global world tour before being exhibited at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues ahead of the auction taking place on 6 November 2026.