Our Take

Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner, the designer and watchmaker duo behind Urwerk, are legends in independent watchmaking. Their timepieces have pushed the envelope of horology for decades, both from the perspective of aesthetics and mechanics. Amongst their portfolio of exceptionally futuristic creations, the EMC Series sticks out as exceptionally ambitious. Released originally in 2013, the EMC was so ahead of its time that it’s still at the bleeding edge of horological innovation nearly a decade later. For the first time, we’re thrilled to present one of these most exceptional timepieces, the EMC Timehunter X-Ray with black PVD case.

The EMC is remarkable for two reasons. The first, as seen at 10 o’clock on the dial, is the timepiece’s ability to track its own performance with a precision and amplitude gauge. It does this by means of two movements, one mechanical and one Maxon® generator with manual winding charging super capacitor movement. In the EMC, the super capacitor movement has no connection to the watch’s timekeeping. Rather, it’s used as a benchmark for accuracy. What occurs is, an optical sensor on the mechanical balance wheel tracks the precise rate of oscillation on the 28,800vph (4Hz) regulator. That sensor relays that information to a miniaturized circuit board, which in turn compares the mechanical movement’s performance against the super capacitor movement.While measuring performance in real time is mind-bending enough, it doesn’t stop there.

Urwerk’s laser-focus on pragmatic interactivity is what influences the second remarkable aspect of the EMC: collectors can adjust their watches by turning the screw on the caseback. In one swoop, gone are the days where measuring timepiece performance requires auxiliary equipment and gone are the days where only certified watchmakers can fine-tune timepieces. That’s why the EMC is still ahead of the times. With both movements (the mechanical and super capacitor) observable through the sapphire caseback, the EMC is as aesthetically amazing as it is technically innovative. Coupled with a large crank-like crown for winding, this timepiece oozes futuristic horology.

The Details

Urwerk EMC Time Hunter X-Ray

Material: Grade 5 titanium and steel with black PVD treatment

Dimensions: Width 43 mm, length 51 mm, height 15.8 mm

Glass: Sapphire crystal

Water Resistance: Pressure tested to 30 m/3ATM

Finish: Brushed and shot peened

Calibre: Calibre UR-EMC designed and manufactured by URWERK

Escapement: Swiss lever

Balance Wheel: ARCAP P40; linear balance with an optical reader

Frequency: 28,800 v/h (4 Hz)

Balance Spring: Flat

Energy Source: Stacked double mainspring barrels coupled in series

Power Source: 80 hours

Winding: Manually wound

Finish: Openworked baseplate, Geneva stripes, snailing, sand blasting,Chamfered screw heads

Generator: Maxon® hand-cranked generator to charge a capacitor

EMC Monitor: Optical sensor governed by an integrated circuit; 16,000,000 Hz reference resonator

Indications: Hours, minutes, seconds, rate indicator δ, amplitude, power reserve, Index adjustment screw