Urwerk ’s UR-105M is inspired by the Middle Ages, an era of lances, legends, chivalrous conduct and noble deeds. An era when knights in shining armor would risk their lives for honor and glory, with only their faith and shield for protection. The UR-105M embodies their gallant valor in a titanium and steel arena, the satellite hours conquering time in an eternal jousting tournament. All of Urwerk’s iconic codes are present in the UR-105M: satellite hours gliding slowly along the minute scale, darkened over-sized crown at 12 o’clock and a subtle technical feel. At the heart of its time display, four satellites slowly orbit. Each of these satellites is visible during its 60mn journey along the minute scale. A circular PEEK (PolyEtherEthercetone) canopy with openings highlights the current hour. Once the hour has elapsed, the satellite – guided by a Geneva cross – rotates and continues around its orbit for another three hours before returning to the center stage. Co-founder and artistic director Martin Frei comments on the impressive titanium body : “The case of UR-105M was developed as an armor. The visible screws on the bezel not only bring a distinctive esthetic to the watch, but also tack the steel armor onto its titanium body. This shield protects the movement (the heart of the watch) from the outside world’s aggressions. For me, the parallel with the chivalrous imagery is obvious. You have the power of the bezel-armor generating a feeling of invincibility.” Co-founder and master watchmaker Felix Baumgartner adds: “With UR-105M, we’re not trying to show off, but rather ignite a calmer and mellower dimension. We offer an intuitive time display, with playfully ergonomic time setting. Technical challenge is at the heart of all our creations, and the performance here is subtle.” As a matter of fact, the aluminum and PEEK structure has to rotate with absolute chronometric precision. Urwerk needed the lightest materials to achieve a high level of precision and PEEK was ideal : the PEEK polymer is used in surgery because of its excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance. The other challenge accomplished by UR-105M is of another type entirely : a honeycomb seconds disk on the right side of the case underneath the minute dial indicates the passing of each 10 seconds. This indicator is synchronized with another seconds indicator situated on the side of the case. At the back of the UR-105M, Urwerk’s iconic “Control Board” houses additional displays and functions : an ‘Oil Change’ indicator alerting when it is time for a service, the 42h power reserve indicator and the fine-tuning screw allowing adjustment of the rate. In Switzerland, Urwerk has been represented by Les Ambassadeurs since 2006. The UR-105M can be admired in the Espace Connaisseur of their Geneva and Zurich boutiques.
UR-105M ‘Iron Knight’
Case : titanium and steel bezel, sand-blasted bezel, circular and vertical graining, sapphire crystal, control board on the case back, water-resistant to 30m Size : 39.50mm x 53mm Movement : hand-wound mechanical movement (UR 5.01 caliber, 42h power reserve), satellite hours driven by bronze beryllium Geneva crosses, perlage and bead-blasting Functions : satellite hours, minutes and 10 seconds, lateral seconds, oil change and power reserve indications, timing adjustment screw Dial : orbital structure in PolyEtherEthercetone, digital skeletonized seconds display in nickel, carrousel and three main plates in brass, seconds indications
UR-105M ‘Dark Knight’
Case : titanium and AITin-treated steel bezel, AITiN-treated with bead-blasted bezel, circular and vertical graining, sapphire crystal, control board on the case back, water-resistant to 30m Size : 39.50mm x 53mm Movement : hand-wound mechanical movement (UR 5.01 caliber, 42h power reserve), satellite hours driven by bronze beryllium Geneva crosses, perlage and bead-blasting Functions : satellite hours, minutes and 10 seconds, lateral seconds, oil change and power reserve indications, timing adjustment screw Dial : orbital structure in PolyEtherEthercetone, digital skeletonized seconds display in nickel, carrousel and three main plates in brass, seconds indications and lateral power reserve in aluminum Strap : black alligator, folding clasp in titanium
