20Σ︎
Urban Jürgensen
Ref. Proto of 3pcs
Tourbillon Minute Repeater “Unique Piece, Prototype”
A unique, extremely rare, and important prototype wristwatch with minute repeater, tourbillon, certificate of origin, and presentation box
Estimate
$120,000–240,000
Live June 13, 10:00 AM ET
Manufacturer
Urban Jürgensen
Year
2004, Switzerland
Reference No
Proto of 3pcs
Movement No
450
Model Name
Tourbillon Minute Repeater “Unique Piece, Prototype”
Material
Platinum
Calibre
Manual, cal. 13 ligne, 38 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
Platinum Urban Jürgensen deployant clasp
Dimensions
40mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
Accessories
Accompanied by Certificate of Origin dated July 5th, 2004, instruction booklet, fitted presentation box, outer packaging. Further accompanied by printed correspondence between the consignor and Dr. Helmut Crott.
Full-Cataloguing
GOOD TO KNOW
• Piece unique - one of only 3 unique prototypes made
• Tourbillon most probably designed by Derek Pratt
• Highly complicated, exquisitely hand-finished movement
• Full set and very well-preserved
Completed in 2004, this impressive, highly complicated Urban Jurgensen is a prototype from a series of only three watches, underscoring its extreme rarity and importance within the brand’s modern history. According to period records, Peter Baumberger—credited with reviving Urban Jurgensen with his acquisition of the firm in the 1970s—began working with Lemania in 1995 on movements that combined a tourbillon and minute repeater movement. Three prototype movements were delivered by Lemania around 2000, and would be cased into Urban Jurgensen watches. Correspondence with master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen
indicates that he may have worked on this early prototype during his formative years as an independent watchmaker, adding an additional layer of importance for collectors. These prototype watches therefore represent a rare collaborative effort aimed at achieving the pinnacle of classical high complications.
Housed in a refined 40mm platinum case, the watch exemplifies Urban Jürgensen’s distinctive aesthetic language: elegant teardrop lugs, a stepped bezel, and a meticulously executed two-tone silver dial. The dial features hand-guilloché decoration with radial Roman numerals, while an aperture reveals the mesmerizing one-minute tourbillon regulator, offering both visual dynamism and chronometric precision. Examining the details of its tourbillon, the design is nearly identical to Derek Pratt-designed flying tourbillon mechanisms found in Urban Jurgensen pocket watch movements made by Pratt.
The movement combines two of the most revered complications in horology: a one-minute tourbillon and a minute repeater, activated via a slide on the case and chiming on gongs with twin hammers. The execution reflects the highest standards of traditional watchmaking.
The historical narrative of these prototypes is equally compelling. Similar prototypes have appeared publicly, including an open dial prototype seen at Baselworld in 2009, and this very example at auction in 2012.
Produced during a period when Urban Jürgensen’s output remained extremely limited at fewer than 1,000 watches between 1980 and 2021, this prototype, numbered 450, stands as a testament to the brand’s uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Preserved in excellent condition and accompanied by its original box and certificate, this watch represents a rare opportunity to acquire a historically significant and technically exceptional timepiece from one of watchmaking’s most discreet yet revered maisons.
• Piece unique - one of only 3 unique prototypes made
• Tourbillon most probably designed by Derek Pratt
• Highly complicated, exquisitely hand-finished movement
• Full set and very well-preserved
Completed in 2004, this impressive, highly complicated Urban Jurgensen is a prototype from a series of only three watches, underscoring its extreme rarity and importance within the brand’s modern history. According to period records, Peter Baumberger—credited with reviving Urban Jurgensen with his acquisition of the firm in the 1970s—began working with Lemania in 1995 on movements that combined a tourbillon and minute repeater movement. Three prototype movements were delivered by Lemania around 2000, and would be cased into Urban Jurgensen watches. Correspondence with master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen
indicates that he may have worked on this early prototype during his formative years as an independent watchmaker, adding an additional layer of importance for collectors. These prototype watches therefore represent a rare collaborative effort aimed at achieving the pinnacle of classical high complications.
Housed in a refined 40mm platinum case, the watch exemplifies Urban Jürgensen’s distinctive aesthetic language: elegant teardrop lugs, a stepped bezel, and a meticulously executed two-tone silver dial. The dial features hand-guilloché decoration with radial Roman numerals, while an aperture reveals the mesmerizing one-minute tourbillon regulator, offering both visual dynamism and chronometric precision. Examining the details of its tourbillon, the design is nearly identical to Derek Pratt-designed flying tourbillon mechanisms found in Urban Jurgensen pocket watch movements made by Pratt.
The movement combines two of the most revered complications in horology: a one-minute tourbillon and a minute repeater, activated via a slide on the case and chiming on gongs with twin hammers. The execution reflects the highest standards of traditional watchmaking.
The historical narrative of these prototypes is equally compelling. Similar prototypes have appeared publicly, including an open dial prototype seen at Baselworld in 2009, and this very example at auction in 2012.
Produced during a period when Urban Jürgensen’s output remained extremely limited at fewer than 1,000 watches between 1980 and 2021, this prototype, numbered 450, stands as a testament to the brand’s uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Preserved in excellent condition and accompanied by its original box and certificate, this watch represents a rare opportunity to acquire a historically significant and technically exceptional timepiece from one of watchmaking’s most discreet yet revered maisons.