Urwerk - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN Hong Kong Monday, November 26, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Urwerk
    Year: Circa 2008
    Case No: No. 10
    Model Name: UR-202 Turbine Automatic
    Material: ALTIN-coated titanium
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. UR 7.02
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Titanium Urwerk buckle
    Dimensions: 45mm length
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompained with Urwerk certificate and presentation box

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Urwerk brand was founded on a philosophy of creating haute horlogerie that was a blend of traditional watchmaking with a futuristic vision. A collaborative effort between brothers Felix and Thomas Baumgartner and designer Martin Frei, the trio sought to bring a new aesthetic the world of horology. The name derives from the ancient Sumerian city of Ur, whose obelisks were used to track time through shadows. It was here that a year was divided into 12 units. The word “werk” is German for work or create and it is through this concept of creating, evolving and shaping that the team transformed traditional time display into a new and innovative experience. Their first watches appeared at Baselworld in 1997 and were minimalistic wandering hour watches the UR 101 and 102. By 2005, the revolving satellite concept had taken form and featured in their UR103.03.

    Released in 2008, the UR 202 was a new creation that maintained the now iconic design and form, but featured a new innovative winding system using compressed air, the Turbine Automatic. The concept is that the winding rate is regulated by fluid dynamics. The movement has two miniature turbines coupled with a winding rotor. Depending on the level of activity, this complex regulates the flow so that during normal activity the turbines spin freely, during vigorous activity the air pressure generated reduces the winding rate by 35%, and during extreme activity the turbines are blocked. This process allows for less wear on the movement and extends the movements lifespan.

    The present Turbine Automatic is a fascinating display of unique design and modern forward-thinking technology. In our modern world it is interesting to see new concepts coming out in the horological world. The watch is wearable and has a futuristic look.

  • 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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815

A rare and unusual AlTiN-coated titanium wristwatch with revolving satellite complication with telescopic minute hands, twin turbine winding system, moon phase and day/night indication, with presentation box

Circa 2008
45mm length
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$195,000 - 390,000 
€21,500-43,100
$25,000-50,000

Sold for HK$275,000

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

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Specialist
+852 9386 2032
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Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN

Hong Kong Auction 27 November 2018