The Urwerk UR-100 Electrum Limited Edition (Live Pics & Price)
Worry not, the UR-100 by Urwerk is not being converted to electric power.
Any Urwerk is special to witness. The provocative, technical style of displaying time and creating mechanical movements, paired with a creative and futuristic style, is rivalled by few. Elements of sci-fi and space exploration are common in Urwerk’s watches, as they are with the UR-100 collection. However, it is not solely focused on outer space, as you will discover with the latest creation. Meet the Urwerk UR-100 Electrum, and don’t be deceived by its name.
The Urwerk UR-100 Electrum uses what is considered to be one of the oldest and most original precious metals: Electrum. Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy of gold, with at least 20% silver, and contains several other elements like copper and iron. In ancient times, Electrum was used to produce coins as a form of currency to trade with and referred to as “white gold”. It was primarily used by ancient Greeks, Amerindian civilizations and Egyptians. One of the reasons it is no longer used as currency is the variation in composition, making it difficult to determine the levels of gold versus alloys and thus determine its elemental value on the go.
Urwerk uses the material for the case and crown, as well as some movement/dial components. The front face of the case is decorated with a ribbed circular pattern, reminiscent of Greek amphitheatres, to stick with that theme. It’s not the first time Urwerk has decorated the face of the UR-100’s case, as displayed with the UR-100V T-Rex. This remains a bit on the more subtle side of things, to be honest, with a pale gold glow from the Electrum material.
The UR12.01 calibre still displays hours via revolving satellites and minutes via a curved track on the bottom with a retrograde hand following the hour satellite. On the left and right sides of the display, you still find the Earth’s rotational and orbital distances travelled over 20 minutes. Not something you’d need daily, but it ups the cool factor quite a bit. The backside of the watch reveals the drilled full rotor with a planetary flat turbine to reduce shocks to the bearing and reduce wear.
The Urwerk UR-100 Electrum comes on a black alligator leather strap. It is limited to 25 pieces, and it will be priced at CHF 62,000 (excl. taxes). For more information, please visit Urwerk.com.