Felix Baumgartner’s Personal Relationship with Time and Watches
The conversation series “Twelve on Time” invites influential figures from the watch world to discuss their personal connection to time, creativity, and craftsmanship through twelve probing questions. Felix Baumgartner, co‑founder of Urwerk, reflects on a 19th‑century tourbillon that sparked his ambition, the emotional impact he seeks in a watch, and the importance of subtle details that reveal meticulous care. He highlights the significance of the sympathique complication, criticises nostalgic trends that hinder innovation, and emphasizes the historic role of precise instruments in navigation and exploration. Baumgartner identifies aerospace engineering and science‑fiction as key inspirations, and he stresses the challenge of avoiding uniformity in modern watchmaking. He admires the first marine chronometer for its life‑saving precision, prefers wearing the URWERK EMC when unobserved, and credits his father’s mentorship for shaping his appreciation of mechanical artistry. For emerging collectors, he advises focusing on pleasure and personal taste rather than financial metrics, encouraging a joyful, instinct‑driven approach to building a collection.
Buying Time Analysis: This interview reveals how Felix Baumgartner’s personal philosophy and innovative approach shape Urwerk’s watchmaking, highlighting the significance of creativity, technical mastery, and the emotional connection to time in the modern horology landscape.
