With this mystery-filled debut, the duo of Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei share a common desire to represent time throughout the centuries and across civilizations.

With its imposing dimensions, 3.60m in diameter, 1.22m thick, and its impressive weight of 2.24 tons, the so-called Sun Stone inspires the imagination of archaeologists and historians. Eight concentric circles surround an expressive face. The second displays engravings of a solar calendar, the third glyphs of the days of the month, and the fourth the 250 days of the sacred year. This enigmatic achievement continues to intrigue the modern-day Indiana Joneses. All of which also whets Urwerk‘s curiosity! With a faithful and delicate reproduction of this work, the brand kicks off a new series dedicated to retranscribing time. As such, the emblematic designs of Aztec art are precisely engraved on a dome topping the UR-100V Time and Culture case.

For this series released in only 20 pieces, while one of the inscriptions indicates the distance traveled by the Earth around the sun in 20 minutes equal to 35,742 km, the other indicates the number of kilometers traveled in this same period of time by a point located in Mexico City during the rotation of our planet, that is to say 524.89km. The original display of time information inherent to the collection can be admired. The imposing satellite hour carousel combined with a retrograde minute is powered by the UR 12.02 self-winding caliber. The pair moves in a tricolored staging of green, white, and red, in a subtle reference to the Mexican flag.

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New variation, new aesthetic! For this version, produced in a limited edition of 25 timepieces, the brand decided on a composite material with very attractive properties.

As the ninth installment of the UR-100 saga that began in 2019, the UR-100V C52 stands out with its 41×49.7x14mm case machined from High Resistance CRP carbon made up of 52 strata compressed in an epoxy polymer resin. Of an unfailing durability, it also emphasizes the importance of being lightweight. It weighs only 11 grams, including the titanium back! The striations of the material play a part in the design of the Urwerk watch, accentuating both the curves and the straight surfaces. As with the previous models, the timepiece is powered by the UR 12.02 caliber. This self-winding mechanism with a 48-hour power reserve is remarkable, among other things, due to the presence of a profiled propeller, the Windfänger that controls the action of the bidirectional oscillating weight. These two elements can be viewed through the sapphire back of the case. On the openworked dial, the original display of time information inherent to the collection can be admired. The impressive carousel of the satellite time remains combined with a retrograde minute. Green SuperLuminova® painted markers and numerals ensure easy readability under any light condition.

As with all the previous models of the series, on the periphery can be seen, on both sides, the distance traveled from a point to the equator in 20 minutes, 555.55 km, and that of the Earth around the Sun during the same period of time, 35,742 km. A nod to a clock crafted by Gustave Sandoz indicating the path taken by our planet at the level of the greatest parallel in place of the hours.

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The brand unveils a new limited edition of 25 timepieces of its latest model. Its particularity: a perfectly integrated wristband, crafted in the same material as the case.

After the Electrum, introducing the Full Titanium Jacket! With this incarnation of the UR-100V, Urwerk decided to focus on the overall aesthetics of the watch. Unlike the previous models, this version is equipped with a titanium wristband for the first time. Made up of 32 links, this bracelet was conceived to fit the octagonal case with its unique shape, in order to guarantee the most comfortable wearing experience.

The UR 12.02 caliber is also finished in an elegant gray hue. It drives the imposing carousel of satellite hours and the retrograde hand that points to the graduated minute track. This self-winding movement provides the timepiece with a 48-hour power reserve. The sapphire backing of the case affords a view of the mechanical workings including the bi-directional oscillating weight and the regulation system using a profiled Windfänger helix.

Ever present on both sides of the UR-100V Full Titanium Jacket’s dial, inscriptions recall two notable lengths traveled in the same time interval, 20 minutes. The number 555.55 km and the abbreviation “rotat” indicate the journey made by a person located on the equator. Conversely, the references 35,742 km and “revol” provide information regarding the rotation of the Earth around the Sun. These indications are inspired by a clock manufactured by Sandoz for the World Fair of 1893. This specific clock had the particularity of displaying the distance traveled by our planet instead of the hours of the day.

Price: CHF 55,000

By Dan Diaconu

The post UR-100V FULL TITANIUM JACKET appeared first on Watches News.

Félix Baumgartner and Martin Frei expanded the Special Project collection with a creation that is disruptive both in its singular design and its innovative mechanism. Its weight? Only 25.5 g!

Complexity meets simplicity. Once again, Urwerk is challenging the classic presentation of time with its new model, the UR-112 “Aggregat”. Its rectangular casing measuring 42x51x16mm, with sober lines, has a side display like that of a “casquette” watch, here it is entirely digital. The dial features jumping hours on one side and trailing minutes on the other, all graduated from 5 to 5. These Super-Luminova®-coated numerals are positioned on satellite prisms machined from beryllium bronze, a highly resistant copper alloy. An ingenious gearing system generates the energy required for their rotation. The timepiece also harbors more than one secret. By pressing a button located in the case middle, a titanium cap lifts up, revealing the 48-hour power reserve indicator. The wearer also reveals a small digital second hand housed on a silicon disk.

Inside this futuristic display casing, whose design is reminiscent of creations from the Streamline Moderne architecture, the UR-13.01 caliber is at work. The construction of this hand-wound movement is unusual in that it has a long transmission rod connecting the cylinder and the timekeeping information. Each receives the appropriate amount of energy to advance.

The first limited edition of 25 pieces of the UR-112 is offered in an elegant and mysterious matte, black, and gray composition.

Price: CHF 250,000 pretax

By Dan Diaconu

The post UR-112 “AGGREGAT” appeared first on Watches News.

Time: comedy, drama? Both? This novel opus produced in just 25 pieces proposes a spectacular scenography of time that invites us to indulge in a host of visual sensations.

Electrum, a natural-occurring alloy of gold and silver, containing traces of copper, known as “white gold” during ancient times, stands out with its hues that swing towards yellow. This metal, used to produce coins back in the day, became obsolete as greater purity of materials was then privileged. Urwerk draws its inspiration from it to imagine its UR-100 Electrum watch. Its case comprises a blend of gold and palladium. Circular striations adorn its surface. Like the tier-seating in a theater, they encircle the stage, the dial, where a fascinating feast-for-the-eyes takes place, the display of time showcased by the omnipresence of green Super-LumiNova®!

The UR 12.01 caliber drives the satellite hours and the impressive retrograde hand that hovers over the graduated minute scale with incredible precision. This selfwinding movement delivers 48 hours of autonomy. The sapphire-crystal caseback offers a vista over the mechanical wings in particular the bidirectional rotor and the regulator that uses a profiled helical system known as Windfänger.

We also discover the two lateral slots on the case-middle that are inherent to this model. The first features the numbers 555.55 km and the acronym “rotat”. This distance corresponds to the one traveled by anyone located on the equator over 20 minutes. In the second slot, 35,742 km and “revol” are inscribed. This data evokes the journey of the Earth around the Sun over this same period of time.

Price: CHF62,000 VAT-exclu.

By Dan Diaconu

The post UR-100 ELECTRUM appeared first on Watches News.

With this novel variation in its 220 collection, the independent brand lights up time data on your wrist. When stunning becomes part of everyday life!

What about living in a nightless world? In the short story by talented writer Isaac Asimov (1920-1992), Nightfall, this is actually the case for the inhabitants of planet Lagash until the day where the unthinkable occurs. Here on Earth, our days are fortunately paced by the sun’s illumination. Yet, Urwerk wished that owners of its UR-220 model could take advantage of the opportunity to read satellite time at any time of the day or night, even in total darkness. The third variation in the collection stands out from previous pieces thanks to its luminous cubes. These yellow-colored elements, real light-catchers, thanks to their active-pigment composition, are crafted in solid blocks of Swiss Grade X1 BL Super-LumiNova® imagined by the firm RC Tritec. As such, the UR-220 SL Asimov dial offers optimal time data reading.

In addition to the hours, the impressive retrograde minute and scale hovered over as well as the double power reserve display dazzle at night with their blue- and green-glowing luminescent coating.

The black carbon case (43.8 x 53.6 x 14.8 mm) hosts the hand-wound UR-7.20 caliber (48 hours of autonomy). On the caseback, an “Oil change” indicator specifies the number of months the movement has been running enabling the wearer to keep an eye on when it’s time to service the watch. This reference with its futuristic look is worn on a Vulcarboné® rubber strap clasped by a black DLC buckle and a Velcro® fastener.

Price: CHF147,000 VAT-exclu.

By Dan Diaconu

The post UR-220 SL ASIMOV appeared first on Watches News.

Far from being the torment of Hellenic mythology or an antonomasia, the tantalum used here for the casing of this final series is a pleasure to the eye thanks to its unique hues.

True to its limited production principles, Urwerk is ending its 105 collection with an exclusive new variation. The UR-105 Tantalum Hull (TTH) thus brings to a close a chapter started in 2014. The particularity of this model resides in the composition of its 53×39.5×17.8mm octagonal case combining titanium and tantalum. This transitional metal is distinctive not only for its hardness, corrosion, and temperature resistance properties, but also for its unique blue-gray aesthetic. This combination protects the satellite time display driven by a Geneva cross structure machined in beryllium bronze and a skeletonized aluminum carousel. Lifting the cover situated above the sapphire crystal reveals a section of the mechanism. As with the previous timepieces, the minutes are indicated on an arc-shaped scale.

As with all of the references in the range, this series, limited to 12 timepieces, is powered by the UR 5.03 caliber controlled by a double turbine. These are revealed by turning over the sophisticated case. A selector enables choosing the type of winding. In the “Full” position, the mechanism recharges at the slightest movement of the wrist. In “Stop” mode, this automatic system is deactivated. The timepiece accumulates the necessary energy through the crown thus restoring its 48-hour power reserve.

The UR-105 TTH is combined with a Vulcarboné© rubber strap made by a specialized manufacturer. Its workmanship guarantees resistance and comfort.

Price: CHF 77,000 pretax

By Dan Diaconu

The post UR-105 TANTALUM HULL appeared first on Watches News.

This variation, a true allegory of our globe in the solar system, takes on the azure hues which are ever-present in our environment. A 25-piece limited edition!

After Iron with its futuristic look and T-Rex which whisked us off back through time, Urwerk has just unveiled a novel variation of its UR-100 V under the name of “Blue Planet”, to better enjoy the present moment in time. This 25-piece series, a metaphor of our Earth, is almost entirely dressed in the color of the sky and the oceans. The case featuring a matt finish (41 mm wide and 49.7 mm long) takes on a deep shade obtained using a PVD process (Physical Vapor Deposition). This case protects the openworked dial and the impressive rotating carousel dedicated to the satellite display and to the retrograde minute boasting the same color. In this pure monochromic scenescape, the fluorescent yellow and green arrowhead hand and the digit 60 on the minute tracker add a luminous touch. The azure hue also reigns on the UR 12.02 caliber mechanical components like the bidirectional oscillating weight and the Windfänger-profiled helical system which regulates automatic winding. The owner-wearer of this timepiece can admire these through the sapphire-crystal caseback. Incidentally, this movement delivers a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound.

Following in the footsteps of the first model and subsequent variations, the case-middle details the distance covered from a point on the equator in 20 minutes, 555.55 km, and that of the journey of the Earth around the Sun over this same period of time, 35,742 km.

This UR-100 V “Blue Planet” is complemented by a high-tech textile strap, adorned with blue on the front and on its clasp.

Price: CHF48,000 VAT-exclu.

By Dan Diaconu

The post UR-100V “BLUE PLANET” appeared first on Watches News.

The most optimally-chronometric watch embracing a hybrid motor imagined by Félix Baumgartner and Martin Frei fine-tunes its style to take on a camo look to ensure it stands out from the crowd. Mission accomplished!

When we’re filled with a desire for elsewhere, we choose our favorite objects, objects in sync with our mindset and our style. In a nutshell, for lovers of chronometry and collectors alike, Urwerk has decided to roll out an adventurous five-piece version of its EMC Time Hunter in a Desert Sage variation. What sets it apart? Each microbead-blasted sand-hued titanium and steel case is worn on a strap fashioned in camouflage canvas.

This ultra-limited edition reproduces all the features specific to the Electro Mechanical Content issued back in 2013. This timepiece stands out with its electronic components, which means it can self-regulate its hand-wound movement’s isochronism. An optical sensor records the oscillations of the balance-wheel made of ARCAP, an alloy boasting non-magnetic and non-corrosive properties. On request, a calculator analyses the differences between the caliber and a benchmark electronic oscillator operating at a frequency of 16 MHz. A fine-tuning screw then enables the wearer to manually adjust the variations. The rotations of a handle produce the energy for powering it, just like a dynamo. At the same time, a twin barrel provides the mechanical components with an 80-hour power reserve.

Dial-side, in addition to the hours and minutes, indicators deliver a host of useful information about the energy left, about performance and even variations in the timing rate. The outstanding scenography of the EMC Time Hunter Desert Sage data mean everything is perfectly readable.

Price: CHF115,000 VAT-exclu.

By Dan Diaconu

The post EMC TIME HUNTER DESERT SAGE appeared first on Watches News.

This new model, a modern-day apex predator, created as a limited series, relentlessly devours each second, minute and hours of our terrestrial days, with style and precision.

On the Urwerk planet, T-Rex have by no means disappeared. Quite the contrary actually, they flourish in a variety of forms! These timepieces, which appeared on the scene in 2016 in the form of the UR-105, boast thick solid bronze armature that’s just as impressive as the build of their far-distant Cretaceous cousins. This year, the family has grown, welcoming the UR-100V T-Rex. Its 41 mm-wide and 49.7 mm-long case embraces this same unusual finish obtained using three special dermal treatments. The first enhances the material with an original patina. The second gifts it with this ever-so characteristic relief created by a CNC milling robot. The last offers it sandblasting and burnishing made using biochemical actions to give it its final color.

This reptilian-looking protection hosts the UR 12.02 caliber perfectly. This selfwinding movement, which delivers a power reserve of 48 hours, stands out with its Windfänger profiled helical system which regulates its bidirectional rotor. This innovative mechanism is unveiled through the sapphire-crystal caseback.

Dial-side, the 22 pieces of the UR-100V T-Rex, following in the footsteps of the previous versions, still feature a tricephalic satellite display of the hours and a retrograde minute on a graduated scale. On the case-middle, it also mentions the distance covered from a point on the equator in 20 minutes, 555.55 km, and that of the journey of the Earth around the Sun over this same period of time, 35,742 km.

Price: CHF50,000 VAT-exclu.

By Dan Diaconu

The post UR-100V T-REX appeared first on Watches News.

Its satin-brushed, polished, sandblasted and microbead-blasted components, along with the use of a somewhat special color set off its futuristic design and its wandering hour display coupled with the retrograde minute.

As soon as you discover this newcomer, you immediately feel like humming the refrain of a David Bowie track “Blue Jean, I just met me a girl named Blue Jean…”. Because, following on from its Gunmetal and Gold variations, Urwerk showcases its UR-100 once again, ok, admittedly in its original version with its steel and titanium case but, this time round, with a much casual look. This attitude is boosted by the very fitting choice of a blue jean color which adorns the hour numerals, the minute tracker and the strap fashioned in Alcantara blue. This hue is also highlighted even more through the metal monochrome atmosphere. The various finished on the components add the necessary relief to ensure optimal readability.

The 25 pieces of this UR-100V Iron limited edition are driven by the customary 12.01 caliber (48 hours’ power reserve). This self-winding piece powered by a bidirectional rotor is regulated by a profiled propeller called Windfänger. Both components can be admired through the sapphire-crystal caseback.

This movement drives the impressive central tricephalic mechanism displaying the time of day in a large stylized hand tipped with a red dot, which moves simultaneously over the graduated minute scale. Moreover, we also (re)discover the two fine slots on the case-middle. The first, set at 10 o’clock, is engraved with the figure 555.55 km and an acronym “rotat”. This distance corresponds to the one traveled by anyone located on the equator over 20 minutes. In the second slot set at 2 o’clock, 35,742 km and “revol” are inscribed. This data evokes the journey of the Earth around the Sun over this same period of time.

Price: CHF48,800 VAT-exclu.

By Dan Diaconu

The post UR-100V IRON appeared first on Watches News.

As one chapter ends, another begins. Just as thrilling. Through its innovations, this timepiece yet again boasts everything it takes to delight lovers of unusual creations.

End 2019, a new script is written as the UR-210 Final Edition heads off on its production run. Since 2012, this timepiece has portrayed the quintessence of Urwerk’s galaxy. This year, Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner invite us to discover a subtle evolution in the shape of the UR-220 “Falcon Project”. Although the two models have a host of points in common, a myriad of details highlight the progress made to optimize the piece and to embrace even better wearer-friendliness. In a nutshell, for the first time, the brand’s founders went for carbon to craft the case. The case is more resistant, lighter and also more elegant. Even though the length and width remain the same (53.6 mm x 43.8 mm), case thickness has slimmed down to 14.8 mm versus 17.8 mm before. The ridges inherent to the material moreover play a role in the watch’s overall stylistics.

Dial-side, we discover the wandering hour display on a satellite complication coupled with the retrograde minute. This time round, typography has changed to emphasize the futuristic look. In line with this and on a quest to boost power and speed, all sides of the impressive minute hand have been skeletonized. Two indicators, each shaped like a 24-hour gauge, let the wearer know the energy available. On the back, two adjacent rollers represent the Oil change. This original counter provides the watch owner with precious information: the running time of the movement in months. At the end of 39 months, the brand suggests returning the watch to the workshop for servicing to ensure the hand-wound UR-7-20 caliber is working optimally.

Last but not least, the UR-220 is worn on Urwerk’s first-ever totally in-house designed strap. This strap is crafted in rubber molded using the Vulcarboné® vulcanization process which gifts it with incomparable wearing comfort, making it velvety-soft to the touch.

Price: CHF145,000

By Dan Diaconu

The post UR-220 “FALCON PROJECT“ appeared first on Watches News.

Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner bring the tale of this reference to a climax with a version boasting powerful style, perfect for showcasing the highly-original dual display of the time data.

The UR-210, unveiled back in 2012, epitomizes the ultimate evolution of the Urwerk-imagined satellite display. The timepiece is a masterpiece of innovations. The oversized flyback minute hand is combined with the hour cones, which are displayed when the central tricephalic mechanism rotates. A new instrument is featured at 11 o’clock, sitting symmetrically opposite the power reserve indicator nestling at 1 o’clock: a winding efficiency pointer indicating winding efficiency over the last two hours the watch has been worn.

On the caseback, a winding selector proposes three modes. Set to full position, the rotor will convert the slightest movement to pure energy via a turbine coupled to an oscillating weight which optimizes winding. In contrast, reduced enables a rotor restriction system which slows the movement to avoid wear on the mechanism. A turbine with blades, like an air compressor unit, starts up and creates resistance internally, air friction which is sufficient to slow down the automatic winding system. In stop mode, the system is disabled and the UR-210 turns into a hand-wound watch. This state-of-the-artness is all hosted in a case carved like a contemporary sculpture with taut lines.

So, it’s this relief-enhanced mechanical architecture, developed based on the UR-7.10 caliber, which we discover in the UR-210 Final Edition. All the time data adorns a red hue obtained using a Super-LumiNova® paint and ensuring excellent readability. This is emphasized even more by the black DLC finish of the steel and titanium case.

Price: CHF137,000

By Dan Diaconu

The post UR-210 FINAL EDITION appeared first on Watches News.