In the realm of horology, few designers bring eye-catching detail and subtle nuance to their creations like Martin Frei, Urwerk co-founder and chief designer.
The Winterthur native's creative talent was nurtured from a young age by his mother, an art teacher, and inspired by his father's engineering background. After earning a degree in Graphic Design and later a Bachelor of Arts, Martin crossed paths with Felix Baumgartner, a fellow visionary and talented watchmaker.
Together, they founded Urwerk in 1997, united by a shared passion for redefining the concept of time through bold designs and unique displays, such as their signature satellite indicators.
In this conversation, we explore Martin’s personal passions and gain an insight into the cerebral mind behind these extraordinary creations that have captivated the watch world over the past three decades.
Hi Martin. So, tell us: What is your favourite book?
There are certainly some books that are very dear to me and have made me the person I am today. Foremost among them is, ‘On the Origin of Species’ by the British naturalist Charles Darwin.
Darwin's work is foundational; it revolutionised the field of biology and introduced the theory of evolution through natural selection, altering our understanding of life's diversity and the processes that drive it.
He meticulously gathered and presented a vast array of empirical evidence from his observations and experiments. This rigorous approach set a new standard for scientific methodology and evidence-based conclusions, fostering a more systematic study of natural phenomena.
I love his writing for its clarity, precision and eloquence. It is suspenseful to read because we witness a scientific mind discovering the world.
Your favourite movie?
‘Barry Lyndon’, Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece from 1975. I love Kubrick's meticulous attention to detail in the film's visual composition. He extensively used natural lighting, including candlelight, to create an authentic 18th-century atmosphere. This was achieved with special lenses developed by NASA, giving the film a distinctive, painterly quality reminiscent of the artwork from that period.
The film is historically accurate in its costumes, settings and even behaviours and I find myself completely immersed in the era every time I watch it. Kubrick's dedication to authenticity extends to the locations and props that accurately reflect the time period. His innovative camera techniques, such as long takes and zoom shots, enhance the narrative and emotional depth of the film.
However, it is his use of classical music, particularly the beautiful compositions by Handel, Vivaldi and Schubert, that adds to the film's emotional and atmospheric resonance. It truly makes you feel as though you are travelling through time.
Your favourite album?
‘Freak Out!’, released in 1966 by the Mothers of Invention. It’s the year I was born and this early concept album showcases Frank Zappa and his band expressing their take on the spirit of Los Angeles at that time.
As a young student of art, I used to paint while listening to this album and now that we’re talking about it, it inspires me to pick up my brush again!
Your favourite food?
Ghormeh Sabzi, a traditional Persian herb stew made with fenugreek, dried lime and spinach, simmered with tender chunks of beef or lamb and red kidney beans. It’s perfect when served with fluffy basmati rice or “tahdig,” which is the delightful crunchy crust at the bottom of the pan. Ghormeh Sabzi is so delicious and addictive in the best way!
For me, it’s tied to my introduction to Persian cuisine, thanks to my wife’s fantastic cooking skills when we first got to know each other over 20 years ago.
Your favourite drink?
Single malt whiskey. It’s the perfect dessert. There is nothing better than enjoying a glass of good whiskey after a fulfilling day, in almost any situation.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Hmm, it's very difficult to choose just one, but if I had to pick, I would go for India. I love the history, culture and vibrancy of that beautifully diverse and colourful country.
Your favourite TV show?
I have to choose ‘Twin Peaks’ (1990-1991) by David Lynch. A friend of mine, a talented cameraman, brought the entire show over from the US on VHS tapes before it was released in Europe. We binge-watched it together as a group of friends and it was absolutely mind-blowing.
Your favourite podcast?
My favourite podcast is ‘Entitled Opinions’ by Robert Pogue Harrison from Stanford University. Harrison, the Stanford Rosina Pierotti Professor of French and Italian literature, has interviewed some of our era’s leading figures in literature, philosophy, science and cultural history. The podcast covers a wide range of fascinating topics, making it incredibly engaging. ‘Entitled Opinions’ airs on Stanford University’s KZSU (90.1 FM).
Your favourite piece of clothing or sartorial accessory?
My bespoke dark blue coat jacket by Timothy Everest is a prized possession. Tim, a Savile Row-trained tailor, became a friend after Wei Koh introduced us. He honed his craft under Tommy Nutter, who famously worked for the Beatles. Tim is an inspiring designer in his own right and his exceptional coat jacket fits me perfectly.
Your favourite activity that you do in your free time?
Traveling, as it allows me to immerse myself in different experiences and make life even more captivating.
Tell us something about you that might surprise us.
What might surprise you is that I am a quarter Italian. My "nonna," my mother's mother, was originally from northern Italy and she once told me that we are related to Pope John Paul I, the last Italian Pope who became the head of the Catholic Church in 1978. While I am not Catholic, I take great pride in my Italian heritage.
What’s one item (not a watch) that you can’t live without? Or that you can’t go anywhere without?
That would be my finger rings. It’s not just one; sometimes I wear two at a time. I've gotten used to having a ring on and I can’t go anywhere without it. Not long ago, we created the UR ring and the one I wear most often is a unique piece engraved by the Master Artisan Florian Gullert.
What is on your ‘bucket list’ (an activity, accomplishment or destination that you hope to do or visit before you exit this world)?
There are several places I haven’t been to that I would love to see – the Sahara, Antarctica, the giant Sequoia trees at Yosemite National Park, the Gobi Desert and the Hindu Kush. However, if I had to choose one place in particular, it would be the ancient Egyptian pyramids of Giza. I’m certain that visiting the site would inspire me to create a remarkable URWERK timepiece!
Who is someone who has inspired you in your life and/or career. How did they inspire you?
It’s my father who has inspired me the most. He was an engineer in scientific research and had the ability to explain nearly everything. He often joked that he "creates nothing," referring to the vacuum needed to speed up atomic particles.
Whenever there was a question about something puzzling in the world of physics, he would take the time to explain it in a way that not only captivated but also left you curious for even more answers. In every question, he was a source of knowledge and wisdom.
Name a famous person or historical figure, dead or alive, that you would like to have lunch with. Why?
I would choose Leonardo da Vinci. He viewed the world as an incredible place, full of wonders, unanswered questions and possibilities for new creations. As both an artist and a scientist, he embodies the qualities I admire most. I’m sure it would be amazing to converse with him.
However, it would also be quite challenging, as I would need to answer his questions about the progress and developments that have occurred since his time – quite a task!
What was the first watch you remember owning? What was special about it?
The first watch I remember owning is a 1950s golden Omega Seamaster that I received from my grandfather when I was about 17 years old. What makes that watch special, apart from its simple beauty, is that I lost it shortly after my granddad gave it to me. It was a terrible experience and I suffered tremendously because of it!
And finally, a wrist check: What watch are you currently wearing? And what do you like about it?
I’m currently wearing my UR-210S Full Metal Jacket, made from solid steel. I love its weight, its aesthetic and the fact that I was able to convince Felix Baumgartner, my partner at URWERK, to create a metal bracelet for the very few watches we produced of this particular model.
For more information about Martin’s brand, please visit the Urwerk website.
