Urwerk UR-120 Lost in Black Space

When we discussed the retirement of the UR-105, we knew that there was something on the horizon for Urwerk. When Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner, co-founders of the brand, close one door, they always open one. Last year, that timepiece was the UR-120 “Spock” – a spectacularly complex evolution of the brand’s iconic satellite display of time. Only roughly six months since that timepiece’s release, Urwerk is already back with its second edition – the UR-120 “Lost in Black Space.”

Bringing an entirely new satellite display of time, each satellite display of time splits open, revealing two rectangular studs. They take on a V shape, thus recreating the Vulcan salute that ultimately gave the original UR-120 “Spock” its namesake. Once separated, both studs spin on their own axis and shut, all in order to display the new hour unit. No easy task, Felix mentioned that “Managing energy then and there is complex and very subtle. We need to manage the opening and the stud rotation.” The only way to navigate the expensive testing and refining process for the satellite display was to manufacture the spring in-house as well as the brand’s new, self-winding caliber UR-20.01.The duo’s experimentation and success with the new satellite display is another major step forward for the brand.

For those that follow and love Urwerk, you know that this is what Martin and Felix do best. They are constantly tinkering and finding opportunities to push their established design language and watchmaking principles forward. It is always a tricky balance to strike – how to progress without sacrificing what you’ve built previously. With the UR-120, we see the brand move in an overall smoother, thinner, and more elegant direction. At 44 mm long, 47mm 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. With its black DLC treatment, this UR-120 showcases the clean aesthetic of all-black timepieces and exudes elegance. Yet another spectacular release from the brand, we already can’t wait to see what future iterations of this model look like.