Manufacturer: Urwerk Year: 2022 Case No: G21006 Model Name: UR-100V Time and Culture Material: Coated stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12.02, 40 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Fabric Clasp/Buckle: Coated stainless steel Urwerk buckle Dimensions: 41mm Width, 49.7mm Length and 14mm Height Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Urwerk International Warranty, product literature, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 2022, the UR-100V Time and Culture is a result of a collaborative effort between the avant-garde and cutting edge watchmaker, Urwerk and media publication extraordinaire SJX Watches. The conversation started in 2020, when upon visiting Singapore, Urwerk founders Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei met up with Su Jia Xian, the founder of SJX Watches. The idea of this collaboration germinated when SJX mentioned that his favourite watch, the UR-103 would look even cooler than it already did with a cover on the dial. This conversation was followed by a rudimentary drawing and pondering between the three. Yet, the final result of this causal conversation produced one of the most daring and interesting watch collaborations ever produced.
In the words of SJX himself, "After a back and forth with Felix and Martin, and a few long pauses in between, an idea took shape. In June 2020, I further refined the idea in an email to the pair, “I have an idea of a watch inspired by the ancient Mayan astronaut myth… something like an UR-100, but with metal covering more of the face… with an engraved Mayan pattern…”.
An absolute sight to behold, the UR-100V is made entirely in coated steel with a titanium back, along with an engraved cover under the sapphire crystal, which creates great visual impact. Flashes of green throughout give an even more eye-catching flair to the timepiece.
Says SJX, "A serious watch with a sense of humour is something that appeals to me, so the rationale for the concept was tongue in cheek: Urwerk makes sci-fi watches, so a Mayan motif was perfect since it was once believed the first person in space was a Mayan astronaut. This idea eventually evolved into an Aztec motif which is engraved on the Sun Stone, perhaps the most famous example of Aztec culture. "
SJX continues by explaining, "the engraving was done with a drill bit of just 0.05 mm in diameter – the incredible fineness of the tip meant that the breakage rate for the tool is extremely high, adding a further level of complexity to the production process. The result is an engraving so tiny a loupe is required to see it in detail. The relief sections of the engraving are brushed, while the recesses are frosted, creating a subtle contrast that is obvious up close. And I am grateful to Felix and Martin for incorporating my initials into the engraving as a “secret signature” that practically invisible to the naked eye.""
As such, all twenty pieces within the edition were immediately sold out following the announcement of the collaboration. Offered in barely worn condition, the present watch is the first one to ever appear on the market, marking an opportunity not be missed.
The Swiss firm's name "Urwerk" is a play on the German word meaning clockwork. "Ur" is an ancient Sumerian city in which the populace used sundials for timekeeping, while "werk" is German for creation. The company started by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei is known for their innovative avant-garde designs inspired by space travel. With their own take on time indication, like many of their contemporaries, their futuristic timepieces are rooted in high-end traditional watchmaking. Their signature floating method of time indication using rotating satellites traces back to a watch made in 1656. Producing only 150 watches per year, they have impressed connoisseurs with their innovativeness and cutting-edge technical prowess.
A rare coated stainless steel wristwatch with engraved case displaying the motifs of the “Sun Stone”, certificate and presentation box, part of a limited edition of 20 pieces made in collaboration with SJX Watches
2022 41mm Width, 49.7mm Length and 14mm Height Case, dial, movement and buckle signed