Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Urwerk UR-150 Scorpion, Anything but Ordinary and Reasonable
After Hammerhead, Tarantula and Cobra, Scorpion is a a new kind of mechanical Urwerk creature to mesmerize viewers.
While the wandering satellite-hour complication remains a hallmark of Urwerk, featured in one form or another across most of the independent brand’s creations, the evolution of its designs, the inventive interpretations, and the mechanical ingenuity behind each new model is undeniably inspiring. This month, the fascinating and creative brand, led by founders Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei, unveils the UR-150 Scorpion, a natural progression from the UR-100 series introduced in 2019. More organic, less sci-fi, still Urwerk all the way.
The new Urwerk UR-150 Scorpion stands apart from the UR-100 models with its much smoother, more organic case design. Its flowing, curved shape is a nod to ergonomics, moving away from the blend of soft curves and sharp angles often associated with many of Frei’s designs. The arched profile, highlighted by the dome of the sapphire crystal, is particularly evident when viewed from the side, promising wrist comfort. Despite its “Scorpion” nickname, the overall look of the UR-150 seems far less aggressive than one might expect, projecting a dynamic yet refined presence.
The case dimensions are slightly larger than those of the UR-100 we chose to compare the new UR-150 to (simply because in terms of complication and style, this is the natural successor). The Scorpion measures 42.49mm wide, 52.31mm long, and 14.79mm thick. At launch, the new Urwerk model is presented in two variants: the Titan model features a sandblasted and shot-blasted titanium and steel case, while the Dark version features the same finishes on titanium but comes with an anthracite PVD-treated steel part.
Several key elements immediately catch the eye when looking at the dial of the UR-150 Scorpion. First is the openworked hand with its brightly painted tip (green for the Titan, red for the Dark; all the dial-side markings are luminous). The second standout feature is the 240-degree minutes track, and the third is the carousel of three domed discs displaying the hours. The current hour is framed by the painted hand, which moves along the minutes track. When the hand reaches the green-painted 60, a retrograde mechanism, powered by a specially developed and in-house machined spring, is activated. In 1/100th of a second, the hand jumps back 240 degrees to 0, while the satellites rotate 270 degrees to reveal the next hour.
To make this lightning-fast spectacle possible to enjoy, the minutes track on the UR-150 Scorpion is twice the size of that on the UR-100. According to Urwerk, a new satellite complication system was designed to ensure the retrograde hand and satellites perform in unison. The mechanism is now “based around a flying wheel and pinion positioned between the satellites and the base movement, which deciphers and follows the guiding thread of the cam”. This innovation replaces Urwerk’s traditional Maltese cross-system, which utilized a cam and rack configuration. Additionally, a speed regulator is fitted to the flywheel, controlling the return of the retrograde hand (and forces produced by the mechanism) – much like the regulators used in minute repeaters, as the brand explains.
The UR-50.01 movement, with its automatic winding system that employs a double turbine mechanism to regulate the speed of the skeletonized rotor and absorb shocks, can be admired through the sapphire crystal caseback. This calibre is based on a Vaucher movement, running at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a 43-hour power reserve. Its finishing includes circular graining, sand- and shot-blasting, and circular satin polishing. Gazing at the movement, one might imagine how striking a monochromatic version (on the dial side) would look without the added bright colours. However, given the Scorpion name, a touch of bold expressiveness seems fitting, making the colour choices perfectly understandable.
The new Urwerk UR-150 Scorpion is worn on a Kiska rubber strap, with a design that’s been created to suit the very name of the watch. The Titan version costs CHF 88,000, and the Dark version costs CHF 89,000 – prices before taxes. Each variant is limited to 50 pieces. For more, visit urwerk.com.
