Introducing the URWERK UR-100V T-Rex

The URWERK UR-105 T-Rex, launched at the now long-gone SIHH 2016, is a watch that holds a special place in the heart of Revolution. It was after having seen the UR-105 T-Rex in the hands of master watchmaker, Felix Baumgartner and chief designer Martin Frei that we were struck with first a realization, and then an inspiration.

Writes Revolution and The Rake’s Founder, Wei Koh, “Because the actual time-telling sector of URWERK watches is relatively minimal, this liberates the amount of space on the top plate. In many instances, the top of the watch is rendered in sapphire crystal to allow owners to witness the function of the satellite system.

“But in other instances, this entire top area can be covered with metal, providing a surface perfect for engraving. Baumgartner and Frei have long experimented with decorative engraving on this large metal canvas. Says Frei, ‘The first experiment with the UR-105 family of watches was the T-Rex, where we created a unique pattern that conjured up the idea of a dinosaur or a giant reptile’s scales.’

“Says Baumgartner, ‘We loved this effect because it was simultaneously ancient and modern. The watch looked like a science-fiction instrument but one that had been buried in the ruins of an ancient civilization.’ Collectors apparently agreed with the entire production run of the UR-105 T-Rex instantly selling out”

The UR-105 T-Rex was introduced at SIHH of 2016, with a textured case top, obviously meant to evoke a reptilian hide
The UR-105 T-Rex was introduced at SIHH of 2016, with a textured case top, obviously meant to evoke a reptilian hide

Of course, the next series of watches that took on Martin Frei’s idea of decorating the bronze canvas atop the UR-105, were several piece unique watches created in partnership with Revolution, engraved by the talented Johnny “King Nerd” Dowell. These included the UR-105 Bronze Samurai, the UR-105 Bronze Guardian Lions and the UR-105 Bronze Tiger.

The T-Rex makes its reprise now in the form of one of URWERK’s recent creations, the UR-100. The UR-100 was designed to have a pronounced, domed sapphire crystal that gives way to a clear unadulterated view of URWERK’s orbital satellite time indication. The movement in question here is the self-winding UR 12.02, which in typical URWERK fashion, indicates the time with the orbital satellite hours that sweep across the minute scale, towards the 6 o’clock position of the watch.

The URWERK UR-100V T-Rex (Limited edition of 22 pieces) is the spiritual successor to the UR-105 T-Rex that the brand initially launched in 2016 with its signature reptilian bronze shroud
The URWERK UR-100V T-Rex (Limited edition of 22 pieces) is the spiritual successor to the UR-105 T-Rex that the brand initially launched in 2016 with its signature reptilian bronze shroud

What sets the UR-100 apart from anything that URWERK has produced since its start, lies in its case design. Have a closer look at the watch’s 10 and 2 o’clock and you’ll see that the watch has two further sub-indications. This is where the watch gets the SpaceTime part of its initial launch name, the URWERK UR-100 SpaceTime.

The orbital hour hands pass through these sub-indications to give two forms of information. The scale at 10 o’clock tracks an approximation of the distance the earth covers as it spins on its axis, an average speed of 555 km per 20 minutes. The scale at 2 o’clock tracks the approximate distance the earth covers as it orbits the sun: a very rough, average speed of 35,740 km per 20 minutes.

The URWERK UR-100V T-Rex (Limited edition of 22 pieces)
The URWERK UR-100V T-Rex (Limited edition of 22 pieces)

The T-Rex version of the UR-100 has all of its upper-case surfaces rendered in solid bronze that is progressively treated to obtain the dark patina and then machine milled to give the watch its “scales.” Finally, the bronze surface is sandblasted and treated with a proprietary biochemical burnishing to produce the UR-100V T-Rex’s prehistoric look and feel. The underside of the UR-100V T-Rex is in titanium, PVD treated to give it its stealth black color.

The URWERK UR-100V T-Rex is the sixth addition to the UR-100 family and will be limited to 22 pieces.

The underside of the UR-100V T-Rex is in in black PVD-coated titanium
The underside of the UR-100V T-Rex is in in black PVD-coated titanium

Technical Specifications

Movement

UR 12.02 with a selfwinding system governed by the Windfänger turbine and planetary gearing; satellite hours, minutes, earth’s rotational distance in 20 minutes, earth’s orbital distance in 20 minutes; 48-hour power reserve

Case

Engraved caseband in bronze, caseback in black PVD-coated titanium; width: 41mm; length: 49.7 mm; height: 14 mm; water-resistant to 30m

Price & Limitation

CHF 50´000 (excluding taxes); limited edition of 22 pieces

The URWERK UR-100V T-Rex (Limited edition of 22 pieces)
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