foversta's hands-on review of the Urwerk EMC Pistol delves into a fascinating evolution of the brand's Electro Mechanical Control concept. This article explores how Urwerk's innovative blend of traditional mechanics and electronic precision takes a surprising aesthetic turn with the limited-edition 'Pistol' engraving, offering a unique perspective on haute horlogerie's boundaries. Readers will appreciate foversta's detailed analysis of its technical underpinnings and the artistic collaboration that defines this distinctive timepiece.
Introduced in 2013, the EMC (Electro Mechanical Control) symbolized a decisive step in the development of Urwerk. Distinguished by its electronic module to control accuracy through an optic sensor powered by a generator which is manually recharged, the EMC features two concepts dear to Felix Baumgartner: the interaction between the watch and its owner and that the electronic module capacity to serve a traditional movement, a pure mechanical one, in order to improve its performance.
Indeed, the precision deviation display , which occupies the entire top left of the dial area is its main indicator thus providing evidence of the primary purpose of the watch which is oriented towards a chronometric ambition. The screw on the caseback allows, through a screwdriver to adjust the regulating organ and thus, thanks to the display, to improve the precision of the mechanism. The additional function is not a simple watchmaking gimmick since it has a real practical dimension.
Beyond the development of the first in-house movement (eg Urwerk is producing its own balance wheel), Felix Baumgartner devoted much development time to the miniaturization of the electronic module components to house them in a case with a reasonable size. So, if the EMC may appear to be bulky (43x51mm for a thickness of 15.8mm), it remains wearable, even a bit slender thanks to the extremely successful design work done by Martin Frei. The way the handle which charges the generator is integrated into the case design is for example very successful and I feel the same with the crown located at 6 o'clock.
EMC is now stepping aside after its first two versions with a limited edition of 5 pieces at the same time surprising and astounding: the EMC Pistol. It doesn't mean that the fundamental concept of the EMC will not be used again by Urwerk. Instead, we must see this watch as the founder of a lineage that will be developped in the future. In the immediate, the EMC aesthetically transforms itself through the work of Fabian Güllert, an Austrian craftsman specialist in firearms engraving. The applied decorative style is undeniably reminiscent of the one used in the past for firearms and other handguns and it is in this context that the steel case, characteristic of the EMC, plays its role.
The unique style of the EMC movement:
Thanks to its size, its angles, its surfaces, it is perfect for the embellishment work and it allows Florian Güllert to apply his talent with thoroughness and precision ... what is therefore consistent with the main purpose of the watch. If there is a spirit of coherence between the work of the engraver and the ambition from Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei, the fact remains that the EMC Pistol surprises by the contrast effects it offers.
The first one is obviously the stylistic contrast between the classical ornament defined by Florian Güllert and the contemporary design of the EMC. However, once past the surprise, all appears harmonious and the integration of the "unengraved" elements of the caseside (such as the crown) is successful.
Steampunk, Gothic or Baroque? What stylistic influence best describes the EMC Pistol?
The second contrast is perceived between the engraved areas and the upper area encompassing the displays that remains smooth with a satin-brushed effect. It highlights the quality of work of Florian Güllert and above all it prevents the watch, which already has a very baroque rendering, falling into the trap of the over-decoration and of the rococo. The visual effects become vivid and I enjoyed the different ways these parts evolve depending on the lights conditions. The details become more or less perceptible on the engraved areas, while the smooth part goes from a clear aspect to a much darker rendering in a snap.
EMC Pistol is characterized not only by the case engraving but also by its strap. Coming from Josephine Morf's workshop, it is distinguished by its double-horn appearance and its three-dimensional aspect. The visual and tactile sensations it causes is obviously reminiscent of the engraving. Made with great care and a lot of attention to detail, it becomes the perfect complement of the EMC Pistol which almost turns into a gothic object!
By putting it the wrist, the EMC Pistol made me think of several artistic references through the multiple atmospheres it gives off. Its originality makes even forget its size (if your wrist is large enough!) and above all it completely transforms the original watch, yet so special. Here lies the main success of the EMC Pistol: it creates its own identity and each of us will find, according to our own sensitivity, the dominant aesthetic influence that inspired its creation.
Thanks to the Urwerk team for the meeting in a very charming London pub!
Pros:
+ The technical interest of the EMC
+ The aesthetic transformation of the watch
+ The quality of Florian Güllert's work
+ The strap design that perfectly complements the watch
Cons:
- The case remains imposing and the EMC requires a quite large wrist to really enjoy it
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This message has been edited by foversta on 2015-11-21 02:04:26 
