On 11 November 2024, the first ‘Watches for ELA’ auction was held to raise funds for the fight against leukodystrophies, with the invaluable support of Christie’s. Eleven exceptional watches were donated by the watchmakers Andersen Genève X BCHH, ArtyA, Atælier Haute Complication, Bovet, Girard-Perregaux, Konstantin Chaykin, Louis Erard, Montblanc, Richard Mille, OMEGA X Swatch and Ulysse Nardin. A 2005 F. P. Journe Vagabondage platinum watch, consigned by a private individual, was also sold to benefit ELA International.

The funds raised during the sale, totalling CHF 843,000, have made it possible to increase support for researchers and finance respite weekends for young patients, their siblings and their super parents, who are on call 24/7.

“What a wonderful moment it was to see Zinédine Zidane auction off lot 1 of our first “Watches for ELA” sale. This project is personally supported by François-Henri Pinault and made possible thanks to the generosity of watch brands and the unrivalled expertise of Christie’s. Our sole objective was to combine the talent of watchmakers, the passion of collectors and the hope generated by medical research to save the lives of children who just want to grow up. Thank you all for helping us get closer to this goal.”

Guy Alba, Chairman of the Board of ELA International.

Thanks to your generosity during the 2024 edition of ‘Watches for ELA’, ELA organised respite breaks for European families and launched a call for projects to support medical research.

• Support for families: respite care

Families were invited to relaxing holidays where they could enjoy each other’s company and recharge their batteries to continue the daily battle against the disease.

Over 1,200 people have benefited from these respite weekends.

• Research support: exceptional funding

Thanks to the 2024 sale, ELA International is committing an additional €500,000 to fund a research programme on Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD). The ELA International Scientific Council will meet in October to select the best research project./

If you would prefer to send a letter, please write to the following address:
ELA International – 90 B Route d’Arlon – L-1150 Luxembourg