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Urwerk UR-110 Torpedo Watch Review



When Martin and Felix of Urwerk want to create something new, they have to sit down and think about what they have done before and what they can follow up with to be unique in the watch world. It’s really hard to do that. Even the satellite time system that Urwerk is famous for is not unique to them and originated elsewhere long ago. Urwerk simply took the satellite time system and made it their own. The Torpedo (another name for the UR-110) is different in two ways. It modifies the satellite system a bit, provides an interesting new visual spectacle, and puts it in a case that is both new and strange.

The UR-110 takes a while to get used to on the wrist. It doesn’t look like any case I’ve worn before. I jokingly described the design as a “mutated Ninja Star” (which obviously only makes sense in my mind). Imagine a modified Urwerk UR-103 case with wings. I guess that makes sense… a torpedo flies underwater, right? If you have large wrists, then the Torpedo might be for you, but to me, the wings stick out like the watch is trying to climb. The “coin edge” on the sides of the organic case is beautiful, and the detailing is certainly on par with high-end timepieces.

The case dimensions are a little awkward at 47mm wide, 51mm tall, and 16mm thick—but that’s all within range, as the case is quite curved. While it looks like it sits on the wrist rather than around it, the bottom is basically flat so the watch doesn’t feel like it’s sliding around. As I’ve said several times, the titanium case looks a little bare and “unfinished.” Some may like this look, but I’m waiting for the upcoming black case. I expect that model will outline the design of the watch better. Bare titanium isn’t always easy to achieve. I also think it would make the design of the watch more manageable if the wings angled down to wrap around the wrist.

Urwerk calls this movement the UR 9.01, and it’s certainly the highlight of this watch. The movement is automatic, and you can see those cool little “turbines” on the back of the watch, which rotate as the rotor spins. Urwerk also notes that the turbines help prevent damage to the rotor from impacts. There are three satellites on the dial, with four hours on each. They always point “forward” when moving. This is very cool, and when they get close to the minute scale, the correct hour on the cube rotates. It’s easy to tell the time, and the idea of ​​the minute scale’s placement is that it’s the first part of the watch you see when your arm emerges from under your sleeve.

Also on the dial is a small seconds dial, an “oil change” indicator, and a day/night indicator. The oil change indicator is a service guide that advises you when to send the watch back to Urwerk for a (expensive) service. It’s a nod to such indicators on cars. Future versions of the UR-110 may have other complications. I feel the dial is a little incomplete. While it’s clean, the sandblasted surface under the satellite system feels a little bare. As I keep saying, the Torpedo is pretty nice overall, but it looks like Urwerk could have spent more time refining the design – and they probably will.

The detailing on the dial is really beautiful though. I’m always impressed by how well Urwerk parts look – and the Torpedo dial and mechanism are no exception. Operating the movement is pretty cool too. There’s a cover over the crown that you just pull up a little to adjust the time. The crown is located on the top of the watch. It’s much better visible from the bottom of the 110. In fact – and this is the case with some Urwerk watches – I might prefer the caseback of the watch to the dial! This element of the watch is really beautiful.

The UR-110 Torpedo is unique, well made, and easy to read. At the same time, its design could use a bit of refinement, and it takes some getting used to on the wrist. Urwerk fans will probably welcome its addition to the range, and it does feel a bit different while staying in line with the look and feel that Urwerk is going for.