Urwerk - Disruptors: Evening Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Design and Watches Hong Kong Thursday, May 25, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Urwerk
    Year: Circa 2014
    Reference No: UR-105M
    Case No: 10/77
    Model Name: Dark Knight
    Material: Titanium
    Calibre: Manual, UR 5.01, 38 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Canvas
    Clasp/Buckle: Titanium Urwerk pin buckle
    Dimensions: 53mm length x 39.5mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by undated Urwerk International Warranty stamped GMT Italia Srl, instruction manual, service invoice dated 27 August 2022, maintenance booklet, leather travel case, additional black canvas strap, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Urwerk is one of the founders of what is known today as “Creative Independent Horology”, a genre born in the last years of the 20th century and that unashamedly brought together alternative time displays, bold designs and haute horlogerie. Founded in 1997 by genius watchmaker Felix Baumgartner and maverick designer Martin Frei, the Urwerk philosophy was from the beginning a time telling display based on rotating elements.

    In 2014, Urwerk launched the limited edition UR-105M in two variations – the Iron Knight with a brushed steel armor bezel, and the Dark Knight with a black AITiN-treated steel armor bezel. Inspired by the Middle Ages, evoking knights with shining armor risking their lives for glory and honour, the present timepiece pays tribute to times long gone. The case was developed in line with a knight's shield and its titanium hardware shielding the movement from the world beyond.

    Each of Urwerk's innovation and complications are represented in this model with the satellite hours taking centre stage, an emblematic and instantly recognizable signature element of the brand. The hours are indicated via a carousel that carries four rotating discs, each bearing three numerals for the hours. The hours successively sweep past the minutes scale on the lower part of the watch. The running seconds and power reserve are displayed playfully on the caseband. The back of the watch features what the brand calls a “control panel” with a power reserve display, an indication of when the watch needs servicing as well as a fine-tuning screw allowing adjustment of the rate.

    Bold and conspicuous, this watch is not only a symbol of contemporary horology, but also an amalgamation of the brand's futuristic vision, combined with traditional watchmaking and romantic lore. The present UR-105M Dark Knight number 10 of a limited edition of 77 pieces is offered in excellent overall condition and further accompanied by its full set of accessories.

  • Artist Biography

    Urwerk

    Swiss • 1997

    The Swiss firm's name "Urwerk" is a play on the German word meaning clockwork. "Ur" is an ancient Sumerian city in which the populace used sundials for timekeeping, while "werk" is German for creation. The company started by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei is known for their innovative avant-garde designs inspired by space travel. With their own take on time indication, like many of their contemporaries, their futuristic timepieces are rooted in high-end traditional watchmaking. Their signature floating method of time indication using rotating satellites traces back to a watch made in 1656. Producing only 150 watches per year, they have impressed connoisseurs with their innovativeness and cutting-edge technical prowess.

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PROPERTY FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER

355

Ref. UR-105M
A fine, rare and unusual limited edition titanium wristwatch with three-dimensional satellite hour display, power reserve, warranty and presentation box, numbered 10 of a limited edition of 77 pieces

Circa 2014
53mm length x 39.5mm width
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$180,000 - 280,000 
€21,000-32,700
$23,100-35,900

Sold for HK$304,800

Contact Specialist

Anastasia Salnikoff
Head of Mid-Season Sales
+852 2318 2014
anastasiasalnikoff@phillips.com
 

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Disruptors: Evening Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Design and Watches

Hong Kong Auction 25 May 2023