Urwerk 105 - Why shouldn't I do it?

Nov 12, 2017,12:25 PM
 

So I've been lusting after something unusual to add to my collection for some time.  The goal would be to add something which is both modern and displays time in a non traditional manner.  


To provide some context my collection and tastes are very broad, pretty much anything goes (note: some size restrictions as mentioned below).  In terms of existing pieces that might fit the above criteria I own a Vagabondage II which addresses the non traditional time display (kind of) but overall the VII still remains somewhat traditional given case, case size and jump hours/minutes while not seen everywhere are not really "out there" etc.  I also have a piece from Konstantin Chaykin (a variation on the Joker) due to come in next year sometime. This also gets close to fulfilling the slot and while the time display is non standard it's packaged in a traditional round case.  I guess the real criteria I'm trying to match can be better articulated as 'out there'!

I also have somewhat smaller wrists, or perhaps they are regular size, and so a lot of what I've seen that may fit the criteria and are attractive in photos and on other's wrists do not work for me. Again, here the VII is a good match given the smaller case and the Chaykin actually wears ok for a larger watch.

So, this brings me to Urwerk and the 105.  It's 'out there' in my book, and I would guess for many watch people.  Time display is perhaps more unusual than the jump hour/minutes of the VII and the case design is definitely modern/non traditional.  It also wears well on a smaller/regular sized wrist and so it's the only Urwerk I've seen that I believe I could wear regularly and not look too stupid (yes, I do care if I think I look stupid!).

1) Is there anything out there that might fit the bill which I may have missed or overlooked. It's a big world.

2) Is there any reason why people might believe the 105/Urwerk not to be a wise choice? I know we don't speak of price but my budget would not support a new purchase and so I would look for a lightly used piece.  

I know there are many Urwerk fans here, and owners, so I appreciate your input'thoughts.

J


More posts: Konstantin ChaykinUrwerkVagabondage

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Go for it!

 
 By: als1678 : November 12th, 2017-13:29
Urwerk's creations are incomparable to anything else out there. The only question is wearability but that's not an issue for 105 which sits very nicely even on smaller wrists. Some alternatives would be Mb&F hm3 or hm5. Going into a very different directi... 

I must say you have a fantastic taste of watches 👌🏻🤗

 
 By: Watchonthewrists : November 12th, 2017-13:45
The FPJ is a dream watch for me , like you i hope to add a KC somewhere next year too 🙏🏻. And then Urwerk , i just love the brand . Your choice for the 105 is great but did you also look at the older 103 ? Because you say you have a smaller wrist and this...  

Yes and no. I had a chance to see the 103 earlier this year at a Christies preview (I think).

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : November 12th, 2017-17:05
For some reason, perhaps the squareness of the case, I didn't feel it worked for my wrist as well as the 105. If I recall correctly I think 2 of the 3 that were on offer did not sell. The sale had a pink gold, pvd coated platinum and Ti and another that w... 

+1! (nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : November 14th, 2017-13:06
NT

I recently met both Ludovic and Vianney. I got the chance to handle a number of pieces from each.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : November 12th, 2017-17:14
Ludovic's watches did not sit too well on my wrist. Deviating a little from topic, he had if I recall correctly a one of one dial made from cows milk. Yes, cows milk. Re Vianney, I also have my eyes open for a Classic. I think for me that may be the most ... 

Really interesting if you already tried a lot of these independents timepieces.

 
 By: Alkiro1 : November 12th, 2017-23:31
I’m sure you’ll find your next dream soon. The Urwerk seems to be in good position to win the race. Take your time and you’ll find the right one which will meet all your criteria 😉 Best wishes Alkiro

Thanks Alkiro. Yes, I've worked my way through seeing many pieces in the metal which is how I arrived at the Urwerk. That said I'm..

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : November 13th, 2017-04:03
..certain there is something I've missed so I wanted to share here. Also, I know there are many Urwerk owners here and so I hope to hear some day to day feedback too.

Im sure you will about Urwerk

 
 By: Alkiro1 : November 13th, 2017-05:20
Regarding another possibility even if the watch is quite big (45mm), have a look at the MCT sequential. They have an interesting way to display the time for me. Best wishes Alkiro

If you are looking for a watch that is ‘out there’ you have found the right one!

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : November 13th, 2017-01:59
And reading your criteria and the watches you already have considered I couldn’t think of something else.

Thanks Arie, MB&F was the other obvious choice for me but their fun stuff wears too big for me.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : November 13th, 2017-04:06
Also, as crazy as the 105 may be, from everything I've read here and elsewhere it wears very comfortably.

Umm... De Bethune ? [nt]

 
 By: JFT : November 13th, 2017-05:00
VCA midnight poetic wish or planetarium also looks pretty as well...or... Perhaps the boucheron chronograph made by agenhor? Or older opus series (tbh their latest opus is just simply enormous). Cyrus klepcys... Zenith christophe colomb, most of cristophe... 

Thanks Jeviar. Some homework for me to do!

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : November 13th, 2017-17:29
I have looked at De Bethune a number times, there are some versions of the 28 which I like and given the floating lugs actually wears well on my smaller wrist. I recently had some time with the 28 Dark Shadows and was at least a little smitten. And I did ... 

105 isn't a huge watch, but 103 is even more compact, and wears closer to the wrist if size is a concern.

 
 By: kykw : November 13th, 2017-09:28
You get an automatic movement with the 105, and the earlier 103 come with a manual wind momvement. The automatic movement does add reasonable bulk to the watch. I suggest you try both before making any final decision. As for alterantives, I highly recomme... 

I've had the 103 on the wrist, in a variety of metals and finish. I prefer the 105.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : November 13th, 2017-17:34
And yes, De Bethune has gotten a airing also with the DB28 Dark Shadows being something I've taken a shine to.

Either the 105 or the DB would make a great addition

 
 By: kykw : November 14th, 2017-02:11
I may be somewhat biased here, but those're truly 2 of my favorites. ...  

You can't go wrong with 105 Streamliner

 
 By: CL : November 18th, 2017-06:41
I have tried it for a few days and I'm in love. It wears big but in a vey non obstrusive manner. I usually prefer small watches but I'm ok with URWERK's size as they make sense and are comfortable once you break in the strap. URWERK watch is avant-garde b...  

Thank you, it's validation to hear your comment about wearability/size.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : November 19th, 2017-12:04
And I love those pictures. Still in the investigative phase, trying to determine what needs to go to offset the incoming.