Urwerk UR-103.9 RG

“Normally a watch is a round object, flat with two hands. We are so used to them that they even got a pictogram status. And then in 1997 we came with URWERK making watches in our own way…” Martin Frei.

One cannot discuss modern independent watchmaking today without referencing URWERK’s incredible achievement as a foundational pillar. Equally one cannot speak of URWERK’s fascinating sci-fi inspired wrist art without referencing their cornerstone model, the UR-103.

Released in 2005, the UR-103.9 is one of several iterations by URWERK unveiled over a span of 7 years. On the cusp of collapse in 2002, URWERK’s founders, Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei—with little resources but a vision and firm conviction—launched the UR-103.01 at Baselworld. Thus began the ascent of one of the indie movement’s earliest and successful brands.

The UR-103 became the flagship model of the brand until it was retired in 2010. It is distinguishably URWERK and reimagines time telling in Felix and Martin’s futuristic vision. We recently had the pleasure of acquiring this beautiful pre-owned iteration in rose gold as a full set.

Aesthetically, the 103.9 looks like a Star Wars spaceship carved out of a solid block of gold. Yet it is sleek and slightly curved, with CNC machined vertical lines that make it look like it’s traveling at the speed of light. The sci-fi aesthetics also impact the technical features of this watch. Four individual cone-like and rotating satellites bear the hours while positioned on a central orbital cross that’s driven by the minute wheel.

Lastly the UR-103 introduced a world first control-board via the case back featuring a 43-hour Power Reserve indicator, a Chrono Meter with minutes and seconds facilitating accurate time-setting, and “in a nod to Abraham Louis Breguet, a Precision Adjustment screw making it possible for the owner to precisely regulate the timing of their UR-103 to match their own lifestyle.”

At EsperLuxe we love the UR-103 for its vintage esque Urwerk aesthetic, its technical creativity, and for its significance in Urwerk’s growing history.

While other brands might reference racecar technology, or highlight functionality, the URWERK UR-103 is, quite simply, a space ship for the wrist.