By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe

Avant garde Swiss watchmaker Franc Vila has joined the fight against muscular dystrophy by introducing its own unique timepiece for the upcoming Only Watch 09 charity auction on September 9th. The event, held in Monaco, draws together a number of elite haute horlogerie brands under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II. These companies submit specially designed exceptional or one-off watches which are offered for sale without a reserve price. All funds obtained through Only Watch are donated to the Monegasque Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, an organization focused around international research efforts for the particularly severe form of muscular dystrophy that affects approximately one in every 3,500 boys worldwide.  

Franc Vila has created a singular example of its new FV Evos 8Ch Cobra Chronograph Grand Date Automatic watch. The Cobra designation signifies a particularly sporty new variation on the signature elliptically-shaped "esprit unique" case. Lustrous, highly polished carbon fiber elements are the defining elements on a case crafted from Black DieHard Extreme Steel a stealthy material with the requisite toughness for demanding sports use. The case is complimented by a carbon fiber dial with black Arabic hour indications, and brilliant applications of red on the minute track, chronograph subdials, and the various hands. Not merely a concession for provocative appearance, the eye-catching black and red combination echoes the official color scheme of the Only Watch logo. Framed by the three chronograph subdials is a large date indicator.  

The Franc Vila FV Evos 8Ch Cobra Chronograph for Only Watch 09 is controlled by a refined yet extremely rugged self-winding mechanical movement.  Based upon a proven ETA base caliber, it features a smooth balance beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of 42 hours.  An exclusive decorative touch is the exclusive Franc Vila "Gold Concept Rotor", which can be admired through a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback window.  

A rubber strap textured with horizontal grooves and a blackened steel deployant clasp complete this unique Franc Vila sports chronograph. The watch is also supplied with a fine crocodile leather strap decorated with contrasting red stitching to match the dial detail. In keeping with the uncompromising sports-bred theme of its creation, the FV Evos 8CH Cobra timepiece is water resistant to 300 meters.

Source: ViaLuxe