URWERK EMC SR-71

In the rarefied world of haute horlogerie, where mechanical marvels push the boundaries of timekeeping and artistry, few names command as much respect and admiration as URWERK. Founded in 1997 by the visionary duo of Felix Baumgartner, a master watchmaker, and Martin Frei, an accomplished artist, Urwerk has consistently challenged conventions and redefined the very essence of a timepiece. Their creations are not mere instruments to measure the passage of hours and minutes but rather intricate mechanical sculptures that capture the essence of time itself. With its audacious designs, groundbreaking complications, and relentless pursuit of innovation, URWERK has earned a place among the most revered watchmakers of our time.



Among URWERK’s most celebrated creations is the EMC, or Electronic Mechanical Control, a timepiece that revolutionized the world of horology when it was first introduced in 2014. Winning the prestigious "Mechanical Exception" and "Innovation" categories at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, and further accolades from the likes of Revolution Asia and Robb Report USA, the EMC solidified URWERK's position at the forefront of watchmaking ingenuity. The EMC was not just a watch, but a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of mechanical timekeeping. It seamlessly blended traditional watchmaking with cutting-edge technology, allowing the wearer to monitor and fine-tune the watch's precision in real-time. This groundbreaking innovation, coupled with URWERK’s signature avant-garde design, made the EMC a true horological icon.



Now, a decade after its debut, the EMC has been reborn in a limited edition that pays homage to one of the most legendary aircraft in history: the SR-71 Blackbird. The URWERK EMC SR-71 is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and the boundless possibilities that arise when horology and aerospace converge. This extraordinary timepiece not only celebrates the 10th anniversary of the EMC but also embodies the spirit of speed, precision, and technological prowess that defined the SR-71. It is a watch that transcends its primary function of timekeeping and becomes a symbol of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of excellence.



The story of the EMC SR-71 is as captivating as the watch itself. It began in December 2020 when two passionate enthusiasts, Jason Sarkoyan, a seasoned watch collector and designer, and Dr. Roman Sperl, an aeronautical engineer and SR-71 expert, walked into URWERK's headquarters in Geneva. They shared a vision: to create an exceptional timepiece that would fuse the worlds of haute horlogerie and aerospace engineering. Their passion for fine mechanics and their shared appreciation for URWERK's innovative spirit sparked a creative collaboration that would span three years and culminate in the unveiling of the EMC SR-71.



Central to this collaboration was a treasure trove of rare and priceless artifacts: fragments of the SR-71 Blackbird's fuselage, crafted from titanium. This "improved" titanium, forged in the crucible of aerospace innovation, has been repurposed to create the charging crank for the EMC's dynamo, infusing the watch with a tangible connection to the legendary aircraft. The dial layout, reminiscent of the SR-71's cockpit instruments, further reinforces this connection, transforming the watch face into a personal command center for the wearer.



The EMC SR-71 is more than just a timepiece; it is a wearable work of art that captures the essence of both horology and aerospace. Its design is a testament to URWERK's signature avant-garde aesthetic, with its bold lines, intricate details, and unconventional display of time. The watch's case, crafted from a combination of titanium and steel, exudes a sense of rugged elegance, while the charging crank, fashioned from the SR-71's titanium fuselage, adds a touch of historical significance. The dial, with its four distinct subdials and screw-down bezels, evokes the instrument panel of a high-performance aircraft, inviting the wearer to embark on a journey of precision and discovery.



At its heart, the EMC SR-71 is powered by an in-house URWERK movement, a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to mechanical excellence. This meticulously crafted movement, designed, developed, and assembled in URWERK's workshops, undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of precision and reliability. The movement's intricate workings, visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, showcase the artistry and technical mastery that define URWERK's creations.



The EMC SR-71 is not just a celebration of the past; it is a glimpse into the future of watchmaking. It represents the convergence of two seemingly disparate worlds, where horology and aerospace engineering unite to create something truly extraordinary. This limited edition timepiece, with its blend of cutting-edge technology, historical significance, and artistic vision, is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and the boundless possibilities that arise when passion and creativity collide.



Beyond its captivating backstory and striking aesthetics, the URWERK EMC SR-71 is a horological masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of mechanical innovation. The timepiece is a testament to URWERK's relentless pursuit of precision and performance, incorporating a range of technical features that set it apart from its contemporaries.



The EMC SR-71's movement is a marvel of micro-engineering, designed, developed, and crafted entirely in-house by URWERK. This bespoke caliber, known as the UR-EMC, is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to mechanical excellence. It features a Swiss lever escapement, a tried-and-true mechanism that ensures reliable timekeeping, and an ARCAP P40 balance, an alloy favored by URWERK for its non-magnetic and anti-corrosive properties. The balance's unique morphology, carefully calculated to improve its aerodynamics and minimize air friction, allows it to maintain optimal amplitude, further enhancing the watch's precision.



Powering this intricate movement is an imposing double barrel, vertically mounted on a single shaft. This series-coupled twin barrel configuration ensures stable linear timing performance and provides the EMC SR-71 with an impressive 80-hour power reserve, allowing the wearer to enjoy uninterrupted timekeeping even when the watch is not being worn.



One of the most distinctive features of the EMC SR-71 is its timing adjustment screw, accessible from the outside of the watch. This allows for incredibly fine adjustments to the balance rate index regulator, enabling the wearer to fine-tune the watch's precision to an extraordinary degree. This level of control is rarely seen in mechanical watches and underscores URWERK's dedication to empowering the wearer to actively participate in the pursuit of perfect timekeeping.



The EMC SR-71's electronic complication and monitoring device is where horology and technology truly intersect. This sophisticated system, developed with the expertise of software developer Olivier Evalet, utilizes precision optics to measure the performance of the mechanical movement. By comparing the movement's timing rate to a 16,000,000 Hz mega-quartz reference, the system can detect variations as small as ten microseconds, providing the wearer with an unprecedented level of insight into the watch's performance.



The EMC control function comprises several key components: an optical sensor linked to the balance wheel, a 16,000,000 Hz electronic oscillator, an integrated circuit, and a manual-winding generator. The optical sensor, consisting of a transmitter and a receiver positioned on either side of the balance, records the oscillations of this organ over a period of three seconds. This measurement is triggered manually by pressing a start button, allowing the wearer to actively engage with the watch's inner workings.



The 16,000,000 Hz electronic oscillator serves as the EMC SR-71's benchmark timing rate. The performance of the mechanical balance is compared against this ultra-precise oscillator to obtain the most accurate possible measurement. The integrated circuit, or calculator, then determines the differential between the movement's timing rate and that of the reference oscillator. This differential, symbolized by the Greek letter d, is expressed in seconds per day, providing the wearer with a clear and quantifiable measure of the watch's performance.



Powering the EMC's monitoring unit is a manual-winding generator, developed by Swiss company Maxon, renowned for its work on the Mars rovers. This micro-generator, activated by a winding crank fashioned from the SR-71's titanium fuselage, underscores the watch's connection to the world of aerospace engineering.



The EMC SR-71 is not merely a timekeeping instrument; it is an interactive experience that invites the wearer to explore the inner workings of a mechanical marvel. By providing real-time feedback on the watch's performance, the EMC empowers the wearer to become an active participant in the pursuit of precision. This unique feature, coupled with the watch's striking design and historical significance, makes the EMC SR-71 a truly exceptional timepiece.



The URWERK EMC SR-71 is housed in a robust 43.8mm titanium and steel case that measures 51mm in length and 15.8mm in thickness. It's a watch that commands attention on the wrist, yet its dimensions are carefully balanced to ensure comfortable wearability. The case's shot-blasted finish adds a touch of ruggedness that complements the watch's aerospace inspiration, while the sapphire crystal provides a clear view of the intricate dial and movement within.



The EMC SR-71 is secured to the wrist with a NATO strap inspired by aeronautical safety straps. Crafted from a combination of nylon and leather, the strap is both durable and comfortable, ensuring the watch remains securely in place even during the most demanding activities. The Velcro fastening system allows for quick and easy adjustments, further enhancing the watch's practicality.



With a limited production of just 10 pieces, the URWERK EMC SR-71 is a rare and exclusive timepiece that is sure to become a coveted collector's item. Its price tag of CHF 150,000 reflects the watch's exceptional craftsmanship, innovative technology, and historical significance. It is a watch that transcends its primary function of timekeeping and becomes a symbol of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of excellence.