Urwerk - Game Changers New York Tuesday, December 10, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Urwerk
    Year: 2019
    Reference No: UR-105 CT Iron
    Case No: RDJ and G17 102
    Model Name: Endgame
    Material: Titanium
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. UR-5.03 52 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Urwerk nylon
    Clasp/Buckle: Urwerk titanium clasp
    Dimensions: 39.50mm width, 53mm length
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Urwerk International Guarantee stamped Urwerk Genève, Urwerk presentation box, owner’s manual, additional carrying pouch, outer packaging and nylon Urwerk bag.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Founded in 1995 by watchmaker Felix Baumgartner and industrial designer Martin Frei, Urwerk’s watches are playfully futuristic, influenced by a passion for space travel and science fiction. Their first wristwatches were released in 1997 with the references UR 101 and 102 featuring a wandering hour time display, and by 2005, their creative output was solidified as they released their futuristic UR103.03 with revolving satellite time display - their signature look rooted in a watch made in 1656. In 2008, the brand introduced the UR-202 that featured Urwerk’s innovative winding system using compressed air. The Turbine Automatic is a new concept based on the idea that winding rate is regulated by fluid dynamics. The movement has two miniature pneumatic turbines coupled with a winding rotor, and depending on the wearer’s level of activity, the movement will self-adjust. Spinning freely during normal activity, reduced spinning during more rigorous activity, and no spinning during extreme activity, the dynamic winding system exerts less wear on the movement and extends its life span. A lever permits the wearer to adjust the turbines to ft their own activity level.

    Launched in 2017, the UR-105 CT Iron combines the best of Urwerk’s design and innovative watchmaking capabilities in a wristwatch that can be appreciated by watch enthusiasts and the brand’s fans alike. The present UR-105 CT Iron “Endgame” was worn on the wrist of the charismatic Tony Stark in the record- breaking 2019 film, Avengers: Endgame. Industrialist, inventor and CEO of Stark Industries, Anthony Edward Stark was the brainchild of Stan Lee. Part of the Marvel Comics universe, and the fictional superhero Iron Man, who with his comrades, sets out to save humanity from extinction by the supervillain Thanos. Stark uses his expertise and technical skills to go from a weapons manufacturer for the U.S. military, to a modern-day hero, who along with other Marvel characters seeks to keep peace in the world. Stark’s Iron Man alter ego first appeared in the same named movie, which premiered in 2008 with sequels following in 2010 and 2013. As a 21st century inventor and weapons developer, Tony Stark, like the Urwerk brand, seeks innovative change and new technical expertise that moves beyond the traditional into a new era.

    When one wears the UR-105 CT Iron, time is indicated via the wandering hour hand visible through a window. Hours are etched into rotating satellites appearing through a window at the bottom of the watch. The correct hour aligns with a luminescent minute track allowing the exact time to be instantly read. A slide mechanism permits the case’s top to open, exposing the entire movement. The openwork carousel features four satellites with three numerals for each hour indication. As the minutes pass the next hour numerals rotates and is in position at the top of the hour. The watch front also features a seconds display and power reserve indication. The reverse features the twin turbines used for winding, along with a lever for setting the correct activity level. This unique watch is further enhanced by the “RDJ” initials for the actor in place of the edition number, and the bold “ENDGAME” engraving on the underside of the case’s top. Worn by the American actor, Robert Downey Jr., who has played Tony Stark since 2008 in the Iron Man series, as well as in the 2019 blockbuster Avengers: Endgame. It is a superb, sci-f watch that befits the Iron Man character and the Marvel franchise.

    Proceeds from the sale of this watch will be donated to Random Act Funding, a charitable organization founded by Susan and Robert Downey Jr. This charity provides financial support at the local, national and global levels. Robert Downey Jr. states, “I’ve always been a fan of Urwerk timepieces, and was proud to have one on my wrist for Endgame.... To have it wind up at a prestigious auction to be sold for charity is the icing on the cake.” Phillips is honored to offer the present lot, complete with its box, papers, and original guarantee.

  • 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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Ref. UR-105 CT Iron
A rare, very fine titanium, and unique wristwatch with satellite time display, twin turbine winding system, power reserve, with original international warranty and presentation box, worn by Robert Downey Jr. in Avengers: Endgame, with proceeds going to charity

2019
39.50mm width, 53mm length
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF29,800-59,700
€27,200-54,400
HK$235,000-469,000

Sold for $312,500

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Game Changers

New York Auction 10 December 2019