New Release
Small-luxury-world unveils the URWERK UR-105M, dubbed the 'Iron Knight,' offering the first detailed look at this highly anticipated novelty. The post highlights the watch's distinctive design and the two available versions, building on earlier teasers and movement previews shared by the author.
Until a few days ago, there was some kind of silence. But now I can (finally ;-) ) show you the first pictures of the latest family member from URWERK – in two versions: the ‘Iron Knight’ with a titanium case and steel bezel and the ‘Dark Knight’ with a titanium case and AITiN-treated steel bezel.
Here we go :
Unfortunately I haven´t
seen it in the metal (so far), but even on the press pictures it looks very “sexy”
to me. It is the successor of the UR-103, but this time it seems to have one
more – important to me – feature. The evolution seems to be more pleasing to
the hands. The angles of the case look very promising when it comes to haptic –
haptic stimulus. So far I didn´t even mention some of the features, URWERK is
known for. Really looking forward to it … 
Official Press Release :
Geneva, April 2014
URWERK’s UR-105M is inspired by the Middle Ages, an era of lances, legends, chivalrous conduct and noble deeds. An era when knights in shining armor would risk their lives for honor and glory, with only their faith and shield for protection. The UR-105M embodies their gallant valor in a titanium and steel arena, the satellite hours conquering time in an eternal jousting tournament.
All of URWERK's iconic codes are present in the UR-105M. Satellite hours gliding slowly along the minute scale, darkened over-sized crown at 12 o’clock and a subtle technical feel.
The UR-105M features an impressive titanium body reinforced by steel armor. At the heart of its time display four satellites slowly orbit. Each of these satellites is visible during their 60-minute journey along the minute scale. A circular PEEK (PolyEtherEthercetone) canopy with openings enhances the current hour. Once the hour has elapsed, the satellite – guided by a Geneva cross – rotates and continues around its orbit for another three hours before returning to the center stage. Completing the indications, running seconds and power reserve are displayed laterally on the case band.
At the back of the UR-105M, URWERK’s signature ‘Control Board’ houses additional displays and functions: an ‘Oil Change’ indicator alerting when it is time for a service; 42-hour power reserve indicator; plus the fine-tuning screw allowing adjustment of the rate.
Martin Frei, URWERK’s co-founder and artistic director, explains: “The case of UR-105M was developed as an armor. The visible screws on the bezel not only bring a distinctive esthetic to the watch, but also tack the steel armor onto its titanium body. This shield protects the movement (the heart of the watch) from the outside world’s aggressions. For me, the parallel with the chivalrous imagery is obvious. You have the power of the bezel-armor generating a feeling of invincibility.”
“With UR-105M, we’re not trying to show off, but rather ignite a calmer and mellower dimension,” adds Felix Baumgartner, URWERK’s co-founder and master watchmaker. “We offer an intuitive time display, with playfully ergonomic time setting. Technical challenge is at the heart of all our creations, and the performance here is subtle.
“First of all, the aluminum and PEEK structure has to rotate with absolute chronometric precision. We needed the lightest materials to achieve a high level of precision and PEEK was ideal: The PEEK polymer is used in surgery because its excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance . The other challenge accomplished by UR-105M is of another type entirely: A honeycomb seconds disk on the right side of the case underneath the minute dial indicates the passing of each 10 seconds. This indicator is synchronized to another seconds indicator situated on the side of the case.”
The UR-105M is available in two versions: the ‘Iron Knight’ with a titanium case and steel bezel and the ‘Dark Knight’ with a titanium case and AITiN-treated steel bezel.
UR-105M - Technical Specifications
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Movement |
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Caliber: |
UR 5.01 manual-winding mechanical movement |
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Jewels: |
38 |
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Frequency: |
28,800v/h - 4Hz |
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Power reserve: |
42 hours |
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Materials: |
Satellite hours driven by bronze beryllium Geneva crosses Orbital structure in PEEK (PolyEtherEthercetone) Carrousel and three main plates in brass Digital skeletonized seconds display in nickel (LIGA process) Seconds indications and lateral power reserve in aluminum |
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Surface finishes: |
Perlage and bead-blasting Countersunk screw heads |
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Indications |
Dial: Hours, minutes and 10 seconds Case band: Lateral seconds and power reserve indications Control board: ‘Oil Change’ and power reserve indications, timing adjustment screw |
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Case |
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Materials: |
UR-105M 'Iron Knight': titanium and steel bezel UR-105M ‘Dark Knight': titanium and AITin-treated steel bezel |
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Dimensions: |
39.50mm x 53mm x 16.65mm |
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Crystal: |
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating |
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Water resistance: |
Pressure tested to 3ATM / 30m |
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Surface finishes: |
- UR-105M ‘Iron Knight’: sand-blasted bezel; circular graining; and vertical graining - UR-105M ‘Dark Knight’: AITiN-treated with bead-blasted bezel |
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Will
that ´Iron Knight´be able to protect me, these days? Well, at least against
paradigms, bad taste …
Oliver
Some more (official, bigger) pictures, for your pleasure :
The UR-103 represents a pivotal early model for Urwerk, establishing the brand's distinctive satellite time display that would become a signature element. Introduced in 2003, it was the first production model to feature the wandering hours complication with a rotating carousel and telescopic minute hand, a design that immediately set Urwerk apart from traditional watchmaking. This reference solidified Urwerk's identity as a creator of horological machines that prioritize innovative time-telling mechanisms over conventional dial layouts.
The UR-103 features a rectangular case with a sapphire crystal that offers a clear view of the complex three-dimensional display. The movement, visible through a sapphire caseback, is a proprietary caliber developed by Urwerk, known for its precision and the intricate engineering required for the satellite system. The watch typically offers a substantial power reserve, ensuring reliable operation for several days on a full wind.
This reference holds significant appeal for collectors interested in the genesis of independent watchmaking and the evolution of alternative time displays. It is a foundational piece that demonstrates Urwerk's early vision of blending traditional horology with a futuristic aesthetic. The UR-103 is recognized for its mechanical ingenuity and its role in defining Urwerk's unique approach to timekeeping, making it a key model for understanding the brand's trajectory.
Not sure about the whole 'knight' thing, but it look's cool.
on the like... and the knight thing :-) Cheers Andrew
one look. This is superb designing, making the next generation better than the last. Hands up to Urwerk. Will put on the wish list for sure. Cheers Steve
This is a very nice evolution of the collection from Urwerk. The UR110 (which remains my fav. although a bit big for my wrist) introduced this kind of case construction. The 210 was smaller and still very interesting with its "merry go round" display. The 105 has found its place in the collection, being a 103 transformed with the 110/210 characteristics. It is a more simple and maybe a little less impressive watch but a very nice offer. Thanks for sharing Oliver. Cheers, Mark
Thanks for the presentation Oliver, I will come back to this watch later. Fx
to see it on your wrist :-) Thanks! Oliver
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