1. Philosophy and origins
– Founded in 1997 by Felix Baumgartner, a talented watchmaker, and Martin Frei, a visionary designer.
– Meaning: “Urwerk” combines the notions of ancestral time (Ur, the Mesopotamian city) and work (Werk, in German), reflecting a blend of tradition and innovation.
2. Avant-garde design
– Urwerk stands out for its futuristic, disruptive designs, often inspired by science fiction and space.
– The cases have atypical, often daring shapes, with high-precision finishes.
3. Satellite display
– Key innovation: the hours are displayed via rotating satellites (moving discs), which glide on a minute arc.
– Example: The satellite system on models like the UR-110 or UR-100, where the time is indicated by a satellite in linear or circular motion.
4. Unique complications
– Models don’t just tell the time:
◦ UR-100: Displays cosmological data such as the distance the Earth travels in orbit every 20 minutes.
◦ UR-230: Integrates retrograde functions on mechanical displays.
– Each watch offers an unprecedented interaction with time.
5. Technology and materials
– Urwerk employs modern materials such as titanium, aluminum and carbon, with high-precision micromachining techniques.
– The calibers are designed and developed in-house, guaranteeing total originality in the mechanics.
6. Limited production
– Only 150 pieces are produced each year, making them rare and sought-after objects.
– Each watch is numbered and subjected to meticulous quality control.
7. Examples of Iconic Models
– UR-210: The “Satellite Watch” with a winding efficiency indicator (measures your physical activity).
– UR-105: A more accessible watch with a design inspired by medieval armor.
– UR-T8: Urwerk’s first reversible watch, offering two functional faces.
8. Audience and Vision
– Urwerk attracts collectors and contemporary watch enthusiasts looking for timepieces that are as technical as they are artistic.
– The brand pushes the boundaries of horological imagination and redefines the very concept of time measurement.
In a nutshell
Urwerk embodies a revolution in watchmaking. It fuses futuristic design, innovative mechanical complications and craftsmanship to offer watches that are both artistic and technological.