Independent luxury Swiss watch brand URWERK presents UR-120, a brand new series that advances the codes of the UR-110 collection and reshapes its concept.
The URWERK 120 comes with a redesigned satellite system. Each satellite is now made of two sub-elements to make it thinner, easier to read and to give it unprecedented fluidity.
This new satellite display of the UR-120 takes inspiration from the fictional planet Vulcan in the legendary Star Trek series. The V-shaped open hand is inspired by the customary gesture used by the fictional extraterrestrial humanoid species (vulcans) in the Star Trek universe. It relies on rotating satellites which split open so they can spin, each on their own axis.
At 44 mm long, 47 mm wide and 15.8 mm thick, the URWERK UR-120 watch case stands out with its perfect sense of ergonomics. Maximum height is reached in the middle of the sapphire glass, at the apex of a gentle curve. The upper part of the case is totally smooth, without a single screw or notch, offering perfectly fluid lines.
Inside calibre UR-20.01, the central carousel is fitted with three arms, each one bearing a satellite. All four sides of said satellite bear an hour marker. When it exits the minute track and reaches the left part of the case, it actuates a trigger that commands the changing of the satellite face. The latter then shows its true nature with an unprecedented kinematic sequence.
The satellite splits open, revealing two rectangular studs. They take on a V shape, thus recreating the Vulcan salute that ultimately gave the UR-120 its nickname. Once separated, both studs spin on their own axis and shut, all in order to display the new hour unit.
The satellite-bearing carousel spins on a central axis, each satellite counter-spins in order to remain upright and therefore readable and each stud spins on its own axis.
The other aspects of the display remain typical of the original URWERK species: the satellite carousel moves along the minute track sector, located at the right-hand side of the case. The side shown by the satellite and its position on that scale tell the hour and the minute.
The UR-120 also heralds several new design elements. Inspired by the designs of Gerald Genta, the UR-120 case is made up of two interlocking parts, equivalent to a caseback and a bezel. They connect seamlessly with the help of lateral screws.
A further element of fluidity is provided by the presence of lugs on the UR-120, which are a rare occurrence in the line of URWERK creations. What’s more, they’re articulated. Inside the one located at 6 o’clock, URWERK has fitted a spring, which is part of the way the strap rests on and sticks to the wrist.
The material this strap is made of is another novelty. Rather than its traditional technical fabric, URWERK went for calf leather, embossed with a ballistic-type pattern. It’s reminiscent of a woven nylon while offering superior comfort and flexibility.
UR-120’s first series takes on an almost entirely gray form. The upper-case part, the bezel, is made of finely sandblasted steel.
The lower part is made of sandblasted titanium. A small window offers a direct view on the Windfänger, the star-shaped component which regulates the automatic winding intensity. In the center, a large medallion harbors two types of finishing: deep grooves all over and at 9 o’clock, a plaque bearing the URWERK monogram. The crown is crafted out of steel and the strap is also gray.
That monochromatic continuum is interspersed with golden shards. All Maltese crosses and lyre-shaped springs are 24ct-glod PVD treated, which underlines the technical aspects of this timepiece.
Technical details
Model: URWERK UR-120 aka “Spock”
Movement
Caliber UR-20.01, self-winding
Jewels: 32
Escapement: Swiss lever
Frequency: 4 Hz; 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 48 hours
Materials: Beryllium-copper, grey PVD brass, gold-PVD and black-rhodium, anodized aluminum, ARCAP, titanium, LIGA-processed nickel
Hand finishing: Circular- and straight-graining, sandblasting, côtes de Genève, polished screw heads
Display
Analog minutes and digital hours satellites mounted on triple planetary gears
Case
Dimensions: Width 47 mm; length 44 mm; thickness 15,8mm
Materials: Sandblasted titanium, sandblasted steel bezel
Crystal: Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
Water resistance: Pressure-tested to 3ATM / 30m / 100ft
Strap
Black calf leather with embossed Cordura pattern
Price
CHF 100,000.00 (CHF / wo. tax)
