Modelled on the first-ever Urwerk wristwatch, the UR-101 T-Rex is the independent watchmaker’s latest entry-level model. Priced at CHF38,000 before taxes, or about US$43,000, the UR-101 combines the brand’s signature wandering hours display with an aged bronze case finished with a scale-like guilloche.

Initial thoughts

Urwerk doesn’t do vintage-inspired watches often, and when it does the result is restyled enough to make it clearly modern. This is in keeping with the brand founders’ ethos, which looks forward rather than back. That’s the case with the UR-101 T-Rex. Though it takes the same form as the vintage original, it’s recognisable as a new creation.

The vintage-inspired concept is appealing, as is the sub-US$50,000 price. While I like the idea of a revival, I find the “T-Rex” pattern a bit too aggressive.

A polished finish that replicates the original would have been unimaginative, but more subtle engine turning would be an interesting counterpoint to the avant-garde style of the watch. That said, since the UR-101 is a limited edition of 100 pieces, I can safely assume that new variants are planned for the future.

The tab on the back releases the crown to set the time

Vintage inspired

The new UR-101 is Urwerk’s second historically-inspired watch after the UR-102 “Reloaded” of 2023 that was similarly based on the brand’s early creations. Like its predecessor, the UR-101 retains the form of the vintage original, but is scaled up to 41 mm wide and a little under 12 mm tall at its thickest. However, the UR-101 remains one of the most compact and wearable watches in the current Urwerk catalogue.

While the early Urwerk watches were all defined by their smooth, pebble-like cases, the UR-101 adopts the “T-Rex” finish that Urwerk earlier applied to the UR-100V and UR-105. Inspired by dinosaur hide, the engine turning is applied to the bronze case that’s been hand-painted to give it a faux-aged finish that will continue to patina over time.

The wandering hours display shows the hours in an aperture that travels across the semicircular window on the front, pointing to the minutes as it crosses the window. Time is set via the crown at 12 o’clock that needs to be released by a push tab on the case back that’s black-coated steel.

Inside is the UR-1.01V movement that’s a Vaucher automatic base paired with Urwerk’s in-house wandering hours module.

Key Facts and Price

Urwerk UR-101 T-Rex

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 11.86 mm
Material: Bronze with steel case back
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: UR-1.01V
Functions: Hours and minutes
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Black rubber with pin buckle

Limited edition: 100 pieces
Availability: At Urwerk retailers
Price: CHF38,000 excluding taxes

For more, visit Urwerk.com.