SpotlightAncient Inspiration, Modern Interpretation: Introducing The Urwerk UR-100V Time And Culture II

When Urwerk unveiled the new edition of the 100V, aptly named Time and Culture, the watchmakers showcased their profound connection with mythology and, more importantly, how we as a species find a place in space-time. While the first iteration was a phenomenal representation of the Aztecs and their motifs of the sun stone, the new UR-100V Time and Culture II explores the rich Sumerian mythology. Also known as Sumer, the Urwerk UR-100V Time and Culture II features a central design where the Sumerian god of the sun Utu is depicted in his original form that is over 2,000 years old. With all its authentic details and fine lines that are subtle and laser-engraved, the latest UR-100V is a work of meticulous craftsmanship, not to mention the satin-brushed ridges of the motif and the micro-sandblasted hollows. Other divinities grace the watch, as the timepiece features the Sumerian god of the moon Nanna, who finds his place between the lugs. Meanwhile, the blue hue is a reference to lapis lazuli—a stone closely associated with Inanna, the goddess of love, war, and fertility.

Inspired By The Mythical Lords: The UR-100V Time And Culture II

The Sumerians are known for their ingenious irrigation canals and pyramid-like temples, but if they could make watches, one could imagine their wrist accessories looking something like the Urwerk UR-100V Time and Culture II for sure, given its design taking inspiration directly from this late neolithic civilisation. On the periphery, Urwerk has highlighted the Sumerian civilisation’s solid understanding of astronomy. Along with one of the indications that refers to the sun, there is information on the earth’s rotation, and the hours and minutes are displayed alongside these details.

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The Urwerk UR-100V Time and Culture II highlights a central motif featuring the Sumerian sun god Utu in his authentic form, which dates back over 2,000 years

The Urwerk Sumer includes multiple features, including satellite hours, minutes, rotational distance in Ur over 20 minutes, and orbital distance in 20 minutes

The design of the Urwerk UR-100V Time and Culture II emphasises the Sumerian civilisation's advanced understanding of astronomy, displayed at the periphery

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Once 60 minutes have passed, the minute hand on the Sumer changes to display kilometres instead of minutes. This mechanical setup serves a purpose, which is to illustrate how people in ancient Ur journeyed 477.29km every 20 minutes, symbolising the implicit journey facilitated by the Earth’s rotation. At the opposite end of the scale appears the Earth’s orbit around the sun covering 35,742km in 20 minutes.

The UR-100V Time And Culture II Presents High Performance With High Art

Packed inside a 41mm steel case with a titanium caseback and sapphire crystal glass, the watch is water-resistant up to 30m. It has been paired with a Baltimore fabric strap with a pin buckle. Powering this mystical timepiece is the UR 12.02 automatic movement that stores a power reserve of around 48 hours.

The Urwerk Sumer showcases Sumerian moon god Nanna between the lugs and the blue hue of lapis lazuli—a stone linked to Inanna, the goddess of love, war, and fertility

More than just an avant-garde timepiece, the Sumer is a captivating journey into the past. It tells us about the rich history of an ancient civilisation and uncovers the fascinating origins of our modern timekeeping system, with 60-second minutes and 60-minute hours as its core. With all its aesthetic and technical glories, this timepiece is a remarkable bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary craftsmanship.