Our Take

Every evolution in a product line must strike a balance that does justice to the original while also breathing new life into the update. It’s a challenge that Urwerk took by the horns when it retired the UR-210 earlier this year, and recently released its successor, the UR-220 “Falcon Project”. Overall, the UR-220 is a masterclass on how to revitalize the spirit of yesterday’s icon with a modern twist.

On the surface, the UR-210 and UR-220 have a similar look. Both share a distinct case shape and dial layout, marked notably by the brand’s characteristic retrograde satellite hours complication. But all the similarities stop on the level of general appearance.

Unlike its predecessor, the UR-220 has a manual-wound movement, an ultra-lightweight carbon case, a velvet-to-the-touch rubber strap, and a dramatically thinner profile on the wrist.

On the caseback, collectors will also notice crossover from other product lines, namely the oil-change countdown complication from the UR-110. As far as haute horlogerie goes, this is an interesting and fairly pragmatic complication. By pulling the pin after purchasing this timepiece, a 39-month countdown begins to indicate the watch’s next required maintenance check up. It’s a friendly reminder to ensure this timepiece receives the love and care it needs to last a lifetime.

Slimmer and lighter, the UR-220 ventures into the daily beater territory while offering all the technical innovation that Urwerk creatively pioneered. It is Urwerk’s finest work yet.

The Details

Urwerk 220 SL Asimov

Case: 43.8 mm by 53.6 mm

Crystal: Sapphire Crystal with anti-reflective coating

Water resistance: Pressure tested to 3ATM / 100’ / 30m

Movement: UR-7.20 Manual, Single mainspring barrel. 59 jewels.

Frequency: 28,800v/h, 4Hz

Power reserve: 48 hours

Finishing: Carbon CTP with titanium caseback

Indications: Satellite cube hours and retrograde minutes; double power-reserve displays; and “oil change” indicator