From the avant-garde ateliers of URWERK emerges a timepiece that is not merely observed, but experienced. The latest addition to their celebrated “T-Rex” lineage, the UR-101 T-Rex, makes a formidable entrance, exuding a raw, primal presence that demands attention and, more importantly, tactile engagement. This is a watch that invites touch, a departure from the often-hands-off world of high horology, and a bold statement of URWERK’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. Priced at CHF 38,000, the UR-101 T-Rex is a limited edition of 100 pieces, promising exclusivity to those who dare to embrace its unique character.
The defining characteristic of this new creation lies in its resurrected UR-101 form, now transmuted into a textured masterpiece. The organic guilloché pattern, typically found meticulously protected beneath a sapphire crystal on the dial of other URWERK models, here adorns the entirety of the bronze case – the bezel, the sides, and even the lugs. This deliberate exposure invites the wearer to explore the intricate, scaly armour that gives the watch its “T-Rex” moniker, offering a sensory experience that transcends mere visual appreciation.
Martin Frei, URWERK’s co-founder and artistic director, eloquently describes the allure of bronze: “Bronze is a fabulous metal. It reacts to the touch. It is alive. It re-oxidises as soon as it is scratched and this oxidation protects it and erases the traces of time. It is fascinating, as if reacting like the skin’s natural regenerating process.” This “living” nature of the bronze ensures that each of the 100 limited edition pieces will evolve uniquely over time, developing a rich patina that tells its own story.
The engraving, with its geometric pattern first seen on the UR-105 T-Rex and later the UR-100 T-Rex, covers the entire surface of the case, creating an almost visceral connection between the wearer and the timepiece.
The rounded design of the original UR-101 served as the perfect canvas for this transmutation. The engraved grooves commence at the crown, flowing along the entire case in a gentle ascent before culminating in a steep, curved descent towards the caseback. This complex succession of lines and textures creates a captivating interplay of light and shadow, further enhancing the watch’s tactile appeal.
Measuring 41 mm in diameter and 11.86 mm thick at its highest point, the UR-101 T-Rex is designed with ergonomics in mind. Its curvature allows it to sit snugly on the wrist, finding a natural niche between the wrist bones. The asymmetry of the case, slightly higher at 12 o’clock than at 7 o’clock due to the addition of a ‘spoiler’ with a crown puller, further accentuates its originality and facilitates ease of handling.
Delving into the mechanism reveals a reinterpretation of an original URWERK design, marking a return to the brand’s foundational principles. The UR-101 T-Rex features a wandering hours display with two satellites, traversing a 180-degree arc on a solid, snailed carrousel. This innovative time indication is powered by the self-winding UR-1.01V calibre, a movement that allows co-founder and master watchmaker Felix Baumgartner to revisit the challenges of their early creations.
The movement boasts 28 jewels, operates at a frequency of 28,800 v/h (4 Hz), and offers a power reserve of 48 hours. The components, crafted from copper, brass, and ARCAP P40, are finished with meticulous detailing including snailing, sandblasting, satin-brushing, and chamfered screw heads.
The URWERK universe thrives on the collision of imaginations, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources, from pop culture to historical and literary references. The UR-101 T-Rex is no exception, alluding to dinosaur scales and the iconic Millennium Falcon, while simultaneously paying homage to both 18th and 21st-century watchmaking. This unique blend of influences, viewed through the prism of URWERK’s 25-year history, defines the brand’s distinctive style. The UR-101 T-Rex is more than just a time-telling instrument; it is a horological sculpture that engages the senses, offering a tangible connection to the innovative spirit of URWERK.
