One of the first watches launched by Urwerk, way back in 1997, was a peculiar watch called the 102, which featured a new take on the historic wandering hours display. The idea, which was centuries old, would go on to spawn a diverse collection of modern watches from the independent brand, ranging from the reserved 103, to downright show stopping watches like the 210 and 220. The original 102 has continued to hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts, and when we caught wind of a new one being made for the brand?s 25th anniversary (and to benefit the Swiss Institute at auction), it sparked a load of nostalgia, and a newfound curiosity around the visual trick up its sleeve. Prior to the auction, we had the opportunity to see the watch in person and experience the impressive effect ourselves. 
Like the original, the latest 102 (the 102.02 Reloaded, fittingly) features a smooth, pebble-like case that?s almost entirely uniform. There is no traditional round viewing window that opens up to a dial with hands and numerals. Instead, an arched window restricts our view to only the current hour as it passes along a minute track. Not dissimilar to other, more open Urwerk watches, but here there is a serenity to the case, and there?s something poetic about the single wandering hour making its way across the track, with no perceptible movement to distract you.

There may be no perceptible movement, but that doesn?t mean the dial is static. The 102.02 was done in collab...