ReviewGoing Dark: Introducing The Urwerk UR-112 Aggregat Back To Black
Featuring more or less the same mechanics as its predecessor, the new Urwerk UR-112 Aggregat Back to Black houses a more refined case with an all-black look
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With over 25 years of avant-garde designs under their belt, Urwerk are a distinguished force in the world of unconventional timepieces. From their unorthodox time displays to radical design codes, the brand have evolved with time and with the release of every new watch that houses all sorts of crazy stuff. This year, Urwerk have expanded their Special Projects laboratory—which gave us the previous UR-112 Aggregat—with the new Back to Black model featuring a structure in steel and titanium, with black DLC treatment.
Off The (Offbeat) Familiar
The brand introduced the UR-112 Aggregat series back in 2021. It marked the first time that they departed from their signature wandering-hour indication. This meant that the timepiece did not feature a carousel with satellites or a 120-degree aperture for minute markers. Deeply inspired by designer Ralph Lauren’s Bugatti Atlantic Type 57 SC, the UR-112 offered a design aesthetic that allowed drivers to read time without taking their hands off the steering wheel. The 2023 UR-112 Aggregat Back to Black marks the third edition in the series.
Sporty, Sleek, Spaceship-Like
Like its predecessors, the 2023 Urwerk UR-112 Aggregat Back to Black features similar mechanics, but with a streamlined profile, a new case material, and a hinged bonnet. While the original used PVD-coated titanium, the UR-112 Aggregat Back to Black in steel and titanium features a stronger DLC treatment. The black body is treated to a combination of sandblasted, bead-blasted and satin-brushed finishing, giving the watch a unique look, loaded with stealth.
At first glance, the complex architecture of the timepiece might throw anyone off, but on closer inspection, reading time off the alien-like timepiece is rather simple. Two sapphire crystal satellite prisms offer the jumping digital hours and trailing minutes. The 42mm spaceship-like case structure houses a cover, or a hinged bonnet, which flips open to reveal the power reserve indicator and digital seconds display. It’s that simple! For better visual appeal, all the time-telling numerals and power reserve indications are filled in with Super-LumiNova emitting a visually stunning blue glow.
Vintage Design Influence
In terms of the overall design of the watch, like the original UR-112 model, the Aggregat Back to Black is also heavily inspired by the vintage car, Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic SC. It is reflected in the central spine of the watch dividing the hunter-like bonnet on the top of the watch. Martin Frei, co-founder of Urwerk states, “The inspiration for the 112 line came straight from the USA. Felix (Baumgartner, co-founder) and I were lucky enough to discover the impressive car collection of Mr Ralph Lauren. Among the rarest models was the Bugatti Atlantic. Wow! It was love at first sight. Its perfect lines, its spine running along its body, its art déco features… This Bugatti is a true wonder! It was the muse that inspired my first drawings of the UR-112.”
Under The Hood Of The UR-112
The grille of the Bugatti is showcased on the bonnet of the watch, which is decorated with vertical speed lines that reveal a quick glimpse of the two displays under the hood. Two pushers on either side of the case facilitate the opening and closing function of the hood. Inside the UR-112 Aggregat Back to Black runs the in-house UR-13.01 automatic movement, with a power reserve of 48 hours. The long central titanium shaft of the surprisingly lightweight movement (weighing just 25.2g) houses a large barrel that facilitates the twin indicators of time.
Completing the overall sleek look, the Urwerk UR-112 Aggregat Back to Black comes mounted on a nifty black strap. This black stunner is limited to just 25 pieces worldwide.
