Urwerk and Laurent Ferrier have created a piece of work that is unique, for the 2017 Only Watch charity auction in aid of the battle against Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Their work is distictive watch called Arpal One, as expected from this two distictive brands. This watch is neither a Laurent Ferrier watch nor an Urwerk, yet the signatures of both firms appear on its back and, surprisingly, the DNA of each manufacture is clearly visible throughout.
Arpal One
Evoking the polished UR-103.01, one of the earliest Urwerk wristwatches, the Arpal One has rotating satellite wandering hours display that’s an Urwerk signature (and found in the UR-105), but the case is a sleek construction reminiscent of classic cars; Ferrier himself was once a racing driver who took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979.
Arpal One
Arpal One is crafted in an unexpectedly modern alloy: Arpal+, which has been specifically developed for this unique watch. It consists of 75% precious metals and resists wear and scratches better than white gold or steel. The streamlined case of the watch evoke the Laurent Ferrier Galet wristwatch, which is characterised by elegant, rounded forms inspired by a galet, French for pebble.
To match the mirror polished case, the time display track is a matte grey, while the thermoplastic cover for the satellites is dark grey and covered with a hobnail pattern.
Arpal One
The UR5.03 movement inside is self-winding with a 48-hour power reserve, while the case measures 40.9mm wide and 60.8mm long, making it larger and longer than the UR-105.
The Arpal One will be sold at auction on November 11, 2017 at Christie’s in Geneva, alongside the four dozen other unique watches created for Only Watch 2017.
Arpal One
