It’s neither a Laurent Ferrier watch nor an URWERK, yet the signatures of both firms appear on its back. The existence of this unexpected watch defies logic because it is the joint effort of two watchmaking companies that couldn’t be more different. Each bases its identity on the opposite ends of watchmaking’s stylistic spectrum. On one side, the expression of timehonoured traditions; on the other, an anarchic effort to overturn conventions. The Arpal One LF-UR1 also offers a unique opportunity to witness two independent brands working together to produce a watch for the Only Watch 2017 auction. Laurent Ferrier has forged an enviable reputation as master of the definitive watch in the classic style. URWERK, on the other hand, has spent the last 20 years challenging the watchmaking world with its bold originality.

COLLABORATION
The story started behind the watchmaking scenes. It was in November 2015 at a watchmaking exhibition like many others. There, two watchmakers, exiled from the cocoons of their respective workshops, made a tentative effort to escape the crowds and take a break. “Of course, I knew him by sight. But there, we seemed to be alone in the world, lost in a bubble, and so we got to know one another.” recalls Felix Baumgartner. Laurent Ferrier picks up the story: “I’m rather shy by nature, but I quickly found common ground with Felix. The place was peculiar, but the time was right.”
Their friendship was to blossom into a joint project — to build a bridge between two watchmaking companies and thereby to create an exceptional watch for a noble cause. Combining tradition with daring innovation was like mixing oil and water.