Urwerk Creates Electric Watch Encapsulating Ancient References To Timekeeping

Urwerk has introduced the UR-100V Time and Culture II, affectionately dubbed the ‘Sumer’. The timepiece delves into the historical roots of timekeeping, finding its inspiration in the ancient city of Ur and the pioneering Sumerian civilization. It was the Sumerians who introduced the concept of time as we understand it today, and URWERK’s latest creation pays homage to this ancient legacy.

The Sumerians held the number 60 in high regard, a notion ingrained in the 60 seconds and 60 minutes we now use ubiquitously. This reverence for 60 is echoed in the essence of the UR-100V.

The watch features a sapphire dome that holds a modern interpretation of the moon god Nanna and the Sun god Utu via a four-pointed sun to symbolize the four cardinal points. The striking blue hue of the timepiece pays homage to lapis lazuli, a gem intrinsically linked to the Sumerian goddess Inanna.

The UR-100V Sumer is not just a beautiful and historical watch, it also has impressive technical features. It is equipped with a self-winding UR 12.02 movement that maintains a 48-hour power reserve, ensuring that you stay connected to time with the utmost precision.

Laser-engraved designs also adorn the watch, serving as a nod to the Sumerian civilization’s pioneering role in shaping our understanding of time and culture. In this timepiece, history, astronomy, and modern horology gracefully intertwine, offering more than just a method to keep track of the hours.

Expanding further on this subject, Martin Frei, the co-founder and artistic director of URWERK, shared his insight. He conveyed, “Through my reading and travels have been instrumental in exposing me to the profound richness and diversity of the Sumerian civilization. Their mythology resonates with profound depth, and their architectural achievements stand as timeless marvels. This relatively obscure civilization continues to captivate me. With this new creation, I found immense satisfaction in highlighting some of its distinctive aspects: mythology, astronomy, astrology, and the art of time measurement.”

The UR-100V Sumer carries a price tag of 72,000 CHF, which translates to approximately US$80,000. Those interested in this horological art piece can inquire on URWERK’s website.

[via Worldtempus and duPont REGISTRY, images via Urwerk]