Updated October 26, 2025
When we decided to do this last year, I wondered both if anyone would donate a watch, and if anyone would by one. 54 donated watches donated, as many sold and 20,239 CHF raised later, we knew we’d want to do it again. Once more, a huge thank you to every single one of you who made it possible (full list in this blog post from last year). All while staying focused and humble, we want this year to be even better. Below is everything you need to know.
GENERAL FAQ
What type of watches will be sold?
The sale will take place in 2 stages:
- 15:00 Fixed-price sale for watches under 1,000 CHF
(last year, most of the 54 watches were gone within the first hour because of the great prices!)
- 16:30: Auction for watches estimated over 1,000 CHF, as well as watches gifted by brands and any unsold pieces from the fixed price sale.
The catalogue will be published on timefiles.ch late November
Where do the proceeds go?
100% of sales proceeds go to Terre des hommes, the leading Swiss organization for children’s rights, focused on health, migration and access to justice.
Who is organizing the sale?
The sale is organized by an advisory committee and volunteers coordinated by Alex Grouet, a Bienne-based watch blogger author of timefiles.ch, with direct support from Terre des hommes.
Advisory committee members: (in first name alphabetical order)
- Cédric Schiess, Founder of Art du Temps
- Dario Ratti, Watchmaker, Founder of D.R. Horloger
- Isabel Zbinden, Content Strategist, Terre des hommes
- Julien Devaux, Watch Collector
- Julien Steiner, Bienne Historian
- Lamine Ndiaye, Software Developer & Watch Collector
- Luigi Bonifacio, co-founder of Turicum Watch Group
Where and when will it take place?
The sale will take place on Sunday, December 7 starting at 15:00 at the lovely bakery and tea room Charlotte’s, in Bienne, kindly contributing the venue to the event.
Is this an annual sale?
Since last year, yes! The first edition exceeded our expectations. All 54 watches donated were sold, generating 20,329 CHF for Tdh. We aim to break that record this year.
Is there warranty on the watches sold?
All watches will be inspected by a watchmaker on a best effort basis to ensure they are authentic, in good condition and functional. Any existing manufacturer or service warranty at the time of sale will carry over. The organizer takes no further responsibility for the sale.
How will I be able to pay?
Payments at the event will be accepted in both Cash and TWINT, both collected directly by Terre des hommes.
FAQ FOR WATCH DONORS
How can I donate a watch?
Thank you so much for considering! There are two ways to donate a watch:
- Drop it off at D.R. Horloger in Bienne on Fridays and Saturdays – Untergasse, 33 2502 Biel
- Contact Alex Grouet for a direct pick-up (grouet@gmail.com)
You will receive a receipt as proof of the donation.
What are the criteria for donated watches?
- Watches in good general condition – small repairs will be done (at no cost to the owner) for the sale, by our volunteer watchmaker Dario Ratti
- Authentic watches only – no counterfeits or frankensteins. However, box and papers, while preferred, are not required.
- No watches containing radium (tritium is fine).
Can I deduct the donated watch value from my taxes?
Yes! If the watch is sold, you will receive a Swiss Tax deduction receipt from Terre des hommes corresponding to the amount of the sale.
What if a donated watch is not sold?
It will be returned to its original owner.
How are prices fixed?
For the fixed price sale, the price is recommended by the advisory committee and agreed by the donor. For the auction, the donor is able to set a reserve price, under which the watch will not be sold.
Questions?
Any comments or questions are welcomed in the Comments section below, or using the contact form.
