Eleven years after the UR-110, winner of the Design Watch Prize at the 2011 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve, Urwerk is presenting today the UR-120, a thinner, smoother, more elegant interpretation of the same display concept.
To achieve this result, the brand redesigned the entire satellite system with each satellite now being made of two sub-elements for improved readability and fluidity. The rotating satellites split open so they can spin, each on their own axis. This innovation makes it possible to significantly reduce thickness.
At 44 mm long, 47 mm wide and 15.8 mm thick, the UR-120 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 bears 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.
A lyre-shaped spring opens the satellite which splits open taking on a V shape and revealing two rectangular studs. Once separated, both studs spin on their own axis and shut to display the new hour unit.
The satellite-bearing carousel spins on a central axis while 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 case is made up of two interlocking parts, equivalent to a caseback and a bezel. They connect seamlessly with the help of lateral screws.
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.
Beating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), the UR-20.01 self-winding movement offers 48 hours of power reserve.
Matched to a strap made of calf leather and embossed with a ballistic-type pattern and pressure-tested to 3ATM (30 metres / 100 feet) has a price of CHF 100,000. urwerk.com
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