August 21st 2024
Back in 2014, Urwerk revolutionized the watch industry with the creation of its first EMC (Electronic Mechanical Control) watch. This groundbreaking timepiece was equipped with a micro-generator and an integrated timing machine, allowing wearers to monitor and adjust the mechanical precision of their watches, compensating for environmental variations. Now, a decade later, Urwerk is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the EMC series with the introduction of the Urwerk EMC SR-71, a limited edition of just 10 pieces that pays homage to the iconic Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” aircraft.
A Collaboration Rooted in Aerospace Heritage
The Urwerk EMC SR-71 is the result of a collaboration with Dreamland, an aerospace and lifestyle brand founded by watch designer Jason Sarkoyan and aeronautical engineer Dr. Roman Sperl. Dreamland’s idea to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the EMC series led to the creation of this extraordinary timepiece. The watch’s generator crank handle is constructed from a piece of the actual fuselage of the SR-71, which was melted down and reworked into a special titanium alloy, giving the EMC SR-71 a direct connection to its aerospace inspiration.
Design Inspired by the SR-71 Cockpit
The EMC SR-71 retains the segmented display style of the original EMC models, drawing aesthetic parallels with the cockpit instruments of the SR-71 aircraft. The watch features a sub-dial for hours and minutes, a running seconds register, a power reserve indicator, and a δ performance indicator that displays the watch’s timekeeping precision. This segmented design, combined with the watch’s modern and technical appearance, sets it apart from traditional wristwatches.
Craftsmanship and Technical Excellence
Crafted from titanium and stainless steel, the EMC SR-71 measures 47.55mm wide by 17.58mm thick, with a lug-to-lug profile of 49.57mm. Its case features a matte blasted finish, while the bezel and generator crank handle are left untreated for contrast. The watch is powered by Urwerk’s in-house Caliber UR-EMC manual-wind movement, which combines a traditional Swiss lever escapement with an integrated timing machine powered by a hand-crank generator. This movement allows owners to measure and fine-tune the accuracy of their watches.
A Rugged, Futuristic Aesthetic
The EMC SR-71’s design leans into its instrument-themed appearance with bright yellow accents and a utilitarian color palette of black, gray, and olive. These elements, combined with the use of genuine SR-71 fuselage material, create a rugged and technical aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-budget sci-fi film. With a limited production of just 10 pieces and a retail price of 150,000 CHF (approximately $175,000 USD), the Urwerk EMC SR-71 is a collector’s dream, blending aerospace history with cutting-edge horology.