Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar wristwatch

Urban Jürgensen Reference 2 'Prototype' in 18k yellow gold

Partially verified

This Urban Jürgensen Reference 2 'Prototype' wristwatch dates to 1996 and is cased in 18k yellow gold. Documented by Phillips for Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII as Lot 146, the perpetual calendar model was developed under Peter Baumberger and Derek Pratt. Source reporting indicates it houses a Frédéric Piguet calibre 71 movement fitted with a Lemania perpetual calendar module. The hand-decorated solid silver dial displays guilloché engine turning, clous-de-Paris patterning, a moon-phase aperture, and classic Observatoire-style hands. In place of a standard production serial number, the dial bears an applied cartouche marked 'PROTO', matching movement number 000000 confirmed by company archives.

Dial detail of the Urban Jürgensen Reference 2 Prototype showing the 'PROTO' cartouche, moon phase, and guilloché work
Dial detail of the Urban Jürgensen Reference 2 Prototype showing the 'PROTO' cartouche, moon phase, and guilloché work — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Urban Jürgensen
Reference
2
Catalogue / lot identifier
146
Source-reported date
1996
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
000000

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Provenance

This timepiece is a 1996 Urban Jürgensen Reference 2 'Prototype' cased in 18k yellow gold, listed as Lot 146 in the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII.

The watch is distinguished by its dial markings and movement numbering. In place of a standard serial number, the dial is marked 'PROTO', and the movement is numbered '000000', a designation documented by the brand's archives.

Evidence for this section
  • “Lot 146: A 1996 Urban Jürgensen Reference 2 'Prototype' in 18k yellow gold that is included in the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII.”
  • “The dial is marked “PROTO” in place of the serial number”
  • “the movement carries the unusual number "000000,"”
  • “Urban Jürgensen’s archives confirm the designation”

Dial and Aesthetic Features

The dial is crafted from solid silver and features hand-decorated engine-turned patterns, including a clous-de-Paris center and a basketweave motif on the subsidiary registers.

Observations of the dial include a moon-phase aperture with inlaid gold stars against a polished sky, and the signature Observatoire-style hour hand, noted for its circular eye and sharp tip.

Evidence for this section
  • “Crafted from solid silver and hand-decorated”
  • “A brushed chapter ring with Roman numerals surrounds a clous-de-Paris center executed on a traditional engine-turning lathe. The subsidiary registers carry a basketweave pattern”
  • “the moon-phase disc features hand-inlaid gold stars against a polished steel sky”
  • “Its distinctive circular aperture and sharply pointed tip embody the brand’s careful blend of technical precision and aesthetic refinement.”

Movement and Construction

The timepiece is powered by an ultra-thin Frédéric Piguet calibre 71 movement, which is fitted with a perpetual calendar module developed by Lemania. The movement measures 2.4mm in thickness.

The 38mm yellow gold case features a stepped bezel and teardrop lugs, design elements associated with the collaboration between Peter Baumberger and Derek Pratt.

Evidence for this section
  • “Inside beats the ultra-thin Frédéric Piguet calibre 71, fitted with a Lemania-developed perpetual calendar module.”
  • “Measuring just 2.4mm in thickness”
  • “The 38mm case is modestly sized yet elegant, with a stepped bezel”
  • “The teardrop lugs, though small, give the case its characteristic grace”

Open research questions

  • Are there additional markings on the caseback or internal case components to further verify the '000000' serial association?
  • What specific archival documentation from Urban Jürgensen corroborates the prototype status of this movement number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Urban Jürgensen Reference 2 'Prototype' in 18k yellow gold
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Lot Number146“Lot 146: A 1996 Urban Jürgensen Reference 2 'Prototype' in 18k yellow gold that is included in the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII.”
Case Material18k yellow gold“in 18k yellow gold”
Dial InscriptionPROTO“The dial is marked “PROTO” in place of the serial number”
Movement Number000000“the movement carries the unusual number "000000,"”
Movement CalibreFrédéric Piguet calibre 71 with Lemania perpetual calendar module“Inside beats the ultra-thin Frédéric Piguet calibre 71, fitted with a Lemania-developed perpetual calendar module.”
Case Diameter38mm“The 38mm case is modestly sized yet elegant”
Reference2“Urban Jürgensen Reference 2 'Prototype'”

Visible details

  • Silver engine-turned dial decorated with clous-de-Paris and basketweave guilloché patterns
  • Applied curved silver cartouches inscribed 'URBAN JÜRGENSEN COPENHAGEN' and 'PROTO'
  • Moon-phase aperture displaying a polished golden moon and stars set against a deep blue sky
  • Gilt Observatoire hour hand with a distinctive open circular eye and sharp tip

Research qualifications

  • Full case, teardrop lugs, caseback, strap, and movement are not visible in the provided dial macro photograph
  • Technical specifications and movement details are source-reported by Phillips auction editorial

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

A Pair of Urban Jürgensen Prototypes, Revealed

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 4e57dbb3c8

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other perpetual calendar wristwatch records