The Urwerk EMC (Electro Mechanical Control). This groundbreaking timepiece represents a fusion of mechanical mastery and electronic ingenuity, offering the wearer unprecedented control over their watch’s precision. With EMC, URWERK has not only challenged the status quo but also achieved a watchmaking milestone, merging the mechanical and digital worlds in a way that was previously unimaginable. The EMC is not just another watch; it is a paradigm shift in the watchmaking industry. It is the first high-end mechanical watch that allows its owner to monitor and adjust its chronometric performance in real-time. This capability, once reserved for professional watchmakers with specialized equipment, is now at the fingertips of the wearer. At the core of this innovation lies a sophisticated monitoring unit powered by a micro-generator, a feat of engineering courtesy of Maxon, the Swiss company famed for its work on NASA’s Mars rovers. This micro-generator provides the necessary power to the electronic components, bridging the gap between the mechanical and the digital in a seamless and harmonious manner.
The dial of the EMC is a marvel of functionality and design, featuring four distinct indications that offer a wealth of information at a glance. The hours and minutes are displayed prominently, accompanied by an 80-hour power reserve indicator that ensures the wearer is always aware of the watch’s energy status. Additionally, a separate seconds dial and a precision indicator complete the ensemble, providing a comprehensive view of the watch’s performance. This level of detail and interactivity is unheard of in traditional mechanical watches, positioning the EMC as a truly revolutionary timepiece. Powering the EMC are two large mainspring barrels, meticulously connected in series and mounted vertically on a single shaft. This configuration provides an impressive 80-hour power reserve, ensuring stable and linear timing performance. The careful design of the power reserve system underscores URWERK’s commitment to precision and reliability, key tenets in the world of high-end watchmaking. The longevity of the power reserve not only enhances the watch’s practicality but also reflects the meticulous craftsmanship that has gone into its creation.
The balance wheel of the EMC is crafted from ARCAP, a material known for its non-magnetic and anti-corrosive properties. This choice of material is critical in ensuring the longevity and accuracy of the watch. The balance wheel’s dimensions and shape have been precisely calculated to optimize data collection from the optical sensor, which monitors the watch’s performance. This attention to detail extends to the aerodynamic efficiency of the balance wheel, minimizing the loss of amplitude and ensuring that the watch remains accurate under varying conditions. At the heart of the EMC’s functionality is a tiny optical sensor, strategically placed on the balance wheel. This sensor captures the exact rate of oscillation of the 4 hertz / 28,800 vph regulator over a period of three seconds, providing real-time data on the watch’s performance. This data is then relayed to the wearer, who can make fine adjustments to the watch’s timing. This level of precision is a testament to URWERK’s innovative spirit, offering a glimpse into the future of mechanical watchmaking where the wearer plays an active role in maintaining the accuracy of their timepiece.
Despite its electronic enhancements, the EMC remains a fully mechanical watch at its core. The calibre, the beating heart of the EMC, was conceived, developed, and crafted entirely in URWERK’s ateliers. This in-house approach ensures that every component of the watch meets the highest standards of quality and performance. The combination of mechanical prowess and electronic innovation makes the EMC a unique offering in the world of horology, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology in a way that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. One of the most remarkable features of the EMC is its user-adjustable precision. By turning a screw on the back of the watch, the wearer can change the active length of the spring, fine-tuning the watch’s timing to match their personal lifestyle and preferences. This ability to interact directly with the watch’s mechanics is a groundbreaking advancement, empowering the wearer to take control of their timepiece in a way that has never been possible before. The EMC is not just a watch; it is a statement of URWERK’s commitment to innovation, offering a glimpse into the future of horology where technology and tradition coexist in perfect harmony.