Urwerk UR-120 Spock
At the crossroads of technical progress, watchmaking development and space-time inspiration, the UR-120 is part of the ongoing evolution of the URWERK species. This UR-120 takes the codes of the 110 collection and revisits its concept. For here, the watch brand’s co-founder and artistic director, Martin Frei, puts his title back on the line. After all, wasn’t the UR-110 the winner of the Best Design Prize at the 2011 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix? “I loved the UR-110, but I saw so many other possibilities, possible digressions … That’s the spirit of a designer, the process is never really finished.” So Martin Frei went back to the drawing board: “The idea was to make it thinner, smoother, more elegant. To achieve this, we rethought the entire satellite system; each satellite is now made up of two elements, to give it an ease of reading, a finesse and a fluidity of movement never seen before.”
This new UR-120 satellite indication has its origins 16.5 million light-years from Earth, in the Beta quadrant. In fact, its signage echoes the greeting codes – open hand in the shape of a V – used in Mr. Spock’s civilization. The display is based on rotating satellites which, an absolute novelty, split in two to pivot on their axis. This innovation results in a substantial reduction in thickness.
The result is a unique volumetry. At 44 mm long, 47 mm wide and 15.8 mm thick, the UR-120’s case is distinguished by its ergonomic design. The maximum height is reached in the middle of the sapphire crystal, the culmination of a gentle curve. The upper part of the case is totally smooth, with no screws, no protruding parts, making it easy on the eye.
The latest addition to the URWERK constellation features a splitting satellite.
In the UR-20.01, the central carrousel is equipped with three arms, each supporting a satellite. Each face of the satellite carries an hour indicator. When the hour indicator emerges from the minute track and reaches the left-hand side of the case, it activates a trigger to change face. The satellite then reveals its true nature in a cinematic sequence never seen before.
The satellite splits in two. The resulting two rectangular studs move away from each other. They perform the Vulcan salute – putting themselves in a V formation – which is the root of UR-120 Spock’s nickname. After this operation, the two studs rotate on their own axis, closing again to reform the satellite and display the new unit of time.
A triple revolution thus drives this dial: rotation of the central carrousel carrying the 3 satellites; planetary rotation of each satellite to keep them in a horizontal position; rotation on their own axis of the studs forming the satellite.
The rest of the display follows the traditional URWERKian principle: the carousel of satellites scrolls along a graduated sector – on the right of the case – on the timer rail. The conjunction between the satellite and its position on this arc of a circle indicates the hour and minute.
In addition to this watchmaking principle and what it enables in terms of size, UR-120 also inaugurates several new design elements. Martin Frei claims a personal reading of Gérald Genta’s design approach. “I’ve always liked the construction of his boxes, the interlocking lower and upper parts, it’s technically very intelligent.” Thus, the UR-120 is built in two interlocking parts, a bottom part and a bezel part, seamlessly connected. Both are sealed by lateral screws.
In keeping with this idea of fluid extension, UR-120 features articulated horns, a rarity in the history of URWERK creations. URWERK has inserted a spring in the 6 o’clock horn of UR-120, which also contributes to the way the bracelet sits on, and adheres to, the wrist. Also new is the material of this bracelet. Instead of the traditional technical canvas, URWERK has opted for a calfskin embossed with a ballistic pattern. It’s reminiscent of nylon weave, but offers greater comfort and flexibility.
The first edition of the UR-120 takes the form of an almost entirely matte-gray piece. The upper part of the case, the bezel, is made of fine sand-blasted steel. The lower part is in sand-blasted titanium, inaugurating a new aesthetic. A small window reveals the Windfänger, the star-shaped part that regulates the intensity of the UR-20.01 caliber’s automatic winding. In the center, the large pastille is marked by two finishes: deep grooves and on the 9 o’clock side, a medallion engraved with the URWERK monogram. The crown is in steel and the strap is grey.
In this monochrome ensemble, URWERK has integrated gold sparkles. In particular, the Maltese crosses and lyre springs have been treated with PVD 24 ct yellow gold, highlighting the technical side of the piece. Like the Bussard manifolds at the front of the USS Enterprise’s warp engines.
Urwerk UR-120 Spock: “Long life and prosperity!”
According to the trade press, this timepiece is on sale for 100,000 Swiss francs, or around 102,000 euros.
Source: URWERK
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