shining-t

Urwerk 103T Shining-T & Mexican Fireleg Watches Hands-On

People make a pretty big deal out of Urwerk and brands like it. The idea is perhaps that they are doing something so different that their work is worth recognizing. Also it could possibly be that their pieces exhibit a superior form of finishing and craftsmanship. Then again, people might just like their watches. The real reason behind the success of the small, luxury watch maker Urwerk is perhaps a combination of elements. Personally, I like the polished refinement in their pieces, and the straightforward execution of their time-telling concepts. In Switzerland I met with them and checked out some of their watches. Here for you are their newest pieces. Line extensions of the 103T watches, done in limited editions named the Shining-T and Mexican Fireleg (no doubt you can tell which is which). I previously wrote about these watches here.

Time spent with the watches reveals a lot of hidden details. They are "interesting" to wear, and cooler to look at. The cases are very solid and well made, with the interior details having the refinement of a precision tool. These are really the un-watch. They want to tell time in a different way, and play with traditional concepts of luxury. Take for instance the black PVD coated case of the 103T Shining-T. Know what is under that black PVD? 18k rose gold. Yup, and you'd never even know it was there. The Shining-T is my fav, though they are both cool. It uses sapphire crystal for the time telling satellites.

Urwerk really put their time into making the movements. Really high quality and ergonomic. This is a brand that actually understands watches are meant to be precision machines. On the back of the watch you have some additional information. Here is a special 15 minute dial that helps with precision setting of the time, as well as a power reserve indicator and seconds dial. Putting the watches on you feel a curious sensation wearing the device. It looks less like a watch than you might think - and that is part of the point. Reading the time is actually quite simple, and you don't really need any adjustment time. These two limited edition pieces aren't cheap, but they are well made - and you can't find quality or craftsmanship anywhere else for a novelty like this.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com

Gallery: Urwerk 103T Shining-T and Fireleg