Basel World Update: Meeting With Martin Frei, Owner of Urwerk

My next meeting after Zenith was with the creator of Urwerk watch, Martin Frei. He builds watches that are next level and range from $95 to 110K Swiss Francs, along with a special tourbillon pocket piece that is over $350k Swiss Francs. Only eight of these were made and all are sold out.

The UR-1001 is a piece that is one of a kind. In fact, Uwerk doesn’t even call their model UR-1001 a pocket watch, they prefer the term “Zeit Device Über Complication.”

Martin Frei’s passion for watches is amazing. Urwerk has been an advertiser of our magazine through its distributor John Simonian for many years but it was a huge opportunity to sit down with the creator and see how Martin Frei was able to develop the watch, along with the movements and the insides. He gave me a thorough tour and understanding of the UR-110, which is one of my favorite watches on the market. I eventually want to get this piece in my collection myself.

This watch reminds me of a Lamborghini as the engine is next level and a pure sports car. While the watch is very big, it was interesting to see how the piece looks with Martin Frei wearing it with a suit. I must say it was very cool. His watch and creation is amazing. He is developing one of a kind pieces for the ultimate watch collector.

I was very impressed to see that he doesn’t have any starter watches. They are all very expensive, which is how he wants it. I was very impressed watching the movement of the watch. Definitely one of a kind and must own piece for everyone. He has been in business for 15 years and I wish him continued success.