Urwerk EMC SR-71: Philosophy of Excellence from the Skies to your Wrist

Credits: Article and images by Ian Skellern @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/10/23/urwerk-emc-sr-71-philosophy-of-excellence-from-the-skies-to-your-wrist/

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Missed opportunities

I do feel there were a couple missed opportunities with the design that would have dramatically improved the connection to the legendary reconnaissance plane.

As mentioned earlier, a very unique feature of the titanium panels on the SR-71 was the addition of corrugation and dimples to allow for material expansion under the high temperatures of flight.

I think the main case structure would look incredible if micro corrugations were added to the surface, something seen in some form before on the UR-111, UR-112, even the UR-100, UR-105, and the OG model, the UR-103.

If done in a manner like the SR-71 it could have really elevated the case design to feel even closer to the inspiration. And while they were at it, they could have added the subtle yet distinct red “keep-out” lines that run the length of the SR-71’s mid fuselage to protect the panels during maintenance.

A set of lines running around the central dials or at the outer edge of the case could have framed the entire watch and completed the look of an SR-71 homage.

Urwerk EMC SR-71 on the wrist

Urwerk did pay careful attention to the strap and its materials and markings, looking like a military issue, flight ready strap with sewn Mil-Spec designation patch on the inside, all in a NATO style with quick release Velcro.

I’ve seen plenty of straps that head in the direction of seeming direct from the military, but this might be the best version and most appropriate for an experimental aircraft from the height of US aviation research.

One final detail that does go to show that Urwerk will add little touches everywhere, the tip of the seconds hand has been updated from the original gauge specific shape. Now, the tip is in the silhouette of the namesake SR-71 Blackbird, painted in the same green Super-LumiNova found on all the dials.

The entire package is a fantastic reminder of just how awesomazing the original EMC was when it first launched, and how it changed ideas of what a high-tech mechanical timepiece could be. Just like how the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird changed ideas of just what an airplane could be, even though they were literally living through the rocket age.

Since it is very limited, my only chance to enjoy this piece will likely be at the pleasure of Urwerk, should they still have any the next time I’m in town, but the sheer fact of its existence is enough to be excited for what Urwerk has up its sleeves for the future.

The brand has always been amount pushing boundaries and exploring imagined futures, something they have in common with all the engineers at Skunk Works for the past 60+ years as they brought to life some of the most incredible machines to ever fly. That feels appropriate since Urwerk has made some of the most incredible machines to ever sit on your wrist, keeping our eyes searching for the future we so rightly deserve.

Urwerk EMC SR-71 on the wrist

At least one thing is for sure, I don’t think the Urwerk EMC SR-71 will be leaking jet fuel unless at altitude, and I think that means I’m safe to try and break this one down!

Wowza Factor *9.49 A flight ready watch designed to allow precision adjustment customized to your own mission history, channeling the legendary SR-71 Blackbird? That is worth a huge wowza!
Late Night Lust Appeal * 94.9 » 930.651m/s2 I think if the watch itself isn’t enough to keep you up late enjoying the mix of classic horology and modern timing science then the sweet SR-71 vibes should do it!
M.G.R. * 68.9 The only downside to a movement this creative and capable is that it only shows the time and power reserve, and there are no visibly crazy mechanics to put it over the top, but it still is a top contender!
Added-Functionitis * Moderate A power reserve is the main added function but I have to give extra points to an on demand accuracy sensor, moving this into regular strength Gotta-HAVE-That cream territory!
Ouch Outline * 11.9 Dropping a gaming laptop on your foot! Some laptops are thin, light, and easy to hold onto. Some are heavy, bulky, and sport enough battery and ram to do some damage when dropped 3 feet directly onto your foot. But at the end of the day I would happily tend to a possible hairline fracture and bone bruising for a chance at the EMC SR-71!
Mermaid Moment * That crank, that strap! There are lots of reasons to love and Urwerk EMC model, so there is already an affection built in. But seeing the new details and understanding the connection is more than enough to fall head over heels all over again!
Awesome Total * 706.56 Start with the electronic oscillator frequency in Hz (16,000,000) and divide by the vibrations per hour of the ARCAP balance wheel (28,800), then add the number of hours in the power reserve (80) plus the numeric designation of the model’s inspiration (71) to land on a high flying awesome total!

For more information, please visit www.urwerk.com/collections/ur-chronometry/emc.

Quick Facts Urwerk EMC SR-71
Case: 47.55 x 49.57 x 17.58 mm, titanium, steel, and flown SR-71 titanium alloy
Movement: manually wound UR-EMC caliber, 80-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph/4Hz ARCAP balance
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve, instantaneous rate δ performance indicator
Limitation: 10 pieces
Price: 150,000 CHF