Home » Baselworld - World Watch and Jewellery Show » Let It Shine – Urwerk UR-202 Baguettes Unique Watch
In a rare treat, Urwerk has decided to make a unique version of its famed UR-202 model which will feature a humongous Briolette-cut stone in its crown and 220 more baguette-cut diamonds on its superb pavé bezel. More precious stones can be found on the dial of the one of the most iconic timekeepers of the brand, distinguished by the characteristic satellite hours complication and also known by its nickname – the Hammerhead.
A Superb Diamond which Inspired the Piece
The timekeeper by Urwerk is issued in a single copy and, needless to say, it is very exclusive. However, the exclusivity reaches another level due to the fact that diamond decorated pieces are very seldom found in the offer of a company which is far better known for its ingenious technical solutions. The actual reasons behind the creation of the piece can be found in the explanation offered by one of the brand’s founders, Felix Baumgartner. “When it comes to design, Martin Frei and I have always been the sole authors of our pieces. From first draft to final production, we never let external influences send us off course… but this time we made an exception. A solitary stone happened to roll across our path and inspired us to create this unique timepiece”, said Baumgartner.
So, as it turns out, a precious stone was the inspiration for the entire piece. This is not that surprising, since the diamond in question is to say the least impressive. It is a Briolette-cut Top Wesselton stone which weighs amazing 1.09 ct and serves as the highlight of the scintillating timekeeper by gracing its crown. However, this far from the whole story, since the Urwerk newcomer likewise includes no less than 220 baguette-cut stones which are invisibly set on the bezel in several rows. As the other cofounder of the brand, Martin Frei, explains, this was by no means an easy task: “I was particularly demanding when it came to this unique piece. I wanted the diamonds to match the curves and cambers of the UR-202. It was essential that the jewels became an integral part of the case, that they blended seamlessly into the design.” The overall intention and direction in the creation of the piece can be found in Frei’s conclusion: “This is not the timepiece onto which gems have been added. The diamonds are the case itself.” By the way, the irregular shaped housing was made from white gold with blackened titanium base, while its dimensions are 46.6 mm x 43.5 mm x 15 mm.
A Little Help of Atelier Lancelin, the Masters of Invisinle Setting
In order to achieve the desired effect, Urwerk’s co-founders turned to the experts in the field – Atalier Lancelin, headed by a master jeweler, Vincent Perego. It took a whole year for Perego and his team to fit the host of stones into “invisible” setting. More sparkling stones can be seen on the circular grained black ARCAP P40 dial of UR-202 Baguettes. The unique piece has a larger Top Wesselton diamond in the center of its satellite complication (0.35 carats), as well as nine more stones of the same kind on the carrousel (total weight 0.23 carats). The final touch is the presence of a dozen more diamonds on the minute scale (0.59 carats).
In a rare twist of the events, the technical traits of the watch are not in the focus. However, since it is an Urwerk timekeeper, these features are certainly impressive. The one-of-a-kind timepiece has automatic winding UR 7.02 Calibre which enables the very original display of the time featured in the piece. It includes a characteristic satellite hour complication for which the brand is renowned for. Other supported functions are a moon phase indication and a day/night indicator. High-tech materials are present throughout the caliber’s components: bridges, as well as hour satellites are forged from ARCAP P40, transporters are coined from beryllium bronze alloy which was subsequently treated with MOVIC, whereas the material used for the creation of telescopic hands is titanium. It is important to note that the caliber operates at the frequency of 28,800 vph and has a power reserve which lasts for about 39 hours.
