The Urwerk UR-105 Commemorative Edition in Bronze
Cover The Urwerk UR-105 Commemorative Edition in Bronze

The commemorative watch was launched in celebration of the occasion and to reflect how the retailer has left an indelible mark on the local watch scene

Watch enthusiasts with a taste for unique horology go to The Hour Glass for mainstream classics as well as creative timepieces that push watchmaking boundaries. One such brand in the latter category is Urwerk, which has come to be closely linked with the watch purveyor for the past 15 years.

As The Hour Glass marks its 40th anniversary this year, collectors looking for special commemorative watch releases launched in celebration of the occasion must make sure to check out the exclusive Urwerk UR‑105 Commemorative Edition in Bronze, which features the watchmaker’s iconic “wandering” hours complication. While the complication within this watch is familiar, its new case combines the design features of past Urwerk models that have been launched throughout its partnership with The Hour Glass. These include the large crown of the UR-200 series, the U-shaped sapphire glass on the UR-103 watches, and the acid‑green Super-LumiNova that is seen on the UR‑105 collection.

 

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The wearer of the Urwerk UR-105 Commemorative Edition in Bronze can vary the movement’s winding action by turning to “Stop” to disengage the system, winding the watch using the crown at 12 o’clock
Above The wearer of the Urwerk UR-105 Commemorative Edition in Bronze can vary the movement’s winding action by turning to “Stop” to disengage the system, winding the watch using the crown at 12 o’clock

As indicated by its name, the new commemorative piece has a case crafted out of bronze—a material that was also seen on an earlier Urwerk launched this year, the UR‑105 CT Maverick. But its significance in this later release goes deeper—the natural characteristics of bronze aptly represents the progression of the partnership between Urwerk and The Hour Glass. “Bronze marks the passage of time. Every hour leaves its mark, creating a living patina,” says Urwerk co-founder, Martin Frei.

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Above A sketch of the special-edition UR-105

Like how time leaves a mark on bronze, The Hour Glass has also positively impacted the lives of watchmakers and watch brands. Frei and his co-founder Felix Baumgartner pays tribute to the luxury watch retailer: “For four decades, you have unfailingly supported fine watchmaking with enthusiasm and expertise, highlighting our mechanical skills, while enlightening an ever-growing public. Year after year, you have promoted the efforts of watchmakers with exhibitions, dinners and other events for collectors. Whether independent watchmakers or major brands, you have stood by your partners and supported them loyally.”

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Above The Urwerk UR-105 Commemorative Edition in Bronze will age naturally and develop its own patina

Inside the bronze case of the UR-105 Commemorative Edition, the “wandering” hours are displayed on four satellites mounted on an openworked carousel. The hours pass, in turn, along a scale of minutes at the bottom of the watch, giving both digital and analogue indications of the time. The other dial elements include a power-reserve indicator and a digital seconds indicator, which can show the tenths of a second. Flip the watch around, and you will see two pneumatic turbines that govern the self-winding rate of the movement.

Needless to say, this anniversary watch is produced in very limited numbers—just three pieces for watch connoisseurs who can appreciate its rarity and unique combination of references to the many bold icons of Urwerk. 

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