Urwerk - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Urwerk
    Year: 2015
    Reference No: UR-106
    Case No: No. 001, Z15.0103
    Material: Black Titanium
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 6.01
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Black Titanium Urwerk clasp
    Dimensions: 48mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Urwerk presentation box, outer black leather Urwerk watch case and outer packaging
    Provenance: Only Watch 2015

     

    Catalogue Essay

     

    This UR-106 was originally made for the 2015 Only Watch charity auction benefitting Duchenne muscular dystrophy research. It was an unprecedented timepiece with satellite hours indication and moonphases. The three revolving arms each bearing four satellite hours successively pass over the minutes scale, giving a digital as well as an analogue indication of the time. This unique watch represented more than a technical and stylistic breakthrough; it highlighted the social commitment of the independent brand. When donated for Only Watch, the company’s founders, Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei declared, “If our contribution can further this essential research we have to get involved.” For the present sale of this watch donated by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Urwerk will provide a 2-year warranty starting on the date of this auction.

    The Urwerk brand was founded on a philosophy of creating haute horlogerie that was a blend of traditional watchmaking with a futuristic vision. The company started by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei is known for their innovative avant-garde designs inspired by space travel. The brand 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. Generously donated by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, this unique Urwerk is being sold to support the missions of One Drop and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

     

    The buyer of this lot may be eligible to receive a charitable tax deduction for their purchase. Please see section 10 of this Auction’s Conditions of Sale.

     

    "Let us unite to ensure that water, a vital and common resource for humanity, will no longer be a global health issue but a duly respected right."

    H.S.H. PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO 

     

    Born in 1958 in Monaco, H.S.H. Prince Albert II is the Sovereign Prince of the Principality of Monaco. The year following his accession to the throne, he launched in 2006 the “Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation”, which continues his personal commitment for the protection of the environment by supporting sustainable, ethical and innovative projects around the world, with a focus on three main challenges: fighting against climate change and promoting renewable energy; combating the loss of biodiversity; and preserving water resources. 

     

    In January 2009, Prince Albert II of Monaco undertook a scientific journey in the Antarctic. This journey follows upon two other expeditions realized in Arctic in 2005 (Spitzberg) and 2006 when he reached the North Pole by sledge. Prince Albert II is the only Head of State to have visited
    both Poles.  

     

    H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco has been honored by numerous prizes from organizations around the world for His contribution and actions in favor of the protection of our environment as the Teddy Roosevelt medal at the United States Congress, the Roger Revelle prize at the University of California in San Diego, and the B.A.U.M Environmental award in Hamburg. HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco oversees the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and the Oceanographic Institute at the University of Paris. He is a member of the Ocean Elders group and serves on the Advisory Committee for the Students on Ice Program. H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco is one of the IUCN Patron of Nature since 2011. 

  • The objectives supported by TIME COUNTS

     

    Tackling global water issues and improving the living conditions of some of the most vulnerable populations around the world.

    In the wake of COVID-19, there’s never been more pressure on the global community to address water issues. Handwashing being one of the most important behaviors to decrease the propagation of all kinds of viruses, it goes without saying that safe water needs to be accessible. Unfortunately, over 2.2 billion people lack access to safe water at home.  

     

    All net proceeds from the TIME COUNTS charitable initiative will go to improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable populations around the world by providing sustainable access to safe water and encouraging the adoption of healthy hygiene behaviors.  

     

    TIME COUNTS will also enable One Drop and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to fund a large-scale program resulting from a joint call for proposals launched earlier this year by both foundations. Applicant organizations have submitted projects to improve resilience and ensure sustainable and equitable access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for communities in need, with particular emphasis placed on issues affecting extremely poor and marginalized populations. The final selection will be announced in early 2021.  

     

    Together, let’s make the world a more sustainable place for all.

     

    Phillips will remit to One Drop and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation the next proceeds from the Buyer’s premium.

     

     

    One Drop and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation join forces for a vital cause.

  • The One Drop Foundation

     

    One Drop is an international foundation created by Cirque du Soleil and Lune Rouge founder Guy Laliberté, with the vision of a better world where all have access to living conditions that allow empowerment and development. Its mission is to ensure sustainable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene for the most vulnerable communities through innovative partnerships, creativity and the power of art. Together with its partners, One Drop brings its unique Social Art for Behaviour Change™ approach to promote the adoption of healthy practices around water, sanitation and hygiene through locally inspired social art programs, empowering the communities to take ownership of the water projects over time. For this to be possible, One Drop creates novel fundraising initiatives supported by a visionary community of partners and donors. One Drop counts over 12 years of turning water into action with projects that will soon have transformed the lives of over 2.1 million people around the world.

     

    Onedrop.org

     

    Photo credit: Terry Hughes
  • ​ The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

     

    Inspired by his own observations and in the light of the alarming scientific evidence, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco made a personal commitment by launching, in 2006, his Foundation to act against the environmental dangers threatening our planet and making populations vulnerable. The Foundation focuses its efforts on three principal domains of action: climate change, biodiversity and water resources, and funds initiatives in the fields of research and studies, technological innovation and socially aware practices. In order to take action for the protection of nature, the Foundation supports projects in three main geographical regions: the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar Regions and the Least Developed Countries.

     

    www.fpa2.org

    • Manufacturer: Urwerk
      Year: 2015
      Reference No: UR-106
      Case No: No. 001, Z15.0103
      Material: Black Titanium
      Calibre: Automatic, cal. 6.01
      Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
      Clasp/Buckle: Black Titanium Urwerk clasp
      Dimensions: 48mm Diameter
      Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
      Accessories: Accompanied by Urwerk presentation box, outer black leather Urwerk watch case and outer packaging
      Provenance: Only Watch 2015

    • Provenance

      Only Watch 2015

    • Catalogue Essay

      This UR-106 was originally made for the 2015 Only Watch charity auction benefitting Duchenne muscular dystrophy research. It was an unprecedented timepiece with satellite hours indication and moonphases. The three revolving arms each bearing four satellite hours successively pass over the minutes scale, giving a digital as well as an analogue indication of the time. This unique watch represented more than a technical and stylistic breakthrough; it highlighted the social commitment of the independent brand. When donated for Only Watch, the company’s founders, Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei declared, “If our contribution can further this essential research we have to get involved.” For the present sale of this watch donated by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Urwerk will provide a 2-year warranty starting on the date of this auction.

      The Urwerk brand was founded on a philosophy of creating haute horlogerie that was a blend of traditional watchmaking with a futuristic vision. The company started by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei is known for their innovative avant-garde designs inspired by space travel. The brand 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. Generously donated by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, this unique Urwerk is being sold to support the missions of One Drop and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

    • 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

Σ66

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. UR-106
A piece unique black titanium wristwatch with three-dimensional satellite hour display and moon phase, with presentation box, donated by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco to support the missions of One Drop and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

2015
48mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Full Cataloguing

Estimate
$50,000 - 100,000 
CHF45,000-90,000
€42,100-84,200
HK$388,000-775,000

Sold for $75,600

Contact Specialist

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

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020