Urwerk Unveils Stunning Hand-Carved Pocket Watch with a Millennium Tracker

In a breathtaking blend of art and engineering, Urwerk has introduced the UR-1001 Amadeus, a pocket watch that promises to keep time for an astonishing 1,000 years. Crafted by Austrian engraver Florian Güllert, this unique timepiece showcases intricate Baroque designs, reimagined for modern horology.

Measuring 106 by 62 by 23mm, the Amadeus features satellite hours, retrograde minutes, an annual calendar, and a dual-day/night indicator, all powered by a 39-hour reserve. The watch's caseback is equally striking, equipped with an oil-change indicator and a counter that tracks time in five-year increments up to a century, culminating in a mechanical scale that reaches 1,000 years.

Güllert, who typically engraves shotguns, faced a new challenge in working with titanium, a material that reacts differently than precious metals. Employing a combination of laser cutting and hand engraving, he dedicated around 500 hours to achieve the detailed designs that grace the watch’s surface. The result is a stunning interplay of Baroque ornamentation and contemporary mechanics.

The watch’s aesthetic includes elaborate acanthus leaves and a unique quatrefoil rose-window panel on the caseback, showcasing a harmonious blend of historical design influences. The internal workings are equally advanced, featuring a complex display system that divides time into distinct segments.

Initially launched in 2011, the UR-1001 has captivated collectors, with previous models selling for CHF 340,000 each. While Urwerk has not disclosed the price for this handcrafted masterpiece, it is clear that it is aimed at a select clientele. Felix Baumgartner, who named the watch after Mozart, envisions it as a custodian’s treasure rather than a mere possession, hinting at the reality that its intricate counters may never advance beyond their starting point.

Source: www.yankodesign.com