A watchmaker’s expertise can be detected not only through the mechanical complexity of a timepiece, but also through its fine-finishing and the time-intensive skills this entails. Perlage, satin-finish and sand-blasting are all micro-signatures on the watchmaker’s art, the finishing touches that give the timepiece its character and individual personality. 

URWERK now showcases its fine-finishing savoir-faire with two platinum-bezel limited editions of the UR-110. Two models finished in two different ways, with two contrasting characters. The UR-UR-110PT and 110PTH – a pair of mechanical masterpieces crafted from platinum, that noblest of metals, and embellished by skillful human hands. 

“We always try to push ourselves to the maximum with our creations,” explains Felix Baumgartner, URWERK master watchmaker and co-founder. “Our designs are in keeping with the old adage ‘A healthy body, a healthy mind’. If a timepiece’s case has been finished with the right care and attention, then that can only serve to enhance its ‘mind’, the complex mechanics within. Satin-finish, perlage and sand-blasting all provide the subtle touches that transform an innovative, mechanical timepiece into a true piece of haute horlogerie.” 

In the hands of URWERK’s most experienced watchmakers the UR-110PT and UR-110PTH were born. Both featuring a Grade 5 titanium case with 950 platinum bezel, both exhibiting strong characters, and both demonstrating the mastered art of fine finishing. However, these two timepieces come from opposite ends of the esthetic spectrum.

The UR-110PT is all finesse with its satin-finish bezel, satin-polished screws, sand-blasted titanium crown protector and mainplate, circular-grained minute arc, and matte hour satellites with diamond-cut bevels. Its elegance even extends to the colors chosen: black on natural metal, a classical, bichromatic look highlighting the timepiece’s three-dimensionality. 

The UR-110PTH on the other hand is a timepiece of contrast: red on black to be precise. With its imposing, reinforced blackened bezel, sand-blasted for a stunning matte finish, the UR-110PTH just oozes strong character. URWERK were pioneers in blackening platinum with the UR-103 Blackbird back in 2006. With the metal’s natural sheen disguised, only the weight of the UR-110PTH betrays the presence of the platinum.

“These two limited series highlight URWERK’s beautiful craftsmanship,” says Felix Baumgartner. “I learnt this savoir-faire from my father at his workbench; he in turn had learnt from his father. And it is this savoir-faire that I pass on to the URWERK watchmaking team. Our timepieces are definitely contemporary – even futuristic – designs created using the very latest technology, but they are decorated in the most traditional of manners by human hand. I like that contrast.”