Urwerk - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Description

    View our Conditions of Sale.

  • Manufacturer: Urwerk
    Year: Circa 2010
    Reference No: UR103.09 RG
    Case No: 084
    Model Name: UR-103
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. UR3.03, 21 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Canvas
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Urwerk pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm width x 50mm length
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Urwerk warranty stamped by Urwerk Certified Pre-Owned dated 1st April 2021.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Urwerk was founded by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei in 1997, and their delightful creations were based on the Sci-Fi and comics they grew up with. With an adventurous and bold approach, the duo brought a completely new perspective and unique unorthodox aesthetics to watchmaking. Urwerk debuted the UR-103 was debuted in 2003, and its extraordinary design went on to become one of the most enduring and iconic watch of modern haute horlogerie.

    Discontinued in 2010, the UR-103 was made in a range of metals and styles. Capturing the essence of Urwerk’s design philosophy, the present example in pink gold fuses an artistic architecture with innovative complications, exuding an endearing extravagance. The futuristic form of its streamlined case houses a three-dimensional orbiting and revolving satellites hour-display, bring joy and fun to time reading. The slanting sides of the hour satellites also allow for time reading without turning the wrist. The bright green glow of SuperLumiNova setting against the matte black dial is a gratifying sight to behold.

    Operated by an oversized crown at 12 o’clock which references the booster of a rocket motor, the control board greets the wearer on the back of the timepiece, with a 43-hour power reserve indicator, a chronometer with minutes and seconds to facilitate accurate time-setting, and an adjustment screw which enables the wearer to fine tune and regulate adjustment to +/- 30 seconds per day.

    Much more than a horological sculpture, the UR-103 is an icon in the history of contemporary watchmaking and represents the creative ideal for independent watchmaking. Offered in excellent condition, and accompanied by an Urwerk warranty, this irresistible timepiece is a fantastic addition to the collections of independent creators.

  • 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.

    View More Works

1071

Ref. UR103.09 RG
A fine and innovative pink gold chronometer wristwatch with three-dimensional satellite hour display, power reserve indication and warranty

Circa 2010
36mm width x 50mm length
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 300,000 
€14,400-36,000
$15,400-38,500

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024