Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Urwerk Wants You To “Live Long and Prosper” With The New UR-120 a.k.a. Spock
The Sci-Fi independent watchmaking brand goes "Trekkie" on us with its latest explosive creation.
To be perfectly honest, I am not that much into Science-Fiction series and movies that I know all the intricate details of legendary shows and franchises like Star Wars, Star Trek or any other. However, I know that when the phrase “Live Long and Prosper” comes up, it’s forever linked to the Star Trek character of Commander Spock, portrayed by Leonard Nimoy between 1966 and 2013. And seeing that phrase alongside the new Sci-Fi like Urwerk UR-120 a.k.a. Spock makes perfect sense, just by looking at its display of the hours alone. So to boldly go where no man has gone before, let’s get into some of the details!
Of course, Trekkies know everything there is to know about the Star Trek series and movies, as well as everything revolving around Commander Spock. Being one of the central characters in the franchise, he’s known for his pointy ears, his signature Vulcan greeting (hand up, palm outward, fingers parted) and his very serious demeanour. But don’t think this Urwerk is all about Star Trek or Commander Spock, as it’s just a cheeky link thanks to its unconventional display of time brilliantly played by Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner and the Urwerk team. It takes the codes set in place by the award-winning UR-110 collection and reinterprets them into a tantalising new concept.
The case of the UR-120 has that typical Urwerk appeal, and despite its rather large dimensions on paper (47mm by 44mm, and 15.8mm tall) wears very comfortable on the wrist. This is primarily due to the integration of swivelling lugs, something rarely seen on an Urwerk. And in fact, the new construction of the case and movement means it is notably slimmer and sleeker compared to the aforementioned UR-110.
The sandblasted titanium and steel case looks and feels very tactile, and has a uniquely shaped curved sapphire crystal covering the dial. A second sapphire crystal is integrated into the caseback, revealing part of the mechanical movement inside. As with other watches by the indie watchmaker, the crown is shrouded and positioned between the lugs at the top. The use of this crown is surprisingly easy! Pull it out from the underside, rotate it to set the watch, and then push down on the shroud to lock it back in place.
When it comes to the dial, any Urwerk is a fascinating mechanical marvel, this being no exception. The Urwerk UR-120 a.k.a. Spock relies on the signature satellite display, but this time around sees the digital hour satellites split halfway through its cycle to morph from one digit to the other. Each of the three satellites makes a full rotation every three hours, with the splitting of the cubes between 6 and 12 o’clock roughly. Each satellite is fitted with a pointer, that follows the trajectory of the curved minute track on the right side of the dial. The entire satellite module is mounted on a planetary gear system, and constructed using Beryllium-copper, grey PVD coated brass, gold PVD coated, rhodium-finished, ARCAP, anodized aluminium, titanium and LIGA-processed nickel components.
This entire construction is part of and driven by the Calibre UR-20.01, a new adaptation of the existing modular concept of Urwerk’s proprietary movements. This runs at a rate of 28,800vph, uses 32 jewels, and delivers 48 hours of power reserve. It is wound by a central winding rotor with the brand’s Windfänger airscrew, which regulates the rotor’s intensity, sort of like an airbrake. Although it’s not entirely visible, the finishing of the movement includes circular and straight graining, sandblasted elements, Côtes de Genève and polished screws. To provide a touch of contrast, the Maltese crosses and lyre-shaped springs are treated with a 24k gold PVD coating. All in all, it’s a very technical mix of traditional and contemporary watchmaking techniques.
Presented as a first edition, the Urwerk UR-120 a.k.a. Spock comes on a new type of strap although it might not seem like it initially. Changing things up from the textile or rubber straps from the recent models by Urwerk, this one comes on a black calfskin leather strap embossed with a ballistic-fibre-like pattern, fitted to a titanium pin buckle. Although it’s not a limited edition per see, it is limited by production, however. The Urwerk UR-120 a.k.a. Spock retails for CHF 100,000 before taxes. Surely a hell of a lot of money but you know you’re getting something out of this world with Urwerk, and this one fully delivers on its promise!
For more information, please visit Urwerk.com
