Urwerk UR-220 Falcon Project: A Vision of Horological Futurism
Independents

Urwerk UR-220 Falcon Project: A Vision of Horological Futurism

By Jay (Eire) · Oct 20, 2020 · 27 replies
Jay (Eire)
WPS member · Independents forum
27 replies7453 views3 photos
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Jay (Eire) initiates a compelling discussion on Urwerk's enduring vision, challenging the notion that the independent brand is a 'one-trick pony.' His post, accompanied by personal wristshots, invites the community to assess whether Urwerk has successfully blended tradition with a futuristic outlook since its 1997 founding. This article synthesizes collector perspectives on Urwerk's design philosophy, market position, and technical innovation.

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I had written a post at the weekend, when I took these pictures, but for some reason the post never showed up and I didn’t have a draft.  I was, am, too lazy to rewrite it.

However the gist of that original post was regarding the vision of Urwerk and whether or not they’ve met that goal.  

Back in 1997 their stated goal was blend tradition with a futuristic vision. 

However with this stated goal much criticism of Urwerk over the years has been of the brand being a one trick pony (satellites, more satellites) and of the continued repackaging (same watch different metal, or case construction, take the 103 and it’s many iterations as the example).  I think this is a little unfair. 

For a small company with production levels in the 200 or so watches annually (note: that’s my recollection, if incorrect please correct me) and from what I’m aware no intention to deviate from these levels the output over the last 23 years has been pretty impressive; UR-101/102, UR-103, Opus V, UR-201, UR-CC1, UR-110, UR-1001, MB&F Collaboration, UR-210, EMC, UR-105, UR-106, UR-T8, AMC, UR-111, UR-100 and most recently UR-220. 

There’s a lot of variety in the above list.  And there’s no valid argument to dispute that all of these pieces imbed that original goal of advancing a futuristic vision for wristwatches.  

And while the time telling display is similar across many of the above references (but not all) I don’t see how this is any different than any traditional brand (two or three hands, round case).  

Further, changing case materials or small incremental design changes I think are a prudent means for a small company bringing new product to market (in an environment which we have today where to be relevant one seems to need to have something new annually or even more frequently).  

Interested to hear the thoughts of others here, both positive and negative. 

To the pictures, taken over the weekend. 







About the Urwerk Ref. UR-100

The UR-100 series represents Urwerk's exploration of time display through satellite hours and astronomical indications. Positioned as a more accessible entry point into the brand's unique horological universe, it maintains the distinctive design language and technical innovation characteristic of Urwerk.

The UR-100 features a 41mm x 14mm case, typically crafted from titanium and stainless steel, or other advanced materials depending on the specific iteration. Its movement utilizes a rotating satellite system for hours and minutes, complemented by displays for the Earth's rotation and revolution around the sun. The caliber operates at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 48 hours.

This reference is significant for collectors interested in contemporary independent watchmaking and alternative time displays. It offers a blend of Urwerk's signature mechanical artistry with a focus on astronomical data, providing a unique perspective on time measurement beyond traditional hands.

Specifications

Caliber
UR 12.01
Case
Titanium and Stainless Steel
Diameter
41mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
PO
PoyFR
Oct 20, 2020
I like the past and the near future, this is why I like 103.03, the others are for me too far ahead of how I envision my wrist wear in the future ;-)

But regardless the models, I welcomed and enjoy the satellites reading, it is in way innovative, different and fun. Like you say if they stay prudent they are steering the right way and who knows may be bringing yet another futuristic time reader. Any feedback about servicing ?

JA
Jay (Eire)
Oct 20, 2020
I do not have any first hand knowledge but from speaking to others and reading other posts here the feedback has always been positive.

The 103/105 family is for most of us the most wearable, the less “out there”. So I understand your comment.

WA
Watchonthewrist
Oct 20, 2020
I really like the brand and there creations old and new .

I think there very creative and inovatief, (time telling and designs) i own a 103 and love it . So cool to see it on the wrist . Not all there watches are on my wishlist but i hope to be able to add one or two more in the near future .

JA
Jay (Eire)
Oct 20, 2020
I think like you, in an ideal world another piece from Urwerk would be ideal.

I very much like the 110 also, and have had a few examples on the wrist.

FA
FabR
Oct 20, 2020
Thanks Jay for an informed point of view — in fact a very useful one, as I feel this brand isn’t as well known as it would deserve to be (and I should also study it a bit more!)..

I was most surprised by the low production number that you set at 200...but as I searched for more info, several recent sources (including the FHH, Phillips, and Watchonista) mention an even lower figure...150! Whichever the correct number, I’m sure it’s kept deliberately low in order not to compromise on quality — another big plus for Urwerk!👍😉

JA
Jay (Eire)
Oct 20, 2020
You may very well be right re 150.

That’s the number I recall from conversations a year or two ago. I was going high with my 200, which is still a very small number. I do think that even among our group familiarity with Urwerk would be pretty limited and for sure not many have had opportunities to see the watches in the metal.

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