When it comes to design and mechanics, URWERK never shies away from being bold, unique, provocative, and edgy. The independent watch company, founded by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei, is among the most creative and often utterly insane. Some of these watches might even be bolder than the rest. Simply put, they look like nothing else on the market. Imagine the reaction when these watches, the UR-110 (yes, the Iron Man watch), were released 10 years ago! But it is time to say goodbye to these watches, and for this, the duo has created the URWERK UR-110 Bakelite, a unique model that will be auctioned for charity.
The UR-110 model was released in 2011 and has since been one of the boldest, strangest, and most extravagant URWERK watches (this combination of words might seem excessive, but these watches are truly special). In short, nothing about these watches is traditional. The case… Well, just look at it. The material… A bezel of solid wood and a tweed strap? The display… Why have hands when you can have satellites on planetary gears? In short, nothing about these watches is consensual, which is why it's such a cool (but not easy to perceive) concept.
But after 10 years, Baumgartner and Frei decided to turn the page. As with the UR-210 Final Edition and UR-105 Tantalum, a farewell model will be released for the UR-110. But again, for such special watches, even a final series couldn't be a classic limited edition with a standard metal case. And even the way these watches were made can't be called classic.
This is a unique piece created based on a pre-owned model that was (naturally) restored to a new state and then transformed with a new Bakelite bezel (also known as the first plastic made from synthetic components) in a brown color with a fiber-like texture. As Baumgartner explains, “Bakelite was one of the first high-tech materials ever developed. Its properties were and remain numerous and revolutionary. Insulating and heat-resistant, it was present in all everyday items of that time, from eyeglass frames to radios.” The watch also comes on the brand's latest strap - a Vulcarboné rubber strap with a Velcro closure, as on the UR-220 model.
Otherwise, the URWERK UR-110 Bakelite retains everything that made the model popular: a large case measuring 47 mm x 51 mm x 16 mm made of Grade 5 titanium with a sapphire crystal that follows the complex shape of the watch. The display typical for URWERK, with the brand’s satellite complication featuring rotating hour/minute modules mounted on planetary gears and directed to the right on an arched minute track. The display also features a “control board” with a small seconds hand, day/night indicator, and oil-change sensor. And of course, all indicators are illuminated in neon green. Inside the case is a base automatic movement with a proprietary module, and the movement is wound by a unidirectional rotor regulated by double turbines.
These URWERK UR-110 Bakelite watches are a unique piece that celebrates the 10th anniversary of this collection, but also bids farewell... But bids farewell for a worthy cause. The watch will be auctioned on the brand’s special website, and most of the proceeds will go to the Swiss Red Cross. The auction will start on October 15 and end on October 17 at 10 am Geneva time.
For more detailed information, visit www.urwerk.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – URWERK UR-110 BAKELITE
Case: 47 mm x 51 mm x 16 mm – Grade 5 titanium with Bakelite bezel – sapphire crystals – two-position crown with integrated protection – water resistance 30 meters
Display: Satellite complication with rotating hour/minute modules mounted on planetary gears – “Control board” with small seconds hand, day/night indicator, and oil-change indicator
Movement: Mechanical caliber UR 9.01 with automatic winding and integrated indication module at the top – 46 jewels – 28,800 vibrations/hour – single-barrel with 39-hour power reserve – unidirectional rotor regulated by double turbine
Strap: Vulcarboné rubber, Velcro closure
Availability: Unique piece created based on a pre-owned and restored, reworked model
Price: The watch will be auctioned
Most of the proceeds will go to the Swiss Red Cross