Urwerk Launch the UR100V Stardust & the Space-Time Blade for Only Watch
Speaking with Urwerk Co-Founder and Head Designer Martin Frei
Urwerk consistently astounds me with their deeply philosophical thinking and unique approach to watchmaking. At this year’s Geneva Watch Days, they unveiled two remarkable releases: The Space-Time Blade clock, set to be auctioned at Only Watch in November, and the UR100V Stardust, a gem-set iteration of the UR-100V.
The UR100V Stardust
The UR-100V Stardust captivated me with its tactile sensation; the gems are set in such a way that they add texture to the watch, not just mere adornment. This adds a subtle textural element to the watch, similar to the UR-100 Electrum in yellow gold. The diamonds also enhance the watches credibility as a space-time calculator, there is a striking juxtaposition of the natural and the sci-fi futurism for which Urwerk is known.
The Stardust interacts beautifully with light, exuding an elevated aura. This gem-setting wasn’t the result of demand, instead it was a quest for a fresh finish for the series. Co-founder and head of design Martin Frei explains that because we, as humans, are made of the same substances diamonds are, it’s amazing to think that we could come from the same place. This profound contemplation is one of the elements that I have come to know, love, and expect from the Urwerk team. I am still simply floored everytime I hear the deeper philosophical reasons behind their decisions. Just a further example of the very deep thinking that the Urwerk team does. The Stardust will be a limited production watch, with only 10 pieces produced for the world annually, priced at 88,000 CHF.
Like its predecessor’s, the 100V is Urwerk’s most wearable watch. In this gem-set configuration, it offers great comfort on the wrist. While the watch is stunning on the blue fabric strap, envisioning the watch on a blue suede strap which would make the diamonds truly pop. Personally, I would be eager to see this watch on the original UR-100V strap.
Getting the Macro Shots of the UR100V Stardust
Additionally, Urwerk showed their Only Watch piece, the Space-Time Blade. Their Beau Rivage suite, with its skylights and its view of the Jet d’Eau, provided the perfect setting to interact with the Space-Time Blade. Created in collaboration with Dalibor Farny over the last three years, the Space-Time Blade uses Nixie bulbs to display time and additional data.
The Urwerk Space-Time Blade
Controlled via a bronze remote controller reminiscent of a lightsaber, one can scroll through the modes, my favorite of which displays the hundredths of a second for timekeeping and it is a pure joy to watch the nixie scroll through at a rapid clip. The Space-Time Blade features multiple time modes, indicators of the earth’s daily and annual travel and more. The craftsmanship is remarkable, with each glass piece and module meticulously handcrafted.
The Controller is actually a personal Lightsaber
Standing over 5-feet tall and weighing over 88 pounds, this clock was a labor of love and travels in two individual crates. Due to it’s fragile nature, it will not be traveling with the Only Watch lots.
For prospective bidders, the Space-Time Blade represents the fusion of watchmaking, craftsmanship, and technology. Stay tuned to find out what this clock hammers for at Only Watch.
Looking ahead, Urwerk promises continued evolution and a deeply philosophical approach to watchmaking. Their distinctive design language and emphasis on the human element in watchmaking have really reshaped the landscape for independent watchmakers. Having created one of two non-wristwatch lots in this year’s Only Watch, it is safe to say that Urwerk continue to walk their own path and create work that inspires Felix and Martin.
Curious to learn more about the world of independent watchmaking? Check out my series exploring the origin of modern independent watchmaking!
