Manufacturer: Urwerk Year: Circa 2003 Reference No: UR-103.01 Case No: 7/25 Model Name: UR-103 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 3.03, 21 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Urwerk pin buckle Dimensions: 50mm length x 36mm width Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by blank Urwerk certificate stamped Freisfeld GmbH & Co.KG, Münster and instruction manual.
Catalogue Essay
- The UR-103 is the result of nearly three years of development followed by two additional years of testing. This model marked a significant departure from the brand’s earlier round designs, the UR-101 and UR-102. With its unconventional aesthetics, it broke all traditional watchmaking rules and paved the way for the unbridled creativity seen in Independent Creative Horology a few years later.
- Combining geometric curves with a distinctive bombé rectangular case, the top portion of the "dial" features engraved lines that lend an industrial feel. An opening at the bottom reveals the time indication, showcasing the brand’s signature rotating discs. The hours are displayed on rotating satellites, with the correct hour aligning precisely with a minute track for instant readability.
- The caseback includes a power reserve indication, a subdial for precise time setting to the minute, and a precision adjustment screw that allows users to fine-tune the watch's timing.
- Offered in excellent overall condition, this example is number 7 of a limited edition of just 25 pieces. The UR-103 stands as an icon in the history of contemporary watchmaking, making it a remarkable addition to any collection of independent creations.
- Please note that Urwerk generously offers a complementary servicing of the watch to the winning bidder within a period of 3 months after the sale.
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.
Ref. UR-103.01 A rare and innovative limited edition white gold wristwatch with orbiting satellite hours, 15-minute and seconds dials, power reserve indication and certificate, numbered 7 of a limited edition of 25 pieces
Circa 2003 50mm length x 36mm width Case, dial, movement and buckle signed