Swiss independent luxury cheap watch manufacturer
URWERK is one of the few rare luxury watch brands that produce unique, out-of-the-box designs that are completely inconsistent with traditional formulas. Co-founders Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei first discussed their ideas for the new product in 1995 and formally established the company in 1997. In the same year, they launched the UR-101 and UR-102 watches at the Basel Watch Fair, inspired by science fiction, the number of hours hovering on the semicircular minute track at the top.
Today, by the standards of the brand, it is simple, but 20 years ago, it was the real leader. In 2003, Felix and Martin fully realized their dream by launching UR-103.01, which will influence the brand’s design for most of the decade. The bottom display is characterized by hovering hours in a rectangular case, with a huge crown at 12 o’clock, similar to a rocket engine, and a complex internal movement that can operate four independent hour dials.
In 2005, UR-103.3 was launched as an improved version of UR-103.01, with a targa crystal for exhibition displaying the targa crystal, used to display the orbital crossing and the hour dial. These replica limited edition watches of URWERK are constantly evolving mechanically and visually, and have now become the most sought after works by collectors from independent brands.
In 2007, URWERK introduced a new movement/time display with the UR-201 series. The patented rotating satellite complication replaces the earlier optical discs with a telescopic minute hand, and the length of the minute hand can be adjusted to follow the three vectors marking the minute. The series also uses a new twin turbine system that allows users to control automatic winding systems-FREE, SPORT (reducing the rotor by 35% by air pressure) and STOP.
In 2009, UR-CC1 launched a new design with two level indicators, two cylinders show two-jumping time, and the other shows retrograde minutes. This work lasted three years and won the best design watch award at the “Grand Prix d’Horlogerie”. The UR-110 ZrN torpedo and its new rotating satellite complication also won the best design watch at the 2011 Geneva Haute Horlogerie Awards.
Most of the luxury watch industry operates within predictable rules, usually showing complex complexity and extraordinary finishing effects, but rarely deviates from the basic time display method of a century of history. copy URWERK has never let itself be bound by industry norms, inventing highly complex movements and creative ways to display the time of discs, turntables and satellites, while focusing on reliability and accuracy. Many watch straps come with small screws/dial to allow users to fine-tune the movement to achieve maximum accuracy, and this feature is almost always placed behind the back cover and is only used by experienced watchmakers. The brand’s unique and innovative method of watchmaking has made it a name for global enthusiasts.