Urwerk's watch is powered by air
Given that it employs a three-position selector switch that controls the level of air compression generated by miniature twin turbines, which in turn control the rate of automatic winding, this is a surprisingly compact watch.
On a traipse through Chinatown Singapore recently, my attention was riveted by a man behind a plate glass, eye loupe pinched to one eye like a cyclops. Peering myopically at watch components so tiny they were almost invisible, I held my breath as he cleaned each bitty part with supreme care. Those of his ilk may soon be a vanishing trade if Urwerk's air-powered watch becomes the next new standard.
It's likely the world's first timepiece to use this method of regulating the winding system. Given that it employs a three-position selector switch that controls the level of air compression generated by miniature twin turbines, which in turn control the rate of automatic winding, this is a surprisingly compact watch. The German-made UR-202 is best seen in action, so check out the promotional video below. There seems to be no price listed, though given its airy stature, you can expect some pretty inflated figures.
(Source: Crave Asia)