Both Audemars Piguet and IWC have recently donated special watches to raise money for charities.

The Royal Oak Abruzzo Tourbillon Chronograph Watch by AP was auctioned off to support the Abruzzo nel Cuore’ foundation.  Audemars Piguet created this one a kind watch specifically for the event and since it has “Royal Oak” in the name, you can be sure that it retains certain features from this famous collection, such as the hour markers and hands, as well as the “mega tapestry” pattern on the dial. This modern looking watch also brings new elements not often found in the Royal Oak line, into play, such as a 30 minute chronograpgh and a tourbillon complication. The case is made from titanium and comes with a matching folding buckle. This watch, along with other memorabilia, brought in over $200,000 for the charity.

Luxury watch maker, IWC (International Watch Company), for the fourth year creates a special edition watch called the “IWC-Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” series. IWC and the Laureus Foundatin first joined hands in 2006 and every year thereafter have worked together to offer kids around the world other alternatives to violence, drug abuse, disease and poverty. This is grand undertaking which is why IWC makes a limited series of 1,000 watches to raise funds for the foundation. As a model for this special series, IWC uses their Portuguese Automatic watch and this year adds a blue dial and blue alligator leather strap. Each watch has a specially engraved caseback that shows the number within the series and a “team spirit” medallion that shows kids with their arms interlinked. This image was done by a 12 year old boy from Sri-Lanka, one of the children that IWC and the Laureus Foundation seeks to help.

The case of this “IWC-Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” watch measures 42.3 mm and is made from stainless steel. To contrast the blue dial are two silver subdials with blue hands; the subdial on the left indicates small seconds, while the one at the right shows the status of the 7-day power reserve. There is a small date window located at the 6 o’clock position and an IWC-signed folding clasp in stainless steel.

It’s nice to see companies like Audemars Piguet and IWC, who have made millions by selling luxury watches over the years, donate their time, name and products to charities.