It’s fair to say that over the last decade, I’ve managed to get my hands on many special timepieces. Some have been extraordinarily rare and highly coveted. However, it isn’t necessarily the most expensive ones that have been my personal favourites. I regularly discuss this topic with friends in the watch community. If the price wasn’t an option what would be their all-time fantasy watch? Even on a hypothetical basis, it’s tough to answer because most people (even multi-millionaires) wouldn’t feel comfortable spending hundreds of thousands on a watch. In reality many might opt for a preowned Rolex. Therefore, to tempt buyers maybe it comes down to innovative designs or complicated mechanical movements. Certainly the UR-112 “Back to Black’ would have to be a part of this conversation.
Urwerk is one of the brands that originally ignited my passion for contemporary watchmaking. Without a doubt, their bold designs and ultra-complex in-house movements are amongst the best of the best. For that reason, new releases are very few and far between. Recently they released a new special edition called the UR-112 ‘Back to Black’. This watch is limited to 25 pieces and has a hefty price tag of CHF 280,000 (excluding the presentation box). For a timepiece fabricated from steel and titanium, the cost might appear astronomical. However, serious collectors may argue they are investing in a true mechanical marvel.
Dimensionally the UR-112 ‘Back to Black’ is well proportioned and measures 42mm x 51mm x 16mm. Even though I’ve not personally worn this model I would sit perfectly on the wrist due to the ergonomic contoured case. Based on previous experience I have found Urwerk models some of the most comfortable watches to wear. They are also some of the most aesthetically pleasing as well. I love the three-dimensional architectural appearance that is synonymous with the brand. The original concept has ‘Art Deco’ undertones and is inspired by Ralph Lauren’s Bugatti Atlantic. Features like a central engine concealed through a grill-style cover are highly effective. This hood is raised by pressing the two pushers on the sides of the watch
Powering the watch is an exceptionally complicated in-house self-winding movement. The Calibre UR-13.01 comprise 66 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Functionally the UR-112 ‘Back to Black’ features jumping digital hours, trailing digital minutes (which are displayed on two satellite prisms) and digital seconds. The watch also has a power reserve of 48 hours and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
