UR-102 Reloaded Black: Revisiting Urwerk’s Founding Vision

The UR-102 Reloaded Black arrives with the weight of a watch that shaped Urwerk’s identity. Where many brands revisit old models as a way to play on sentiment, this relaunch operates with a different intent. It brings the original language of the UR-102 into sharper focus, allowing the design to stand on its own terms in the present. The changes are precise: a larger case, cleaner lines, and a display aperture cut for clarity. Together, they frame Reloaded as a clear statement of how Urwerk sees its foundations today.

Urwerk’s Independent Spirit Realised In Black

Urwerk was founded in Geneva in 1997 by master watchmaker Felix Baumgartner and designer Martin Frei.

Urwerk was founded in Geneva in 1997 by master watchmaker Felix Baumgartner and designer Martin Frei, two visionaries who shared a desire to push the boundaries of timekeeping. From the outset, their mission was to create timepieces that redefined the way time is displayed and experienced, moving beyond just the traditional dials. Their watches are often described as futuristic sculptures for the wrist, combining avant-garde design with haute horlogerie precision. Today, Urwerk stands among the most daring independent watchmakers, admired by collectors who value originality as much as craftsmanship. 

The Collection: A Journey Back To 1997

The UR-102 was one of the very first watches Urwerk launched, alongside the UR-101. At the time, it marked a bold statement, a round case with a clean, minimalist look that concealed a revolutionary concept: the wandering-hour display.

The UR-102 was one of the very first watches Urwerk launched, alongside the UR-101. At the time, it marked a bold statement, a round case with a clean, minimalist look that concealed a revolutionary concept: the wandering-hour display. Instead of conventional hands, a single numeral orbited across a semicircular minute scale. Inspired partly by astronomical clocks, this display would go on to become a defining Urwerk signature. While the UR-102 seemed understated compared to the brand’s later, more complex creations, it laid the foundation for Urwerk’s design philosophy. Collectors have long revered it as a “genesis watch,” a piece that marked the beginning of Urwerk’s adventure in horology.

In 2023, Urwerk revived its seminal UR-102 model with the UR-102 “Reloaded,” offering two versions: one in raw titanium and the other in black PVD-coated titanium.

In 2023, Urwerk revived its seminal UR-102 model with the UR-102 “Reloaded”, issued as a limited boxed set of 25 pieces that includes two versions – one in raw titanium and the other in black PVD-coated titanium. The relaunch preserves the essence of the 1997 original while refining it for a new era with modernised casework, construction, and ergonomics.

The Urwerk UR-102 Reloaded Black At Second Movement

The UR-102 Reloaded Black offers collectors a rare opportunity to experience one of Urwerk’s most iconic designs.

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At Second Movement, the UR-102 Reloaded Black (Reference UR-102 RB) is now available, a remarkable opportunity for collectors to experience one of the most iconic watch designs. This latest edition grows slightly in size, from the original 38mm to 41mm, crafted from sandblasted titanium and finished in sleek black PVD. The once perfectly symmetrical case has been subtly reshaped: its crown now integrated at the four o’clock position, and the arched aperture for the wandering-hour display widened with sloped edges, giving the dial a more dynamic and contemporary look. Despite its futuristic presence, the pebble-like form recalls the fluid minimalism of the first UR-102.

The dial display remains quintessentially Urwerk: a single luminous hour numeral, engraved and satin-brushed, glides across the semi-circular minute track.

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The dial display remains quintessentially Urwerk: a single luminous hour numeral, engraved and satin-brushed, glides across the semi-circular minute track. The wandering-hour module is enhanced with Super-LumiNova for excellent legibility, even in low light. Powering this display is the UR 2.02 automatic calibre, beating at 4Hz with a 48-hour power reserve. While the base movement remains discreet, the wandering-hour complication is a fully in-house Urwerk creation. Protecting the display is a domed sapphire crystal that maintains the sculptural integrity of the case. A custom rubber strap with quilted texture, inspired by Baltimore-style upholstery, secures the UR-102 Reloaded Black with a black PVD-coated titanium buckle. Now available at Second Movement, this edition provides enthusiasts the chance to acquire a true milestone in modern independent watchmaking.

UR-102 Reloaded Black: A Return To Urwerk’s Origins

The significance of the UR-102 Reloaded lies in its symbolism as much as its design. This was the watch that introduced the wandering-hour display to modern independent horology, a complication that has since become inseparable from Urwerk’s identity. The 2023 reissue retains the same concept but increases the case size to 41mm, integrates the crown at four o’clock, and improves the aperture for better legibility. With only 25 sets released worldwide, comprising the titanium and black versions, the UR-102 Reloaded is an exceptionally rare opportunity for collectors. For those who missed the original in 1997, this is the closest one can come to owning Urwerk’s founding chapter, now rebuilt with contemporary refinements.