T. Prescher retailed by Gübelin

Richard Daners, Thomas Prescher and Gübelin collaborated on a highly unusual series of “bras en l’air” wristwatches during the late 1980s and early 1990s, produced in extremely small numbers and centred around sculptural mythological and historical themes. Examples from the series have appeared publicly depicting subjects including Isis and the Colossus of Rhodes, each incorporating animated or figurative time display mechanisms inspired by earlier automata and historic pocket watch complications.

The present watch, numbered 2/7 and engraved “Jkarus”, represents one of the most visually dramatic interpretations from the series. The dial is dominated by a sculptural winged figure set against a dark ground with radiating decoration, the display integrated into the composition in the manner characteristic of the “bras en l’air” concept. The wings of Icarus act as retrograde hands and by pressing the pusher at 9, the wings drop to disguise the time. If pushed again, the wings return to the current time. The watch is further distinguished by its collaborative signatures to the case and movement, including those of Gübelin and Thomas Prescher. Prescher’s involvement is particularly notable in light of his later reputation as one of the most technically accomplished independent watchmakers of the modern era.

Produced in a documented edition of only 7 examples, the present watch represents an exceptionally rare survival from an important and highly experimental period of independent Swiss watchmaking, combining mechanical ingenuity, sculptural artistry and the emerging creative language that would later come to define modern independent horology.