The long anticipated revival of Urwerk’s first model has finally arrived: the UR-102 “Reloaded” is modelled on the watch Urwerk presented at its debut Basel fair in 1997.

The new UR-102 preserves the pebble-like form of the original but with enough tweaks to make it different, most notably with a larger case and revamped time display. But the new watch comes with a big caveat: it’s available only as part of a box set containing two UR-102s, one in titanium and the other all black.

Initial thoughts

I was looking forward to Urwerk’s revival of the UR-102. And I’m not disappointed with the result – except for the fact that it’s sold only as a pair.

The “Reloaded” version is obviously modelled on the 1997 original, but it’s also clearly a different creation. For one, it’s larger and the time display has been redesigned. Add to that the restyled lugs and repositioned crown and you have a watch that’s very much distinct.

In short, the new UR-102 is not a remake but a successful and appealing reinterpretation of the original. Leaving aside its origins, the UR-102 also has intrinsic appeal. It’s a clean, attractive design with sci-fi vibes.

But the UR-102 is being sold as a pair – both identical save for the case finish. Despite the merits of the watch and appeal of the brand, I dislike the fact that buyers are compelling to buy two near-identical watches (or find someone to split the set with, which from personal experience is harder than it sounds).

Fortunately it is a certainty that future iterations of the UR-102 will be launched, as is typical practice for Urwerk. I’m guessing they’ll be available individually, making them more accessible.

Coming full circle

At 41 mm the UR-102 “Reloaded” is noticeably larger than the 1997 original that was just 38 mm wide.

The enlarged case retains the same streamlined outline that was inspired by the Soviet-era Sputnik satellite. While the original had a conventionally positioned crown, the new UR-102 has the crown at four o’clock, further differentiating it from the original.

Offered with either a matte titanium or matte, black-coated titanium, the case also featured redesigned lugs that are more angular and prominent than those on the original.

The complication remains a wandering hours but the display now includes script relating to the history of the UR-102 as well as the distance travelled by the Earth around the Sun since the model was launched in 1997.

And of course the new UR-102 is powered by a contemporary calibre, the automatic cal. 20.2 that’s most probably a Zenith Elite base movement with Urwerk’s own wandering hours module.

The two versions of the UR-102 “Reloaded” are available only in a box set that’s limited to 25.

Key Facts and Price

Urwerk UR-102 “Reloaded” (box set of two watches)

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 11.3 mm
Material: Steel and titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 20.2
Functions: Hours and minutes
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Textured rubber and fabric with pin buckle

Limited edition: 25 box sets
Availability: At Urwerk retailers
Price: CHF56,000 excluding taxes

For more, visit Urwerk.com.