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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The Urwerk UR-T8 Colibri is a one-off artisan version of the UR-T8, the brand’s transformable wristwatch. Its case can be lifted from a cradle, turned over and returned to cover the time display. Its exterior is a mosaic of black-lip mother-of-pearl pieces, and it was presented alongside a matching unique folding art knife. Most of what is known about it comes from URWERK’s own press material, supplemented by a 2019 trade report on Baselworld novelties.
What the Colibri is
URWERK introduced the UR-T8 as its first transformable watch and tied the launch to the brand’s 20th anniversary, according to the official release dated 2017 (URWERK, “The UR-T8, which marks the 20th anniversary of the brand”). The Colibri is a single-piece variant of that model, distinguished by its mosaic case and the knife that accompanied it. The brand’s Colibri press material is the primary description of the piece (URWERK, UR-T8 Colibri press material).
How the case transforms
The UR-T8 case sits in a cradle. According to URWERK’s description, the owner unlocks it by squeezing two side buttons, releases and lifts the case, rotates it 180 degrees, and clicks it back into the cradle. In that reversed position, the back of the case forms a shield over the time display. URWERK’s press wording for this covered state is “It then becomes a mystery object on your wrist.” The phrase appears in the brand’s press material without a named speaker.
The transformation is a mechanical action the owner performs, not a setting. The watch keeps its time in either position, but the display is only readable with the case in its normal orientation.
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#1 Best Overall
- 25mm two-tone case
- 7.5 inch two-tone expansion band
- Mother of Pearl dial
- Mineral Glass lens
- Water resistant up to 30 meters
How the wandering-hour display works
The time indication is a version of URWERK’s wandering-hour system. Hours appear in groups of four on satellite modules. Each group travels across a 60-minute scale and shows the current hour and minute together. The Monaco press material describes this arrangement as the brand’s most elaborate carousel configuration at the time of that release (URWERK, UR-T8 Monaco press material).
Because the hours move around the dial rather than sitting at fixed positions, reading the time requires locating which group of numerals sits over the minute scale, a habit that takes a little practice for wearers used to conventional hands.
The black-lip mother-of-pearl mosaic
The Colibri’s defining feature is its case mosaic. URWERK says it uses hundreds of diamond-shaped black-lip mother-of-pearl pieces, each individually sorted and arranged according to how it reflects light. The result shifts between light and dark as the watch moves, which is the effect the brand emphasises.
Rank #2
- Mother-of-pearl dial with rose gold-tone Roman numerals and 12 premium crystal accents
- 26 millimeter round case with mineral crystal lens
- Japanese quartz movement with analog display
- Two-tone bangle bracelet with jewelry clasp closure and extender link
- Set includes two jewelry-clasp closure bangles: One rose gold-tone with 6 clear premium crystals and one in two-tone "x" shape
- Pearl pieces: hundreds of diamond-shaped black-lip mother-of-pearl elements, sorted by reflection.
- Intersections: 18k gold pins at the joins between pieces.
- Framing: stainless steel surrounds for the mosaic panels.
- Base: a sculpted titanium case.
The individual sorting is the reason no two areas of the mosaic look identical. Because the press material describes the placement as a function of reflection rather than a repeating pattern, the surface reads differently from one angle to the next.
The paired art knife
The Colibri watch was presented with a unique, customised folding knife, also a one-off. URWERK describes its features as follows (URWERK, UR-T8 Colibri press material):
- Handle frame: 416 stainless steel.
- Blade mechanism: running on ceramic ball bearings.
- Decoration: black-lip mother-of-pearl mosaic on the handle, lock button and blade spine.
- Titanium insert: shaped to echo the watch case.
- Window: a sapphire window showing a kinetic internal turbine.
Specifications: what is attributed to whom
URWERK’s Colibri material confirms the design and materials. Most of the technical figures below come from a 2019 Timekeepers Club report on Baselworld novelties (Timekeepers Club, “Baselworld 2019 Urwerk UR-T8 ‘Colibri’ and UR-T8 Skull ’20th Anniversary'”). They should be read as that publication’s reporting, not as a manufacturer-issued specification sheet.
Rank #3
- Gold-tone 12mm stainless steel expansion band fits up to 7.5-inch wrist circumference
- Mother of pearl dial with gold-tone full Arabic numerals
- Gold-tone 25mm brass case with mineral glass crystal
- Indiglo light-up watch dial
- Water resistant to 30m (100ft): in general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming or bathing
| Detail | Reported value | Source and status |
|---|---|---|
| Case dimensions | 60.23 × 48.35 mm, 20.02 mm thick | Timekeepers Club, 2019; not confirmed in URWERK’s Colibri material |
| Case material | Grade 5 titanium, with black-lip mother-of-pearl mosaic | Titanium: Timekeepers Club, 2019; mosaic: URWERK press material |
| Movement | Self-winding UR 8.01 calibre | Timekeepers Club, 2019 |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) | Timekeepers Club, 2019 |
| Power reserve | 48 hours | Timekeepers Club, 2019; manufacturer confirmation not located |
| Water resistance | 30 metres | Timekeepers Club, 2019; manufacturer confirmation not located |
| Strap | Black alligator | Timekeepers Club, 2019 |
| Edition | Unique watch and knife set | Timekeepers Club, 2019; URWERK describes the knife as unique |
Anyone relying on the power reserve or water resistance for a purchase or service decision should ask URWERK directly, since those two figures have not been matched to a manufacturer statement in the sources reviewed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Availability, price and ownership
The 2019 Timekeepers Club report lists the Colibri’s price as “price on request.” That is a historical notation from the launch period, not a current asking price, and the sources reviewed do not show whether the watch and knife are currently for sale, who owns them, how they were provenanced, or whether URWERK still services this particular piece. Readers looking for a current value or a buying route will need to contact URWERK or an authorised dealer, and any auction or private sale record would need to be checked separately.
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Context for collectors
The Colibri is best understood as a unique artistic expression within the UR-T8 family rather than a standard catalogue reference. Its significance lies in combining the transformable case and wandering-hour display with a hand-sorted mosaic and a matching art object. Its verifiable record is the brand’s own material, supplemented by one 2019 specialist report.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
