Urwerk UR-105M: Just a couple of weeks ago Urwerk unveiled the newest addition to their haute horlogerie line-up, the ‘Iron Knight’ or you could use its more technical name – the UR-105M. Being a fan of the brand last year we looked at a few of their other designs. The UR-210, EMC (which is an absolute horology break through), the UR-110 and the awesome MB&F & Urwerk joint effort C3H5N3O9 also known as The Experiment. While these models were inspired by nature, elements and mechanical engines, the new UR-105M was inspired by the Middle Ages, an era of lances, legends, chivalrous conduct and noble deeds. An era when knights in shining armour would risk their lives for honour and glory with only their faith and shield for protection. The signatures of Urwerk’s timepieces are embodied in the new UR-105M.
The UR-105M features a titanium case reinforced by steel that measures 39.50mm x 53mm x 16.65mm. While this may sound a little large in actual fact it is in fitting with the ergonomics of Urwerk timepieces and although we’ve yet to get our hands on it I’m sure it will feel rather snug on the wrist. Protecting the titanium case is a large steel bezel that looks like armour, with visible screws that solidifies its medieval appearance. The UR-105M is available in two versions: the ‘Iron Knight’ with a titanium case and steel sand-blasted bezel and the ‘Dark Knight’ with a titanium case and bead-blasted AITiN-treated steel bezel.
Through the anti-reflective sapphire crystal you’ll be able to see each of the mentioned satellites are visible during their 60-minute journey along the minute scale. The orbital circular satellite canopy is constructed using a material called PEEK (PolyEtherEthercetone), which is an extremely light material that enabled Urwerk to achieve high levels of precision. In this canopy are openings that enhance the current hour. Once the hour has elapsed, the satellite – guided by a Geneva cross – rotates and continues around its orbit for another three hours before returning to the centre stage. Completing the indications, the honeycomb shaped running seconds and power reserve disks are displayed laterally on the case band through two-domed sapphire crystals. The running seconds are indicated on a red disk, which is synchronised to the minutes dial, this marks the passing of every 10 seconds. The power reserve indicator is white when full and slowly turns black as the power discharges over the course of the 42-hour reserve. These disks utilise aluminium components to make them lightweight, further decreasing their drain on power.
On the reverse of the UR-105M, you’ll find URWERK’s signature ‘Control Board’ which enables the wearer to finely tune the performance of the UR-105M. Inside is the UR 5.01 calibre mechanical movement that is manually wound via a darkened over-sized crown at 12 o’clock. In addition are displays and functions: an ‘Oil Change’ indicator alerting when it is time for a service; 42-hour power reserve indicator; plus the fine-tuning screw allowing adjustment of the rate.
Urwerk founders Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner explained when making this new timepiece they wanted it to be more like an armour but still have intuitive time display with playful ergonomic time settings. These philosophies are ever evident in the UR-105M and hopefully we can attest to this if we manage to get our hands on one.
The Urwerk UR-105M ‘Iron Knight’ and ‘Dark Knight’ are each limited editions of 77 numbered pieces, retailing for 58,000 CHF and 63,000 CHF respectively. For more information, visit the official Urwerk website.
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