Description

With the UR-103 models, URWERK takes its 'no limits' approach to haute horlogerie ever further. Four orbiting and rotating satellites display the hours, with each satellite indicating the time in a both analogue and digital fashion as it arcs across the minute chapter. This sophisticated and ground-breaking complication is the result of years of research, development and testing.

The principle technical challenge was ensuring excellent isochronal performance of the satellites while minimizing friction and loss of energy. No simple task as, together with the supporting orbital cross, the satellite complication weighs in at 160 times heavier than traditional hands. URWERK's co-founder and master watchmaker, Felix Baumgartner, took up the challenge and chose high-tech materials to minimize mass and thus maximize chronometric efficiency.

The four hour-satellites of the UR-103 are crafted in aluminium and are suspended under a grade-2 titanium orbital cross. The complication is mounted on a non-magnetic ARCAP P40 base plate providing superior strength and stability to traditional metals. The hour-satellites complete a full revolution under the orbital cross every four hours. As the satellite approaches the crown position, an internal Geneva cross causes it to undergo a 120 degree rotation on its own axis. This 120 degree rotation positions the next hour for its turn indicating the time at the front of the dial.