Our Take

Reserved for timepieces without Urwerk’s signature satellite hours, the brand’s “Special Projects” Collection carries some of Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei’s most unusual work – something that says a lot! From the modernization of Louis Cottier’s linear time-telling in UR-CC1 to the otherworldly UR-1001 supercomplication, the keen observer can see that this collection is a sandbox for the duo’s most experimental, forward-thinking ideas. Thrilled to get our hands on one of these exceptionally rare timepieces, we present the UR-111C.

First, the basics of telling time with these innovative indications. The UR-111C presents time in two ways – linear and digital. Broken into three compartments on the front of the watch, the jumping hour indicator on the far left moves once the linear retrograde minute in the center and the rotating minute on the right hit the 60 minute mark. With an additional aperture on the top of the case, there is a digital second indicator composed of two, small alternating wheels that slide in and out of the magnification in 5-second intervals. Using optical fibers, a first in the watch industry, they produce an “image conduit” that creates the effect that the digital second is directly under the sapphire crystal when they are, in fact, buried deeper in the movement. While collectors can sense that this is a canvas on which Felix and Martin are playing with the relationship between linear and digital representations of time, it is the interactivity of this timepiece that stands out most.

In our retrospective on the UR-105, Martin Frei mentioned that “[Urwerk] want[s] to create timepieces that make you want to touch them. And we want to create timepieces that surprise you when you do.” Here, the UR-111C may be one of the brand’s most innovative, interactive timepieces. The fluted roller on the top of the case acts as the winding system. Even though the movement is automatic, this is the brand exploring novel ways for collectors to physically play with these creations. The same can be said for the time-setting mechanism – this is no timepiece for a classical crown. The long lever positioned on the right side of the case swings outward, allowing the collector to change the time by rotating it in either direction. This is a masterclass in creating watches that enhance the pleasure that collectors experience when engaging in the most basic aspects of wearing a watch – setting the time and winding the movement.

One of only 25 in polished steel, the UR-111C is yet another titan in modern independent watchmaking from Urwerk.

The Details

Urwerk 111C

Case: 42mm wide x 46mm long x 15mm thick - stainless steel with a matte gunmetal finish - sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating - water-resistant to 30m

Display: jumping hours - retrograde linear minutes - digital minutes - digital seconds enhanced by optical fibre

Movement" automatic with stop seconds - 4 Hz (28,800 vph) - 48h power reserve - circular graining, Geneva stripes and sanding on movement - polished screw heads

Strap: Black Crocodile

Limited Edition of 25 Pieces