UR-101 / UR-102: Where It All Began
In 1997, URWERK introduced the groundbreaking UR-101 and UR-102 watches, marking the brand's adventurous entry into independent Swiss watchmaking at Baselworld. Co-founded by Felix and Thomas Baumgartner alongside artist Martin Frei, URWERK blended science fiction aesthetics—drawing inspiration from Star Wars' Millennium Falcon and the Sputnik satellite—with a centuries-old wandering hour display inspired by a papal night clock. Initially constrained by finances, they launched first with the stainless steel UR-102 before realizing their true vision: the UR-101 crafted meticulously in yellow gold.
These innovative timepieces became legendary for their pioneering satellite hour displays and minimalist, futuristic designs. Over the years, the UR-102 enjoyed multiple special editions, including the stealthy "Night Watch," the aluminum and platinum "Gaia," and the thermochromic pigment-enhanced "TimeForArt." In celebration of the 25th anniversary, the UR-102 "Reloaded" was introduced, reaffirming URWERK's legacy of innovation and its playful rebellion against traditional watchmaking conventions. In 2025 URWREK gave an update the UR-101 with its bronzed guilloche T-Rex treatment as limited edition.
