Urwerk adds to the UR-100V collection with a new case, now made with 52 layers of ultra thin carbon.
Press Release details, with commentary in italics.
Commentary
The UR-100V was a move in a astronomical indication by Urwerk in 2019 by extending the wandering hours concept explored in earlier watches like the UR-103 (20030, followed up with the UR-105 TA (2015), UR-105 T-Rex (2016), UR-105 CT Streamliner (2017). The UR-100V had sprung up models – the UR-100 Iron, the UR-100V Blue, the UR-100 Electrum and the UR-100 Full Metal Titanium. To these variants, we now see the latest iteration in the UR-100V C52, with the high tech multi layer (52 layers, hence the name) of carbon fiber and epoxy polymer resin. The case shows the characteristic striations and banding of concentric rings in shades of matte black and charcoal gray. These marks are a result of the layers being compressed together and cut according to shape and are unique to each piece.
The watch is basically similar to the earlier UR-100 versions with the exception of the case material. The movement features the astronomical indications as an addition to the wandering hours concept that is the basis of the Urwerk brand identity.
The case is truly an impressive 11g light, and rivals the ultra light Richard Mille RM 27-2 which weighs in at 19g including the movement. As the weight of the case of the RM 27 is not available on its own, but it is unlikely that the Richard Mille movement is less than 8g. Hence, speculate that the RM 27-2 will be lighter than the UR-100V C52. However the RM27-2, a.k.a. the Rafal Nadal (recently crowned as GOAT with 21 Grand Slams after his victory at the 2022 Australian Open) will have costed some SGD 1million back in the day, and the UR-100V C52 is a “mere” SGD 83k today.
From a cursory examination, the technology used in the Urwerk case seems similar to that utilized by Richard Mille. And a more through investigation will be needed to determine if this is the case. We are looking forward to discussing this with Martin Braun and Felix Baumgartner and examining the watch in detail soon. We can also confirm the weigh of the complete Urwerk.
Urwerk UR-100V C52
Retail price is set at SGD 83,000 inclusive of GST. Swiss retail is CHF 53,000 before taxes. Limited Edition of 25 pieces.
Lightness. Performance. Aesthetics. The new UR-100V in carbon relies on these three essentials. It is a light watch with perfect ergonomics mounted on a technical rubber strap. The case is composed of 52 layers of ultra-thin carbon. Aesthetics subtly blend the sensual curves and angular geometry of its unique shape. Introducing the UR-100V C52.
The 100V collection continues its saga. The “Full Titanium Jacket” is now succeeded by the UR-100V C52. A watch with an ultra-tech case made of High Resistance CTP Carbon. An extremely resilient carbon composed of 52 layers compressed in epoxy polymer resin. The use of this unusual material allows the case of the UR-100V C52 to tip the scales at a featherweight 11 grams including titanium back.
It’s the folds of the carbon layers that give character to this new creation.
“The curves enhancing the bezel of the UR-100V C52, tracing their way from the crown to the sides of the watch passing through the lugs, are a classic reference. We find this same motif on the ancient Greek columns. Striations drawn and dug in the stone almost 2500 years ago to channel rainwater and control its flow along these ageless pillars. This motif has become the symbol of classicism. I often play with this reference. With the new UR-100V, the circular case results from precision-cut 52 layers of carbon. The design extends all around the wrist thanks to the original rubber strap specifically designed for this watch.”
Martin Frei, co-founder of URWERK and chief designer of the brand
The UR-100V C52 is mounted on a strap with a folding clasp, featuring textured flexible rubber for a comfortable fit.
“Carbon is a material dating back to the dawn of time. It is a raw material in the original sense of the term, a perfect UR-material. Carbon was also revered by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia, the pioneers of defining time as we still know it today, and a strong reference at URWERK. Enclosing and protecting the cutting-edge technology used in our models in an ageless case is a contrast that I seek out and particularly appreciate. Our carbon has all the qualities: it is resistant, light, resilient, and revisits URWERK black by offering nuances like nothing else”.
Felix Baumgartner, co-founder of URWERK and master watchmaker.
On the UR-100V, the display of hours and minutes is via satellites. A minute hand (one of three), once past the 60-minute mark, disappears to then reappear as a kilometer counter. It illustrates the 555 kilometers we travel every 20 minutes on the surface of the Earth. 555 kilometers/hr is the average. speed of rotation of the Earth at the Equator. Opposite this indication, another displays the speed of the Earth’s revolution around the sun, i.e., 35,740 kilometers in 20 minutes. On the face of the UR-100V, hours and kilometers share the same status, the same value. The hour and minute numerals indications are illuminated in highly legible incandescent green for easy ready. Felix Baumgartner, master watchmaker and co-founder of URWERK says: “This creation is inspired by a gift received from my father, Geri Baumgartner, renowned restorer of antique clocks. It is a clock made by Gustave Sandoz for the Universal Exhibition of 1893. Its particularity is that it indicates the distance traveled by the Earth at the Equator rather than the time”.
Urwerk UR-100V C52 Specifications
Limited edition of 25 pieces
Movement
Caliber: UR 12.02 with automatic-winding system governed by low-profile planetary turbine minimizing over-winding and wear
Jewels: 40
Frequency: 4 Hz / 28 800vph
Power reserve: 48 hours
Materials: Orbital satellite hours turning on Geneva crosses in beryllium bronze; open-worked aluminum carousel; triple baseplates in ARCAP
Finishing: Circular graining, sanding, brushing, Chamfered screw heads
Hour and minute indications in Super-LumiNova
Indications: Orbital satellites: hours; minutes; distance travelled on Earth’s equator in 20 minutes; distance Earth travels around the sun in 20 minutes
Case
Materials: Carbon with 52 layers, baseplate in titanium
Dimensions: Width: 41.0 mm, length: 49.7 mm, height: 14.0 mm
Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Water resistance: Pressure tested to 30m / 3 ATM / 100’
Bracelet: Textured rubber with deployant buckle
