Urwerk UR-111C Special Project Hands-On

Jay (Eire) · 2018-09-12T18:14:12Z

Explore Urwerk's UR-111C Special Project with a hands-on review. Discover its unique crownless winding, linear retrograde minutes, and optical fiber digital seconds display.

Jay (Eire)

WPS member · Independents forum

26 replies4397 views3 photos

Jay (Eire) offers an exclusive first look at Urwerk's UR-111C, a "Special Project" that challenges traditional watch design. His hands-on report details the watch's unique winding mechanism, unconventional time displays, and the innovative use of optical fibers for its digital seconds. This article provides valuable insights into Urwerk's continuous push for horological innovation.

I was very fortunate to get to meet Felix Baumgartner, co-founder and master watchmaker of Urwerk, together with Urwerk's US based representative Phil Ogle earlier this week to see Urwerk's most recent Special Project the UR-111C.

They had the two variations of the new watch on hand, one in a gunmetal finish (most of the pictures below) and another with a polished steel finish.

As one might expect the 111C is a conversation starter. While it wears reasonably well, my wrists are small, the combination of the in usual case design and unorthodox time display ensure it doesn't go unnoticed.

The case itself is three pieces, as you look down from top it's basically a large central piece and two pieces on each side. The case back then is solid, the movement is inserted from the side (tricky).

It also has no crown. Instead you wind the watch using the long cylinder you see in the center top of the case. This also controls the time setting but to switch from wind to time setting you first pull out the little lever which is positioned on the right hand side of the case.

And the time? Jumping hours, a linear retrograde minute display, a digital minute display and digital seconds. The retrograde minute display provides only a general sense of time in 5 minute intervals, to see the precise minute one needs to look at the digital seconds. I'm not sure how I feel about this, but the idea as I understood it was to give the wearer a general sense of where the minutes were at a quick glance, and that it achieves.

It's the digital seconds display that may be the little star of the show when it comes to the time display. There are two rotating discs buried deep within the movement, one showing 0,10,20 etc the other 5,15,25 etc. They come together in the center and with the use of optical fibers (which Felix referred to as an image conduit) the display of running seconds is essentially projected from the depths of the movement to the surface. While there's no magnification occurring this is (to my uneducated non scientific mind) the cyclops of the future!

About the Independents Urwerk Limited Edition Ref. UR-111C

The Urwerk UR-111C represents a distinct departure from the brand's satellite display tradition, showcasing a linear time indication. This reference is part of Urwerk's Special Project series, known for pushing horological boundaries and presenting time in unconventional ways. The UR-111C focuses on an innovative display of hours, minutes, and seconds, making it a notable piece for collectors interested in avant-garde watchmaking. It was introduced with two primary aesthetic variations, offering collectors a choice in finish.

The watch features a complex case construction, available in either a gunmetal or polished steel finish. The movement, visible through various apertures, is an automatic caliber designed specifically for its unique time display. It incorporates a jumping hour, retrograde linear minute, and digital seconds. The crystal is sapphire, providing durability and clarity for viewing the intricate mechanics and displays. The case dimensions are substantial, accommodating the sophisticated internal architecture and ensuring a prominent wrist presence.

This reference appeals to collectors who appreciate mechanical innovation and a bold, architectural design aesthetic. Its limited production and unique display make it a significant piece within Urwerk's portfolio, representing a specific period of design exploration for the brand. The UR-111C stands out for its tactile crown mechanism and the distinct visual experience it offers, solidifying its place among contemporary independent watchmaking creations.

Specifications

Caliber: UR-111C

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 46mm x 42mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The UR-111C's time display, particularly the linear retrograde minute and digital seconds, makes it challenging to read the exact time quickly, a departure from Urwerk's usual emphasis on clear functionality.
Urwerk aims for one new 'Special Project' annually, with three projects often in development simultaneously, showcasing their commitment to continuous innovation beyond their core models.
The design intent for the UR-111C's minute display was to provide a general sense of time at a quick glance, prioritizing conceptual design over precise legibility.
Urwerk deserves credit for consistent innovation, as seen with projects like the AMC and the evolution of their 'Cobra' series, demonstrating a dynamic approach to watchmaking.
Despite its clever innovations, the UR-111C is perceived as a niche watch, appealing to a specific segment of collectors due to its unorthodox design and display.

The Discussion

Sep 12, 2018

Thanks for the report and pics. M4

patrick_y

Sep 12, 2018

Very lucky of you to be able to see this tremendous piece! Congrats!

MichaelC

Sep 12, 2018

I like this sort of craziness.

sham1

Sep 12, 2018

All very clever but a niche watch if I may politely say so. Thank you for the informative review.

Watchonthewrist

Sep 12, 2018

Looking forward to see it in person and try it on the wrist . Thanks for the report .

kykw

Sep 13, 2018

Urwerk also deserves a lot of credit for continuing to innovate and improve. AMC earlier in the year, and now we've got the second generation of the cobra. Am really looking forward to seeing this in metal next week. Ken

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About the Independents Urwerk Limited Edition Ref. UR-111C

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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