In an effort both charitable and creative, Audemars Piguet is auctioning eight stunning, one-of-a-kind Royal Oak Wall Clocks to raise funds in support of ongoing relief work following Japan’s devastating 2011 earthquake.

After the earthquake struck, the North and South American divisions of Audemars Piguet commissioned eight artists to each design a Royal Oak Wall Clock as a gift for the company’s Japanese division. What came out of this project was eight beautiful, unique and inspirational works of art, all set on Audemars Piguet’s iconic and beloved Royal Oak Wall Clock.

The designs all carry significant messages according to the artists’ individual perspectives and reflect the Japanese spirit in some way. One of the clocks, for example, designed by Audemars Piguet’s Chief Artistic Officer Octavio Garcia, features a painting of a Japanese crane, which is commonly recognized as a symbol of hope, happiness and longevity in the country’s culture.

The Royal Oak Wall Clocks were gifted with the intention that the employees of Audemars Piguet Japan could do with the clocks as they saw fit. For some time, the clocks were on display in Audemars Piguet Ginza Boutique in Tokyo, until the division decided to auction them in support of ongoing earthquake relief efforts. The auction began on June 1, 2012 and will continue until July 16 the following month.

Audemars Piguet is currently celebrating the 40-year anniversary of its Royal Oak Wall Clock with a world-touring exhibition. The eight “Support Japan” clocks will be displayed with the exhibition when it comes to Tokyo from July 11 to 16 and will be given to auction winners directly after. The proceeds of the auction will go to the Japan Red Cross Society, contributing to Audemers Piguet Japan’s “Support Japan” initiative to raise 100 million yen (approx. $1.3 million) for the organization.

Royal Oak has become an icon, seen both in watch and clock form from Audemars Piguet. Each of the “Support Japan” clocks features the classic eight screws around the rim of its rounded octagonal shape, two luminescent hands and the Audemars Piguet logo.

Combining great aesthetic and sentimental value, these “Support Japan” clocks are expected to raise substantial amounts for Audemars Piguet Japans’ fundraising initiative. Inspiring hope and emotion, the gifting of these special Royal Oak Wall Clocks has demonstrated Audemars Piguet’s ability to display unity and support amongst its global sectors.