MB&F X Urwerk - The Geneva Watch Auction: XV Geneva Saturday, May 7, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: MB&F X Urwerk
    Year: Circa 2012
    Reference No: C3H5N309
    Case No: NZR1239
    Model Name: Experiment ZR012 "Nitro"
    Material: Zirconium
    Calibre: Manual
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Zirconium deployant clasp signed C3H5N309
    Dimensions: 55mm X 44mm
    Signed: Case, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted box

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 2005, under the aegis of Max Büsser as CEO, Harry Winston Timepieces and Urwerk presented one of the most exciting, cutting edge and innovative watches of the beginning of the 21st Century: The Opus V. A watch that would reach cult status in the following years (see lot 296).

    To have the team reunite again in 2012 but this time with Max Büsser at the helm of his own brand MB&F was an event collectors of contemporary independent watchmaking could only dream of.
    First the name of the brand under which the watch was created was brilliant in the fact that it was almost impossible to memorize: C3H5N309 - which is the chemical symbol for nitroglycerin!

    The result – the present Experiment ZR012, limited to 12 pieces in zirconium and 12 pieces in black zirconium - was nothing short of astounding in its overt brazen design and implementation.
    The elongated, somewhat oblong multi-level case features a mobile lug on top of the case for ease of wear.

    The movement is based on a Wankel engine, a type of internal combustion engine using an eccentric rotary design to convert pressure into rotating motion. The time display uses twin discs with the minutes triangle on top and the hours disc below. Deceptively the time appears to be indicated by centrally rotating triangular rotors; however, the triangles are actually Reuleaux polygons; they rotate eccentrically rather than centrally and track complex epitrochroid curves rather than circles. A power reserve indication is placed on the back.

    The construction of these elements is superbly architectural and three dimensional with a somewhat steam punk post industrial feel to it.

    The brainchild of two of the most creative minds of their generation, the Experiment ZR012 is a spellbinding timepiece that is a must have for any collector of independent contemporary horology.

104

Ref. C3H5N309
A cutting edge and innovative zirconium wristwatch with alternative time display and power reserve part of a 12 piece limited edition

Circa 2012
55mm X 44mm
Case, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€19,600-39,300
$21,200-42,500

Sold for CHF163,800

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022