While each watch in the Only Watch 2017 charity auction is unique and one-off, this particular timepiece is a collaborated effort which some may see as even more special, especially as the two brands involved are so very different.
The story began when the classic watchmaker Laurent Ferrier met Felix Baumgartner of the avant-garde watch brand Urwerk at a watch exhibition back in November 2015. Their friendship eventually led to a joint project aiming to build a bridge between the two, like “mixing oil and water” as Baumgartner described. The result is perfect equilibrium. The unique piece is based on Urwerk UR-105’s movement and overall style. The mirror polished case is streamlined like the coachwork of an automobile, with almost aerodynamic curves sketched by Ferrier. It is made of an exclusive alloy specifically developed for the project called ARPAL+ which consists of 75% precious metals and resists wear and scratches better than white gold and steel. Urwerk’s signature rotating satellite wandering hours display can be found with matt grey hours satellites and paired with a sand-coloured leather strap, while the self-winding UR5.03 movement has a 48-hour power reserve.
