Hands on review of the Urwerk EMC Time Hunter X-Ray

Sep 25, 2016,07:10 AM
 

The EMC (Electro Mechanical Control) has a special place in the watchmaking world since  the unveiling of the first version in 2013. It puts on stage one of the most cherished ideas to Felix Baumgartner, the interactivity between the watch and its owner. This idea, already implemented with the turbine system which regulates the winding efficiency of the automatic movement is much more extensively deployed in the context of the EMC. The electronic module which was specifically developed for this purpose, allows, thanks to optical sensors controlled by an integrated circuit board, to measure the accuracy of the mechanical manual winding movement at work and the amplitude of the balance wheel. The energy required by the electronic module comes from the side handle inserted in the case and which  is handled to load the accumulator. The results of the electronic module measures would be useless if the accuracy setting of the watch could not be done instantly. And that's the whole point of the EMC and of the particular creative approach of this watch. The Fine Tuning adjustment screw on the caseback adjusts the length of the spiral and therefore influences the behaviour of the movement. The observation is no longer passive but encourages the owner of the EMC to act. The other element of the EMC which is conceptually attractive, at least for me, is to see that an electronic module, using contemporary elements is at the service of a mechanical movement whose principles have existed for centuries. It's a little paradox like the quest for improvement of a steam engine, but it is also what makes the charm and the uniqueness of the EMC.




Urwerk presented earlier this year at the SIHH the Time Hunter versions of the EMC. They differ from the original EMC by a different dial lay-out which dedicates more space to the time display. The upper left area is dedicated to display the measures of the electronic module with the accuracy of the movement (shown by the standard variation of rate) and the amplitude of the balance wheel (which was not available on the first EMC). This area also has a LED light that facilitates the interpretation of data. Since the accuracy is displayed quickly before the hand switches to the indication of the amplitude, the color of the light tells us if the accuracy is within an acceptable zone (green) or not (red). The power reserve is indicated at 7 o'clock while a disc dedicated to the seconds rotates in the upper right area. The EMC Time Hunter significantly improves the timelegibility and reflects the Urwerk progress in understanding and using the potential linked to the electronic module.
 
The surprise in this fall 2016 period is the presentation of a new version of the EMC Time Hunter. As often with Urwerk, a different aesthetic approach of an existing model tends to fully transform the appearance of the piece and the perception we have. This is also the case here because the EMC Time Hunter X-Ray opts for transparency and then reveals its engine while the EMC Time Hunter SIHH was focused on the displays.



I must admit that this latest version is without any hesitation my favorite. The decorative style emphasizes the technical dimension of the piece and is mostly consistent with its spirit. I  also find the same coexistence between tradition and modernity, which manifests itself in the movement and in the rendering of the skeletonized approach. The later allows us to observe the bowels of the beast and to especially enjoy a visually more "aerial" design. The EMC here becomes more complex and refined at a time. The result is highly convincing as the very geometric shapes of the skeleton prevent the watch dial to become confusing while recalling the rigor of the presentation of the movement.

The red accents that stand out mainly at the display of the results of the electronic module highlight the specificities of the watch and even tend to encourage us to use the side handle to operate the measures! However, I find that the skeletonized decoration makes less visible these indications.




The visual alleviation of the watch is good news. The EMC Time Hunter X-Ray is certainly a watch that can be very comfortably worn thanks to its flexible strap which firmly positions it on the wrist but the size of its titanium and black PVD steel case remains large (43x51mm ) with a maximum thickness of 15.8mm. In this context, it does not fit any wrist and some will have some difficulties to wear it under their shirts. But at no time, it gives me the impression of being very bulky and it even emerges a certain feeling of fluidity.

The back of the watch offers an unique spectacle, a kind of chronic experience. It is important to remember that the movement is purely mechanical because the aim of the electronic module is only to observe its performance. Yet Urwerk managed to define a kind of aesthetic prowess by blending the two universes (tradition and contemporary) to get an original and unprecedented movement design.

The red cover hides the optical sensors of the balance wheel. The latter has a 4 hz frequency for a generous power reserve of 80 hours obtained by using a double barrel which occupies a substantial area of ​​the movement. The red grid protects the components of the electronic module. Finally, the adjusting screw is located opposite the double barrel on the small prominence.



I love the architecture of this movement and in particular the overlap between the mechanical world and the electronic world. I find in it the whole spirit of the EMC and a certain harmony with the skeletonized dial.

The EMC Time Hunter X-Ray is for me a very appeling watch. It is original, daring but nothing is done without any objective. The whole watch is coherent and aesthetically convincing. Although its size prevents it matching all wrists, it is nevertheless pleasant to wear. Once again, Urwerk offers us a successful evolution of an existing model and the only real downside of  this limited edition  may be the fact that it makes the versions presented at the beginning of the year less desirable.

Thanks a lot to the Chronopassion team.

Pros:
+ A successful aesthetic evolution of EMC Time Hunter
+ The presentation of the movement
+ The Interactivity between the watch and its owner
+ The design that contrasts with the other Urwerk watches
+ The comfortable strap

Cons:
- A rather large case with a high thickness
- The legibility of the information provided by the electronic module is slightly down compared to the one of the Time Hunter versions of the beginning of the year



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Comments: view entire thread

 

Thanks for the review

 
 By: tom2517 : September 26th, 2016-02:50
Like I said in another thread, not a fan of the series but can't deny it is getting better. Personally I am still looking forward to the replacement for the 210 series, but it will be a few years away because market is not good now so it is hard to push a... 

Already a replacement for the 210 series?

 
 By: foversta : September 26th, 2016-15:12
For me the 210 has still several years to live! Fx

210's been out since 2012

 
 By: tom2517 : September 27th, 2016-05:49
I agree, it's still a great watch and certainly does not look outdated, but at the same time it's more than 5 years old. Based on my talks with them I don't think Urwerk has a replacement yet, nor is it their priority since the market is weak.

Little new happens in the watch world ;)

 
 By: KMII : September 26th, 2016-10:36
As much as I am impressed with the ability of the owner to work on adjusting the precision of a mechanical watch without piping open the case back (sadly to rarely available), it is not strictly new. I was positively surprised that my lowly King Seiko 524... 

Voila!

 
 By: KMII : September 26th, 2016-17:56
Here\'s the watch And here the adjustment screw. ...  

Not always certain about the designs but the tech is merged well. Oh and...

 
 By: Ronald Held : September 26th, 2016-13:12
Thanks for the review. Maybe a Manhattan AD will have one.

Thanks Ronald! [nt]

 
 By: foversta : September 26th, 2016-15:13