Urwerk Enters Into New Design Depths With The Launch Of The UR-120 Space Black

Known for pushing the boundaries of horological design, Urwerk just entered into a new dimension with the UR-120 Space Black. The new timepiece combines advanced technology, celestial inspiration, and a touch of science fiction, captivating horological enthusiasts across the galaxies.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Urwerk

The UR-120 Space Black is the ultimate testament to the power — and beauty — of using black as a design mechanism in watchmaking. For Martin Frei, the Co-Founder and Chief Designer of URWERK, the possibilities when designing with the monochromatic theme of black are infinite. “The UR-120 Space Black is all about the power of black in design. The use of black not only exudes elegance but also fundamentally transforms our perception of the object,” explains Frei. “Black works its magic by subtly distorting our judgments of size while intensifying the watch’s contours to create a truly mesmerizing effect.”

At the heart of this timepiece is a new revolving satellite complication that tells time in an “out of this world” manner. The analog minutes are complemented by a never-before-seen split-open digital hour satellite mounted on planetary gears. The hour satellite takes the form of a V-shaped open hand, rotating on its own axis to unveil its secrets smoothly. It’s a fascinating display that showcases Urwerk’scommitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional timekeeping.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Urwerk

Living true to its name of “Space Black,” powering the UR-120 is the caliber UR-20.01, a mechanism that harnesses the energy of the stars. With its three arms, the central carousel carries the satellites that bear the hour markers on all four sides. As the satellite traverses the minute track, it reaches the left part of the case, setting a sequence of movements in motion. The satellite splits open, revealing two rectangular studs that form the V-shape reminiscent of the Vulcan salute. These studs spin on their own axis and then shut, displaying the new hour unit in a mesmerizing display of precision engineering.

The complexity of the UR-120’s mechanism is truly remarkable. The satellite-bearing carousel spins on a central axis, each satellite counter-spins to remain upright and readable, and each stud spins on its own axis. This triple revolution under the hood of the spacecraft-like timepiece showcases URWERK’s technical prowess and dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Urwerk

“On the part alone governing the partition of our satellite time, there are more than 175 components. These intricated parts are meticulously crafted with our CNC machines, rock and roll with micron-level exactitude,” reveals Felix Baumgartner, the Co-Founder and Master Watchmaker of Urwerk. “This ‘Vulcan salute’ complication we dreamt of and created is synonymous with live long and prosper still it cost us a few hours of our lives and quite some stress, but the result is definitely worthy of our efforts.  This achievement is nothing short of spectacular!”