The UR-112 Aggregat “Back to Black” has the same mechanics as its predecessor, but boasts a refined case design and all-black palette that enhances the watch’s futuristic look.

The Low-Down

At first glance, the construction of the case and the complexity of the displays may seem difficult to read, but upon closer examination, you’ll find the time-telling of the UR-112 to be intuitive. The hours and minutes are made of digital discs contained within the glass cylinders, with only the discs carrying the current reading facing outward.

The hours are displayed on the left, where four prisms, each with three faces of hour numerals, take turns cycling through the axis, forming a satellite system. Similar to the satellite cubes display, the satellite prisms have a jumping hours mechanism where the three-dimensional solid rotates instantaneously at the top of the hour and stays in place until the end of the hour.

On the right are the minutes, which are also made of four prisms forming a satellite system, albeit with a simplified mechanism. The prisms rotate continuously instead of jumping, and the printing on the prisms are in five-minute intervals, though a precise reading down to the minute is made possible with a tiny scale and pointer.

Interestingly, the UR-112 was inspired by a vintage Bugatti sports car, the Type 57 Atlantic SC, which can be seen in the central spine of the watch. Co-founder of Urwerk, Martin Frei, was struck by the car’s design during a visit to Ralph Lauren’s car collection. In Frei’s words, “This Bugatti is a true wonder! It was the muse that inspired my first drawings of the UR-112.”

IMHO

Overall, the Urwerk UR-112 Aggregat “Back to Black” is a visually striking and innovative watch that showcases the brand’s dedication to pushing the limits of avant-garde time displays. Perhaps because of the proliferation of exotic displays, the satellite prisms arguably feel less intriguing than the brand’s original satellite cube displays, which made a true statement when it debuted in 2005 with the Harry Winson Opus V.

While the latest version appears to be a darker version of the “Bicolore” debuted last year, the “Back to Black” incorporates several subtle upgrades that work together to create a more fitting futuristic look. Among the improvements include a skeletonized lid that allows a glimpse into the inside of the case. Though it doesn’t add anything to the legibility, the openworking gives it extra airiness and visual depth. And of course, the all-black look is a major improvement over the two-tone grey palette from last year, though the CHF 30,000 extra cost may be a consideration for some.

Tech Specs

URWERK UR-112 Aggregat ‘Back to Black’

Movement: UR-13.01 automatic; automatic; power reserve 48 hours
Functions: Jumping hours, minutes, seconds, and power reserve
Case: 42 mm x 51 mm; titanium and stainless steel; water resistant to 30 m
Strap: Black abric strap with pin buckle
Price: CHF 280,000
Availability: Limited edition of 25 pieces