Today, several high-end independent watch brands have unique, wild aesthetics and nonstandard timekeeping displays. Urwerk was at the very forefront of that.
History of Urwerk
Urwerk was founded in 1997 by Felix Baumgartner, a third-generation watchmaker, and Martin Frei, a conceptual artist. Felix Baumgartner is no relation to the record-setting Austrian base jumper and Zenith ambassador of the same name. The duo met in 1995 and bonded over their shared passion for unusual time displays.
Their first models, the UR-101 and UR-102, debuted at Baselworld 1997, showcasing wandering hour displays inspired by a 17th-century papal clock restored by Baumgartner’s father. These early creations set the tone for Urwerk’s avant-garde design ethos.
The brand gained prominence with the launch of the UR-103 in 2003, which introduced its signature satellite hour display.
Over the years, Urwerk has continued to push boundaries with creations like the EMC (2013), featuring an electronic rate measurement system, and the AMC (2018), pairing a mechanical watch with an atomic clock. Today, Urwerk remains highly regarded as a pioneer in independent watchmaking.
Timeline of Notable Model Releases
- 1997: Launch of UR-101 and UR-102 with wandering hour displays.
- 2003: Introduction of UR-103, featuring satellite hour displays.
- 2005: Collaboration on Harry Winston Opus V; debut of 3D hour indicators.
- 2008: Release of UR-202 with telescopic minute hands and turbine regulation.
- 2013: Launch of EMC with electronic chronometric feedback system.
- 2014: Introduction of UR-105 “Knight,” a slimmer satellite display model.
- 2018: Debut of UR-111C with roller-based time display; AMC atomic clock/watch unveiled.
- 2019: The Urwerk UR-100V was released as a compact and more accessible addition to the brand’s lineup, featuring the signature satellite hour display and unique astronomical complications.
- 2020: Release of UR-220, an evolution of the iconic UR-210 series.
- 2022: Introduction of UR-120 “Spock” with split-hour satellites.
- 2024: Launch of UR-150 “Scorpion,” featuring an expanded retrograde display.
Read More on High-End Independent Watchmakers: