What is the new URWERK UR-100V Lightspeed Ceramic?
It combines URWERK’s renowned satellite display and a proprietary white ceramic case. The hours are indicated by one of the three rotating or wandering satellites, “carried by a carousel.” The current hour is shown by the number displayed on one of the three rotating satellites. As it moves across the minute scale, its attached red minute pointer indicates the exact minute.
Does the dial indicate cosmic distances?
Yes. As soon as the current hour with its red minute pointer leaves the minute scale, it goes between the “subsidiary dials to display astronomical indications.” The latter is indicated on the upper portion of the dial.
“The sequence unfolds with scientific precision: sunlight reaches Mercury in 3.2 minutes, Venus in 6 minutes, Earth in 8.3 minutes, Mars in 12.6 minutes, Jupiter in 43.2 minutes, Saturn in 79.3 minutes, Uranus in 159.6 minutes and Neptune in 4.1 hours. More than a display of data, this complication offers a tangible sense of cosmic distance, offering an elegant reminder of how vast the universe truly is.” – Martin Frei, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of URWERK.
Is the satellite display powered by an automatic movement?
Yes. URWERK’s satellite display is powered by UR 12.02, an automatic movement. It is “regulated by the Windfänger system,” essentially an air-resistance turbine that controls winding efficiency and prevents excessive energy input. It comprises 40 jewels, beats at a modern rate of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 48 hours delivered via twin barrels. Movement finishing includes circular graining, sandblasting, shot-blasting, circular satin finishing, and chamfered screw heads.
“Forty jewels support a kinematic structure distributed across three ARCAP alloy plates, chosen for their stability. Aluminium hour satellites mounted on beryllium bronze Geneva crosses; an aluminium carousel and a black PVD-treated aluminium rotor complete the construction.”
What are its case and strap features?
The case is made from white ceramic featuring silver fibreglass fabric and carbon inserts. It measures 43 mm (width) * 51.73 mm (length) * 14.55 mm (thickness). Inner case is made from titanium. Caseback is made from “sand-blasted, shot-blasted DLC-treated Grade 5 titanium.” Dial side and caseback feature a sapphire glass. Water resistant up to 5 ATM / 165 feet / 50 metres. The watch comes with two textured rubber straps (in black or white) fitted with a deployant buckle.
“Aesthetically, the choice of white is deliberate. A specially developed white resin contrasts with the silver tones of the glass-fibre layers. Machining reveals a stratified structure, producing subtle visual depth. Depending on angles and lighting, the case oscillates between deep matt and soft luminescent variations that are not ornamental effects, but rather the natural expression of the material itself: controlled, yet never entirely predictable.”
What do we think?
Founded in 1997 by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei, URWERK is among the early independent Swiss watch brands. 29 years later, in a landscape filled with new independents popping up frequently, the brand is alive and kicking; still exciting the horological community with exciting new launches such as the UR-100V Lightspeed Ceramic. This futuristic cosmic inspired watch features top-tier watchmaking, cutting-edge materials, and a horological pedigree up there with the very best of independent watchmaking.
Also Read: URWERK and Ulysse Nardin unveil the impressive new UR-FREAK
Additional Details
Name: URWERK UR-100V Lightspeed Ceramic
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 67,000 (excluding Taxes)
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information and list of worldwide retailers.
